A Brother printer connected to Wi-Fi should allow you to print documents without using any cables. However, sometimes the printer appears to be connected to the wireless network but still refuses to print. You may send a print job, but nothing happens. In some cases, the document stays in the print queue, while in others, the printer shows no error even though it does not print.
This issue is usually caused by communication problems between the printer and your computer rather than a hardware failure. Incorrect printer settings, an outdated printer driver, a stuck print queue, or temporary network issues are some of the most common reasons.
Why Is My Brother Printer Connected but Not Printing?
A successful Wi-Fi connection does not always mean your computer can communicate with the printer.
If the printer is connected to a different network, the printer driver is outdated, or Windows is sending print jobs to another printer, your documents may never reach the device.
Identifying the cause makes the solution much easier.
Confirm Both Devices Are on the Same Wi-Fi Network
- Check that your Brother printer and your computer are connected to the same wireless network.
- If they are connected to different networks, the printer may appear available but will not receive print jobs.
- Reconnect the printer if necessary.
Restart the Printer and Router
- Turn off the printer and restart your wireless router.
- After the router is fully connected, turn the printer back on.
- This refreshes the network connection and often fixes temporary communication issues.
Restart Your Computer
- A computer restart clears temporary software problems and refreshes the connection with the printer.
- After restarting, try sending a new print job.
Make Sure the Correct Printer Is Selected
- If multiple printers are installed, your computer may send documents to the wrong device.
- Open your printer settings and confirm that your Brother printer is selected.
- If you use it regularly, make it the default printer.
Check That the Printer Is Online
- Open the printer settings on your computer.
- Make sure the printer is not paused and that the Use Printer Offline option is disabled.
- If the printer is shown as offline, bring it back online before printing again.
Clear the Print Queue
- A damaged or stuck print job can prevent new documents from printing.
- Open the print queue and remove all pending print jobs.
- After clearing the queue, send your document again.
Restart the Print Spooler Service
- The Print Spooler manages all print jobs.
- If this service stops working correctly, printing may fail even though the printer is connected.
- Restarting the Print Spooler often restores normal printing.
Update the Printer Driver
- An outdated printer driver may prevent your computer from communicating properly with the printer.
- Install the latest driver for your Brother printer model and operating system.
- Restart your computer after the installation if required.
Update the Printer Firmware
- Firmware updates improve printer performance and fix known software issues.
- Keeping the firmware updated helps improve wireless communication and printing reliability.
Remove and Add the Printer Again
- If the problem continues, remove the printer from your computer.
- Restart both the printer and your computer.
- Add the printer again using the wireless setup process.
- A fresh installation often resolves configuration issues.
Print a Test Page
- After completing the troubleshooting steps, print a test page.
- A successful test confirms that the printer is communicating properly and is ready for normal use.
Common Reasons a Brother Printer Will Not Print
If your printer still refuses to print, one of these issues may be responsible:
- Printer connected to the wrong Wi-Fi network.
- Weak wireless signal.
- Outdated printer driver.
- Outdated printer firmware.
- Incorrect printer settings.
- Stuck print queue.
- Print Spooler service issues.
- Temporary software conflicts.
- Network communication errors.
- Incorrect default printer.
- Interrupted printer installation.
- Firewall or security software blocking communication.
Reviewing these common causes can help you identify the issue more quickly.
Tips to Prevent Wireless Printing Problems
Following a few simple habits can keep your Brother printer working smoothly.
- Keep the printer connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
- Update the printer driver regularly.
- Install firmware updates whenever they are available.
- Restart the printer occasionally.
- Keep your operating system updated.
- Clear completed print jobs regularly.
- Check your network settings after changing your router.
- Print a test page after major software updates.
These maintenance steps help reduce future printing problems.
FAQs
Why is my Brother printer connected to Wi-Fi but not printing?
This is commonly caused by incorrect printer settings, an outdated driver, a stuck print queue, or communication problems between the printer and your computer.
Should my printer and computer be connected to the same Wi-Fi network?
Yes. Both devices must use the same wireless network to communicate and print successfully.
Can updating the printer driver solve the problem?
Yes. Installing the latest printer driver improves compatibility and can fix many wireless printing issues.
Why should I restart the Print Spooler service?
The Print Spooler manages print jobs. Restarting it can clear temporary errors and restore normal printing.
Does printer firmware affect printing?
Yes. Updated firmware improves printer stability, fixes known bugs, and enhances wireless performance.
What should I do if my Brother printer still won’t print?
Check the Wi-Fi connection, clear the print queue, restart the printer and router, update the printer driver and firmware, remove and add the printer again, and print a test page. If the issue persists, additional troubleshooting may be required.
Conclusion
A Brother printer that is connected to Wi-Fi but not printing is usually experiencing a communication or software issue rather than a hardware failure. Incorrect printer settings, outdated drivers, print queue problems, and temporary network errors are among the most common causes.