Many users face the frustrating issue of their Brother printer not showing on the network, especially when they're in the middle of an important task. If your Brother printer suddenly disappears from your list of available devices or if your Brother printer randomly stops printing, you're not alone. This is a common issue that can usually be resolved with a few practical steps.
In this blog, we’ll explore the common causes behind network connectivity issues and provide a complete guide to get your Brother printer back online. We’ll also touch on solutions that can be helpful if you use other brands like Canon and Epson Printer devices in your setup.
Why Your Brother Printer Disappears from the Network
When your Brother printer goes missing from the network, several factors may be at play. One major reason is an unstable or weak Wi-Fi connection. If the printer moves in and out of range or your router resets, the connection can drop.
In some cases, your network settings might change—especially if your router assigns a new IP address to the printer. This change can confuse your computer, which no longer knows where to find the printer on the network. It’s also possible that outdated or corrupted printer drivers on your computer are causing the issue.
Another less obvious culprit could be your firewall or antivirus software. These tools are designed to block unauthorized connections, but they might mistakenly block your printer as well. Lastly, Brother printers are known to enter deep sleep mode, especially when unused for long periods, making them temporarily unreachable over Wi-Fi.
Start with a Simple Restart
A basic reboot is often all it takes to fix network-related issues. Start by turning off your Brother printer and unplugging your router. After waiting about 30 seconds, plug the router back in and let it fully restart. Once the network is active again, turn your printer back on and check if it shows up on the list of available devices.
This simple step helps reset the network settings and often resolves temporary glitches without diving into more complex fixes.
Verify the Printer's Wi-Fi Connection
Next, make sure your Brother printer is connected to the Wi-Fi. Use the control panel on the printer to navigate to network settings. Look for a WLAN or Wi-Fi status section. If it says "Disconnected," you’ll need to reconnect it to your wireless network using the setup wizard.
Double-check that you’re connecting to the correct network and entering the right password. If your printer connects successfully but still isn’t detected, proceed with further troubleshooting.
Assign a Static IP Address
If your Brother printer’s IP address keeps changing, your computer might lose track of it. To avoid this, assign a static IP address to the printer. First, print a network configuration page from the printer’s settings. This page includes the current IP and MAC address of the device.
Using your router's admin panel, you can bind that MAC address to a specific IP so it remains fixed. Once set, reinstall the printer on your computer using the new static IP. This approach also helps if your Brother printer randomly stops printing due to IP conflicts.
Update or Reinstall the Printer Drivers
Outdated drivers often cause detection and printing problems. Go to the official Brother website, search for your printer model, and download the latest drivers compatible with your operating system.
If the printer still doesn’t connect after updating the drivers, try uninstalling and reinstalling the printer completely. This fresh install ensures any corrupted files are removed and replaced.
This step is especially important if you're using a setup that includes multiple printers, such as a Canon printer or Epson Printer, which might introduce driver conflicts.
Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus
Security software like firewalls and antivirus programs are great for protecting your system, but they can sometimes prevent printers from communicating over the network. Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus and see if the printer appears on your network.
If it does, you’ll need to add the printer’s IP address to your firewall’s safe list or allow it through your antivirus. Once configured, re-enable your security software.
Reinstall the Printer on Your Computer
Reinstalling the printer ensures that your system has the latest configuration and drivers. On Windows, go to the Devices and Printers section in the Control Panel. Remove the Brother printer and then click on "Add a Printer" to search for it again.
On macOS, open System Preferences and go to Printers & Scanners. Remove the printer from the list, then add it back using the “+” button. Make sure you select the correct networked version of the printer when reinstalling.
If you’re also trying to configure devices like Canon, check out guides for Canon printer installation to ensure they’re set up correctly alongside your Brother device.
Install Firmware Updates for Better Stability
Brother occasionally releases firmware updates to fix bugs and improve performance. Head to the official Brother website and download the firmware update tool for your printer model. Some updates may require a temporary USB connection, even if your printer is usually wireless.
Firmware updates can significantly improve your printer’s reliability, especially if it has previously randomly stopped printing or disappeared from your network.
Reset the Printer’s Network Settings
As a last resort, reset the network settings on your Brother printer. This process clears all previous Wi-Fi information and allows you to start fresh. From the printer’s menu, go to Initial Setup, then select Network Reset.
After the reset, reconnect the printer to your wireless network using the setup wizard. Then, reinstall the printer on your computer to ensure everything is aligned with the new configuration.
Handling Multiple Brands in One Network
Using multiple printers—like Brother, Canon, and Epson—in the same network can sometimes lead to driver conflicts or resource-sharing issues. For example, if you install drivers for both Brother and Canon, the system may get confused about which service to route print jobs through.
If your Canon printer is also acting up, you can reach out for assistance through the Canon printer customer support number. Likewise, if you use an Epson Printer, check their support portal for guidance tailored to your model.
How to Prevent Future Connectivity Issues
To avoid the frustration of a missing printer in the future, consider these best practices. Always keep your drivers and firmware updated to ensure compatibility with your operating system. Use static IP addresses for printers so their location on the network remains fixed. Reboot your router and printer occasionally to refresh the connection.
Make sure your printer is placed close to the router or a Wi-Fi extender for a stronger signal. And remember to periodically check for software or firewall updates that might interfere with network devices.
Final Thoughts
When your Brother printer is not showing on the network, it can feel like a major disruption. But most of the time, the fix is simpler than you think. From verifying the Wi-Fi connection to updating drivers and firmware, these steps can get your printer back online quickly.
Whether you're dealing with a Brother printer that randomly stops printing, trying to install Canon printers, or need help with an Epson Printer, following the right troubleshooting process can save you hours of frustration. And if needed, don't hesitate to contact customer support—like the Canon printer customer support number—for professional help.
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