Brother printer showing an error state is a common issue encountered by many users. This error typically occurs when the printing process is interrupted due to either internal or external factors. When your Brother printer displays an error message, the first step is to use the built-in printer troubleshooter. This tool can automatically detect and repair many system-related problems. However, if the Windows troubleshooter fails to resolve the issue, you may need to try additional troubleshooting methods outlined below.
How to Resolve Brother Printer “Error State” Issue
Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter
Running the Windows Printer Troubleshooter is one of the most effective and straightforward methods for fixing printer-related issues. If your Brother printer shows an “error state” message, follow these steps:
- Click the Start button.
- Navigate to Settings → Devices.
- Select Printers and Scanners.
- Choose your Brother printer and click Manage.
- Click the Run the troubleshooter button.
Let the troubleshooter detect and fix any issues automatically. If the troubleshooter successfully resolves the problem, you can resume printing. If not, proceed with other troubleshooting solutions below.
Check and Update Brother Printer Driver
Your Brother printer driver acts as the communication bridge between your PC and the printer. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause communication problems leading to printer errors. To fix this:
- Visit the official Brother website or your PC’s Device Manager to check for the latest printer driver updates.
- If an update is available, download and install it.
- Restart your computer after installation.
If the driver files seem corrupted:
- Back up your current driver settings.
- Uninstall the faulty driver.
- Download and install a fresh copy of the Brother printer driver.
Refill or Replace Ink Cartridges
Printing errors can also be caused by low or empty ink cartridges. If your printer’s ink level is low, consider the following:
- Purchase and install new, genuine Brother ink cartridges for the best print quality.
- Alternatively, refill your existing cartridges, but be aware this might affect print quality.
Ensure you remove all protective covers and orange clips from the cartridge before installing it in the printer. After installation, send a print command to verify if the error is resolved.
Set Brother Printer as the Default Printer
If your Brother printer is not set as the default printer, it may cause the error state. Setting it as the default ensures that all print commands are directed to your Brother device:
- Hover your mouse over the lower-left corner of the desktop and click the Windows button.
- Open Settings → Devices.
- Select Printers & Scanners from the sidebar.
- Locate your Brother printer in the list.
- Click your Brother printer and choose Set as Default.
Try printing again to see if the error is resolved.
Check WPS Pin for Network Printing
If you are using your Brother printer over a wireless network, connectivity issues can cause the error state. To troubleshoot:
- Restart your wireless router and reset the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) pin.
- Reconnect your Brother printer to the network using the WPS pin method.
- Send a print command from a connected device to verify connectivity.
Clear Junk and Temporary Files
Accumulated junk and temporary files on your computer may interfere with printing operations. Cleaning these files can improve overall system performance and potentially resolve printing errors. Use system cleanup tools such as Disk Cleanup on Windows or third-party utilities to remove unnecessary files.
If these steps do not resolve the error state on your Brother printer, consider contacting Brother’s customer support for further assistance.
Read More: HP Printer Printing Blank Pages – Get Rid Of This With Our No-Brainer Hacks!
—
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q1: What does “Brother printer in error state” mean?**
A1: It means your printer is unable to complete the printing task due to an internal or external issue, such as driver problems, connectivity issues, or hardware malfunctions.
**Q2: How do I run the Brother printer troubleshooter on Windows 10 or 11?**
A2: Go to Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners, select your Brother printer, click “Manage,” then click “Run the troubleshooter.”
**Q3: Can outdated drivers cause the Brother printer error state?**
A3: Yes, outdated or corrupted drivers can prevent proper communication between your PC and the printer, leading to error states.
**Q4: How do I set my Brother printer as the default printer?**
A4: Navigate to Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners, select your Brother printer, and click “Set as Default.”
**Q5: What should I do if my Brother printer shows error state even after troubleshooting?**
A5: Try resetting the printer, reinstalling the driver, checking for hardware issues, and if needed, contact Brother support for advanced assistance.
**Q6: Is it okay to use refilled cartridges in my Brother printer?**
A6: While refilled cartridges may work, they can sometimes degrade print quality or cause errors. Using genuine Brother cartridges is recommended for optimal performance.
**Q7: How do I resolve wireless network issues causing printer errors?**
A7: Restart your router, reset and reestablish the WPS connection, and ensure your Brother printer and PC are connected to the same network.
—
By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly resolve the “Brother printer is in error state” issue and get your device printing smoothly again.
