Brother Printer Not Scanning: 7 Common Problems (Solved)

Brother scanners are known for their reliability and efficiency, making them a popular choice for both home and office use.

However, like any electronic device, Brother scanners may encounter issues from time to time.

One common problem that users may face is when their Brother scanner refuses to scan.

In this article, we will explore some of the possible reasons behind this issue and provide troubleshooting tips to help you get your Brother scanner back up and running.

Brother Scanner Not Scanning: 7 Common Problems (Solved)

Brother printer not scanning is typically caused by connection problems, out-of-date drivers, incorrect settings, or paper jams.

Now we have answered the main question, let’s jump into troubleshooting.

Check the Connections

The first step in troubleshooting any scanning issue is to ensure that all connections are secure.

Make sure that the USB or network cable is properly connected to both the scanner and the computer.

If you are using a wireless connection, verify that the scanner is connected to the same network as the computer and that there are no connectivity issues.

Update or Reinstall the Scanner Driver

Outdated or corrupted scanner drivers can prevent your Brother scanner from functioning properly.

Check the Brother website for the latest driver updates specific to your scanner model.

Download and install the appropriate driver to ensure compatibility with your operating system.

If you suspect a driver issue, try reinstalling the scanner driver completely.

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Verify Scanner Settings

Incorrect scanner settings can also lead to scanning problems.

Open the Brother ControlCenter software or the scanner’s settings menu and verify that the scan settings, such as resolution, color mode, and file format, are correctly configured.

Additionally, ensure that the correct scanner is selected as the default device in your computer’s scanning settings.

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Clear Paper Jams or Check for Obstructions

Paper jams or physical obstructions within the scanner can cause it to stop working.

Open the scanner cover and carefully inspect for any jammed paper or foreign objects.

If you find any, gently remove them and ensure that the scanner mechanism moves freely.

Clean the Scanner Glass and Feed Rollers

Dirt, smudges, or debris on the scanner glass or feed rollers can affect the scanning process and result in poor image quality or scanning errors.

Use a soft, lint-free cloth lightly moistened with a non-abrasive cleaner to clean the glass surface.

For the feed rollers, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean or replace them if necessary.

Restart the Scanner and Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches or conflicts that may be preventing the scanner from working.

Power off the scanner, unplug it from the power source, and wait for a few minutes.

Then, reconnect the scanner and turn it back on.

Additionally, restart your computer to ensure a fresh start for the scanning process.

Contact Support

If you have followed the above troubleshooting steps and your Brother scanner still refuses to scan, it may be time to seek assistance from Brother’s customer support or a qualified technician.

Be prepared to provide detailed information about your scanner model and the issue you are experiencing to expedite the troubleshooting process.

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Final Thoughts

Brother scanners are reliable and versatile devices that streamline your document scanning tasks. If your Brother scanner is not scanning, it can be frustrating, but with some troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the issue on your own.

By checking connections, updating drivers, verifying settings, clearing paper jams, cleaning the scanner, and restarting both the scanner and computer, you can troubleshoot common problems that may prevent your Brother scanner from scanning.

If all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to technical support for further assistance.

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