Brother Printer Offline — How to Get It Back Online
By Ryan Green · Updated July 2026 · Independent guide · PrinterCare USA LLC (not affiliated with any printer manufacturer)
It's frustrating when your Brother printer shows offline in Windows or macOS even though the device is clearly powered on and sitting right there. This happens frequently because printers and computers lose network sync, not because your hardware is broken.
The offline status usually means your computer can't communicate with the printer over your network, even though the printer itself is functioning fine. We'll walk through the most effective fixes, starting with the simplest and moving to deeper troubleshooting.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power cycle the printer completely. Turn off your Brother printer using the power button, then unplug it from the electrical outlet. Wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and power it on. This clears temporary network glitches and forces the printer to reconnect to your Wi-Fi fresh.
- Restart your router. While the printer boots up, power down your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait 2-3 minutes for it to fully initialize before proceeding. A fresh router connection often resolves communication failures between devices.
- Check the printer's Wi-Fi connection status. On your Brother printer's control panel, navigate to Settings or Network menu (exact names vary by model). Look for Wi-Fi status or Connection Status to confirm the printer shows as connected. If it says disconnected or shows no network name, your printer isn't on Wi-Fi yet.
- Reconnect printer to your Wi-Fi network. If disconnected, use the printer's control panel to access Wi-Fi setup. Select your network name and re-enter your Wi-Fi password. If you've forgotten the password, check your router label or your internet provider's welcome materials. Wait 1-2 minutes for the connection to stabilize.
- Remove and re-add the printer in Windows/Mac settings. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners (Windows 11) or System Settings > Printers & Scanners (macOS). Click the Brother printer and select 'Remove Device,' then click 'Add Printer' and re-select your Brother model from the list. This refreshes your computer's communication with the printer.
- Update or reinstall printer drivers. Visit support.brother.com, enter your exact printer model, and download the latest drivers for your operating system. Run the installer and follow prompts to completion. Outdated drivers are a common cause of offline status even when the printer is networked correctly.
- Clear the printer's network settings and reconfigure. On the printer's control panel, find Factory Reset or Initialize Network Settings (varies by model). Select Yes to clear all stored network data. After restart, manually reconnect to your Wi-Fi following the on-screen prompts. This is the nuclear option that clears corrupted network configurations.
- Check Windows/Mac firewall settings if still offline. Your antivirus or firewall might be blocking printer communication. In Windows Defender Firewall, go to 'Allow an app through firewall' and verify your printer driver application is listed in both Private and Public networks. On macOS, check System Settings > Security & Privacy > Firewall Options for similar restrictions.
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Independent remote support — you watch every step, and you pay the flat $49 only after your printer is working. $0 if we can't fix it.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Brother printer say offline when I can see it's turned on?
The offline status refers to network communication, not physical power. Your computer is failing to detect your printer on the network—usually because the printer lost Wi-Fi connection, drivers are outdated, or the computer and printer are on different network bands (2.4GHz vs 5GHz). None of these indicate hardware failure.
Should I factory reset my Brother printer to fix the offline problem?
Factory reset is your last resort after trying basic reconnection and driver updates, since it erases all saved settings and Wi-Fi credentials. However, if nothing else works, a factory reset clears corrupted network configurations that prevent the printer from being found. You'll need to reconfigure Wi-Fi and network settings afterward.
Does Brother offer remote support if I can't fix this myself?
Yes, Brother's remote support service (available for approximately $49 per incident) allows a technician to connect to your computer and troubleshoot the printer issue directly. This is useful if you've completed these steps without success or prefer professional assistance rather than further DIY troubleshooting.
Is a wired USB connection faster than fixing the Wi-Fi offline issue?
A USB connection will restore immediate functionality and is slightly faster for large print jobs, but it limits the printer's portability on your network. If Wi-Fi is what you want long-term, USB is just a temporary workaround while you systematically fix the offline issue using the steps above.