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If your Brother printer says it is offline or paused, first check the printer itself for an error, then identify whether it connects by USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi. On Windows, also check that the correct printer is selected and that its queue is not set to “Use Printer Offline” or “Pause Printing.” An offline status can come from a computer setting or a lost connection; it does not by itself prove the printer has failed.
Start with the printer and the connection type
- Check power and status. Make sure the printer is on and awake. Look at its LCD or LEDs for an error, such as a paper jam or an empty ink or toner supply, and resolve any displayed error before troubleshooting the computer. A dark screen or LED may mean the machine is off or asleep; wake it according to the model’s controls.
- Identify the connection. Follow the USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi branch below. The steps differ, and wireless settings do not apply to a USB connection.
Brother’s offline or paused troubleshooting FAQ is written for the MFC-J4355DW. Exact controls and recovery options vary by model, so check your model’s Brother support page before following a control-panel sequence.
Check the print app and queue on Windows
Confirm the selected printer
In the app you are printing from, make sure the intended Brother printer is selected rather than another printer or a saved virtual printer. If the app’s selection looks correct, check the printer list in Windows; labels and menu paths vary by Windows release.
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- Open the queue for the Brother printer you intend to use.
- Open the queue’s Printer menu, if present, and clear Use Printer Offline if it is selected.
- If Pause Printing is selected, clear it as well.
- If jobs remain stuck in the queue, cancel the pending jobs and try printing a small test document.
Brother’s FAQ describes these Windows queue checks. If your version of Windows presents different labels, use the equivalent printer-queue controls rather than changing unrelated settings.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 printer connects by USB
- Disconnect and reconnect the cable at both the printer and computer.
- Check that the cable is connected to the printer’s USB port, not another port on the machine.
- Connect the printer directly to the computer, bypassing any USB hub.
- Try another computer USB port. If available, test with another compatible cable before deciding the existing one needs replacement.
Connector compatibility and cable requirements depend on the printer model. For the MFC-J4535DW, Brother specifies a USB 2.0 interface cable no longer than 2.0 meters (6 feet); that measurement should not be assumed for every Brother printer. See Brother’s USB printing FAQ for the MFC-J4535DW and verify your own model’s specification before choosing a cable.
If the printer connects by Ethernet
- Check that the network cable is firmly connected at the printer and at the router, hub, or switch.
- If the printer offers a network configuration report or page, print or view it and check the network details, including its IP address.
- If the printer has no network address or the reported details do not match the expected network, use the instructions for the exact printer model and network setup.
Do not apply Wi-Fi reset steps to a wired printer. Brother’s network troubleshooting guidance includes checking network information; the available report and controls depend on the model.
Rank #2
- 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)
If the printer connects by Wi-Fi
- Print or view the printer’s network configuration information, if the model provides it, and check whether it has an IP address.
- Confirm that the printer and the computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (SSID).
- If the printer appears disconnected, use its WLAN recovery or reconnect option only if that control is available on the model. Button sequences and menu names differ.
For model-specific wireless steps, use the printer’s Brother support page. A computer and printer connected to different Wi-Fi networks can prevent printing even when both devices appear to be online.
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Try Brother’s Network Connection Repair Tool
If basic network checks are correct but Windows still cannot reach the printer, Brother’s Network Connection Repair Tool may help with a Windows network connection problem. Brother says the tool can locate the machine and update its IP address in the printer driver. Download it only from Brother’s official support page for your exact model and operating system; it is not a universal fix for USB or every offline status.
Rank #3
- 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
Consider SNMP status only after basic checks
Brother documents a specific case where a network printer may fail to 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. Treat this as an advanced, situation-specific troubleshooting step, not a default setting to change. Follow Brother’s instructions for your printer and Windows version.
Both advanced Windows cases are covered in Brother’s offline or paused FAQ.
Rank #4
- 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
When the offline status remains
Use the official Brother support page for your exact model and operating system to choose the next step. Windows and Mac wireless instructions are separate from USB and wired-network guidance, and a driver change or control-panel sequence should match the specific printer. If the printer’s panel shows an error, address that error first; if the panel is clear, use the computer’s queue and the relevant connection checks above to narrow down where communication is failing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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).
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