Why Am I Getting a Brother Printer Scanner Error, and How to Resolve It?

Brother printers are widely used for home, office, and business tasks because of their reliability and advanced scanning features. However, even with a proper Brother printer setup, users may sometimes encounter scanner errors that interrupt their workflow. These scanner issues range from simple connection failures to more complex driver or hardware-related problems.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why am I getting a Brother printer scanner error?”, you’re not alone. Many users face similar issues, but the good news is that these errors are usually easy to fix if you follow the right steps. This guide explains the most common causes and how to troubleshoot Brother printer scanner errors effectively.

Common Reasons Behind Brother Printer Scanner Errors

Understanding what triggers these scanner errors makes it easier to fix them. Since Brother scanners rely on proper drivers, network stability, and accurate configuration, a problem in any of these areas can trigger an error. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Outdated or Corrupted Scanner Drivers

Scanner drivers are essential for communication between your computer and printer. If they become corrupted or outdated, scanning errors are likely.

This issue is especially common after a Windows or macOS update. A fresh driver installation from Brother printer support often resolves this problem.

2. Weak or Lost Network Connection

If your brother's printer setup uses Wi-Fi, the connection may occasionally drop. When this happens, your computer can't detect the scanner, leading to errors such as “Cannot Scan,” “Check Connection,” or TWAIN-related messages.

3. Firewall or Antivirus Blocking the Scanner

Security tools sometimes mistakenly block scanning applications. If this occurs, your scanner cannot communicate with your computer.

4. Incorrect Scanner Configuration

Choosing the wrong scanner source, using incompatible scanning formats, or misconfigured settings can lead to scanning errors.

5. USB Cable or Port Issues

If you use USB scanning, a damaged cable, loose connection, or faulty port might prevent the scanner from functioning correctly.

6. Hardware Issues

Internal malfunctions—such as dust buildup, misaligned parts, or faulty scanner lighting—can cause errors that software troubleshooting cannot resolve.

7. Software Conflicts

Using multiple scanning applications at once or outdated third-party software may block access to the Brother scanner.

How to Resolve Brother Printer Scanner Errors (Step-by-Step)

Now that we have covered the causes, let’s go through the most effective solutions. These steps will help you troubleshoot Brother printer scanner issues quickly and efficiently.

1. Restart the Printer and Computer

A simple restart clears temporary glitches and refreshes the scanner’s connection.

Steps:

1. Turn off the Brother printer.
2. Unplug it for 30 seconds.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Turn the printer back on.
5. Attempt to scan again.

This often fixes minor scanner communication issues.

2. Check Wi-Fi or Network Connection

A stable network is crucial for wireless scanning. If your brother's printer setup is online, check whether the printer and computer are on the same network.

Check Printer Wi-Fi Status:

• Navigate to Menu → Network → WLAN → Status
• Ensure it displays “Connected.”

Network Troubleshooting Tips:

• Restart your router or modem.
• Move the printer closer to the router.
• Disable VPNs (they can block scanning).
• Avoid guest networks.

If the scanner works via USB but not Wi-Fi, the issue is network-related.

3. Update or Reinstall Brother Scanner Drivers

Faulty drivers are one of the most common reasons for scanner issues.

To Update Drivers:

1. Visit Brother’s official printer support page.
2. Download the latest Full Driver & Software Package.
3. Install updates and restart your computer.

If the issue persists:

• Uninstall all Brother software.
• Reinstall the complete driver suite.

This resolves TWAIN errors, WIA errors, and messages like “Cannot communicate with scanner.”

4. Adjust Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Firewall or antivirus programs may block scanning software unintentionally.

Steps to Fix:

1. Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus.
2. Try scanning again.
3. If scanning works, add Brother applications to your exception list.

Add These to Allowed Processes:

• Brother Control Center
• WIA Service
• BrStMonW.exe
• Network ScanGear

Re-enable protection once the issue is resolved.

5. Check Scanner Settings and Configuration

Incorrect scanning settings can cause errors, even with a proper Brother printer setup.

Verify Scanner Source:

Ensure that your scanning app is set to:

Brother [Model Number] – TWAIN/WIA

Reset Scan Settings:

• Open Brother ControlCenter
• Go to Configuration → Scan
• Reset all settings to default

Make sure you are using compatible formats like JPEG, PNG, PDF, or TIFF.

6. Inspect the USB Cable and Hardware Components

For USB scanning, check all physical components.

Try This:

• Switch to another USB port.
• Use a new USB cable.
• Avoid USB hubs—plug into the computer directly.

Check Scanner Components:

• Open the scanner lid.
• Clean the glass with a microfiber cloth.
• Ensure no objects obstruct the scanning mechanism.

Dust and smudges can also cause scanning quality problems.

7. Restart Important Windows Services

Certain Windows services affect the scanner’s functionality.

Restart WIA Service:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type services.msc.
3. Locate Windows Image Acquisition (WIA).
4. Right-click → Restart.

Ensure These Services Are Running:

• Shell Hardware Detection
• RPC (Remote Procedure Call)
• DCOM Server Process Launcher

This method often resolves initialization failures and “Scan to PC not available” errors.

8. Use Brother iPrint&Scan

If third-party scanning tools cause software conflicts, switch to Brother’s official app.

Advantages:

• Auto-detects your printer
• Ensures compatible scanning settings
• Reduces configuration errors

Download the app from your operating system's app store or Brother’s support website.

9. Factory Reset Your Printer

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, resetting the printer may help remove internal glitches.

How to Reset:

1. Go to Menu → Initial Setup.
2. Select Reset → Machine Reset.
3. Confirm the reset.

Reconfigure your brother printer setup after the reset and test scanning.

When Should You Contact Brother Printer Support?

If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and the scanner still fails, the problem may be hardware-related. Examples include:

• Faulty scanner sensors
• Broken internal cables
• Damaged scanner lamp
• Motherboard issues

In such cases, professional brother printer support is your best option to diagnose and repair the device.

Final Thoughts

Brother printer scanner errors can be annoying, especially when you need to scan important documents. But with proper steps to troubleshoot Brother printer issues, most errors can be fixed without professional help. Whether it's driver problems, network issues, or incorrect settings, each solution above helps get your device back on track.

With a reliable Brother printer setup, updated drivers, and proper maintenance, you can avoid many common scanner errors in the future. And if the problem persists, reaching out to Brother printer support ensures your printer stays in top condition.