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If your Brother printer says “Offline” or “Paused,” first check the printer itself, then the computer’s print queue and the connection type. The status does not by itself mean the printer is broken: it can be caused by a queue setting or a USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi connection problem.
Start with the printer and the selected printer
- Make sure the Brother printer is powered on and awake. Check its display or indicator lights for an error, such as a paper jam or empty ink or toner, and resolve any message shown. A dark display or light may mean the printer is off or asleep; check its power and wake it using the control provided for that model.
- Confirm that the app or computer is sending the job to the Brother printer you intend to use. If more than one printer or copy is listed, select the correct one.
- Identify the connection: USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi. Follow the corresponding steps below; wireless settings do not apply to a USB connection.
Brother’s offline-or-paused troubleshooting FAQ provides model-specific guidance and examples of printer errors.
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Fix an offline or paused printer in Windows
Check the Windows printer queue before changing drivers or network settings. Menu names and locations can differ by Windows version and printer model.
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- Open the Brother printer’s queue from Windows’ printer settings or the printer list.
- Look for the queue options and clear Use Printer Offline if it is selected. If Pause Printing is selected, clear that too.
- If jobs remain stuck, cancel the pending jobs, then try printing again.
If the printer remains offline, continue with the connection-specific checks. A queue setting and a connection failure can look similar, so do not assume the printer has failed based on the status alone.
#1 Best Overall
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Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Print, Scan, Copy
- AFFORDABLE ALL-IN-ONE FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Print, copy, and scan on one compact wireless printer designed for everyday home office printing, schoolwork, documents, and reports. Produce beautiful prints for results that stand out.
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the simple-to-use 1.8” color display on your printer.
- FULL-SIZE FEATURES IN A COMPACT DESIGN: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), and a 150-sheet paper tray(3). Engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- MOBILE PRINTING MADE EASY: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor your ink usage with Page Gauge to help ensure you don’t run out(6).
If the Brother printer uses USB
- Unplug and reconnect the cable at both the printer and computer. Make sure it is connected to the printer’s USB port.
- Connect the printer directly to the computer rather than through a USB hub.
- Try another computer USB port. If available, test with another cable that has the correct connectors for your printer.
- Check the official support page for your exact model before buying a replacement cable. Requirements are not universal: Brother specifies a USB 2.0 interface cable no longer than 2.0 meters (6 feet) in its instructions for the MFC-J4535DW, but that limit should not be assumed for every Brother printer.
Brother’s MFC-J4535DW USB connection FAQ gives the cable guidance for that model.
If it connects by Ethernet
- Check that the network cable is firmly connected to the printer and to the router, hub, or switch.
- If the printer offers a network configuration report or page, print or view it and inspect the network details, including the IP address.
- If the connection or address information is missing or unexpected, consult the exact model’s Brother support page for the appropriate wired-network recovery steps.
If it connects over Wi-Fi
- Use the printer’s network information or configuration report, if available, to check whether it is connected and has an IP address.
- Confirm that the computer and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (SSID).
- If the printer has dropped its wireless connection, use its WLAN recovery or reconnect option only if that control is available on your model. Button sequences and menu paths vary.
- For a Windows network printer, consider Brother’s Network Connection Repair Tool if the basic checks do not resolve the issue. Brother says the tool can locate the machine and update its IP address in the printer driver. Get the utility from Brother’s official support page for the exact printer model and operating system.
Brother’s offline-or-paused FAQ links to network troubleshooting guidance. Available recovery controls and detailed steps depend on the model.
Rank #2
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Printer, Copy, Scan, Duplex, Mobile Printing
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES – Engineered for extraordinary productivity, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome (Black & White) 3-in-1 combines laser printer, scanner, copier in one compact footprint and delivers high-quality black & white prints
- FAST PRINTER WITH EFFICIENT SCANNING – Produces documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm(2) and scan speeds up to 23.6/7.9 ipm(3) (black/color). A 50-page auto document feeder(4) allows for convenient, time saving multi-page scanning and copying
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OPTIONS – Easily navigate the changing demands of your business with secure multi-device connectivity via built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and Ethernet. Or connect locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Print, scan, and manage your wireless printer anytime, from almost anywhere from your mobile device. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(5)
- CHOOSE BROTHER GENUINE TONER – When it’s time to replace your toner, be sure to choose Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL replacement toner. And with Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, you’ll never worry about running out of toner again and you’ll enjoy savings of up to 50%(6) on Brother Genuine Toner. Get started with Refresh today with a Free Trial(1)
Advanced Windows check: SNMP status
Try this only after confirming the basic network connection. Brother documents a specific case in which a network printer may not print because SNMP status communication is not working correctly in the user’s environment. Its FAQ describes clearing SNMP Status Enabled in the printer port configuration. This is not a general fix for every offline printer; if the setting is not present or the symptom does not match, use the model-specific Brother guidance rather than changing unrelated port options.
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When to move on to model-specific support
If the printer is powered and error-free, the intended printer is selected, the queue is not paused or offline, and the matching connection checks have not helped, use Brother’s support page for the exact model and computer operating system. Windows and Mac wireless steps are separate, as are USB and wired-network instructions. Confirm the model before changing drivers or following a control-panel sequence, since menus and recovery options are not the same across all Brother printers.
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Bestseller No. 2
Best Value
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Brother Work Smart 1410 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with 2.7” Touchscreen and Automatic Duplex Printing | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1) (MFC-J1410DW)
- BEST FOR HOME OFFICE AND SMALL OFFICE: Get your work done with a multifunction printer. Print, copy, and scan on one convenient, compact printer, with quick and easy setup for your home, home office, or small office space.
- EASY-TO-USE TOUCHSCREEN WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Seamless integration with the Cloud(2). Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more on a clear 2.7” color touchscreen display.
- PRODUCTIVITY-FOCUSED FEATURES: Automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), 150-sheet paper tray(3). Print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) black/9 ppm color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- THE BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) for easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor ink usage to help ensure you don’t run out(6).
Rank #4
Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex, Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
- BEST FOR HOME OFFICES & SMALL TEAMS – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2460DW Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer produces documents that are clear, crisp, and easy to review and share, all at an affordable price
- COMPACT, CONNECTED, EXCEPTIONALLY EFFICIENT– Connect with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz), Ethernet, or to a single computer via USB interface. Prints at speeds up to 36ppm(2), plus automatic duplex printing saves time and reduces paper waste
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your wireless printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Tackle high-volume black & white printing with the 250-sheet capacity paper tray.(4) The manual feed slot enables printing on envelopes and specialty paper
- BROTHER IS AT YOUR SIDE – Backed by Brother with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of your printer
Rank #3
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
- BEST FOR HOMES & HOME OFFICES – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2405W Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer delivers sharp, crisp prints at an affordable price. Prints one-sided documents at speeds up to 30ppm(2)
- COMPACT, CONNECTED PRINTER – Flexible connection options make this an ideal printer for home use and at-home offices. Securely connect to multiple devices with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz) or locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Enjoy seamless, reliable everyday printing with the 250-sheet paper tray(4) and a manual feed slot that enables printing on envelopes and specialty pape
- BROTHER IS AT YOUR SIDE – Backed by Brother with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of your printer
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