Brother Printer in Error State? Quick Fix Guide (2026)

Introduction

Seeing a “Printer in Error State” message on your Brother printer?

This error can prevent printing completely and often appears without warning.

You may notice:

• Printer refuses to print
• Error State message in Windows
• Print jobs stuck in queue
• Printer appears connected but unavailable
• Communication failures

The message can be frustrating because it doesn’t always explain the exact cause.

Fortunately, most Brother printer error state problems are caused by software, connection, or maintenance issues rather than serious hardware failures.

This guide explains why your Brother printer enters an error state and how to fix it quickly.

If your printer has broader printing issues, visit our Brother Printer Not Printing? 15 Proven Fixes That Actually Work guide.

What Does “Printer in Error State” Mean?

A printer enters an error state when it encounters a problem that prevents normal operation.

Windows or the printer itself detects an issue and temporarily stops printing until the problem is resolved.

The error state is not a specific fault.

Instead, it is a warning that something else requires attention.

Why Is My Brother Printer in Error State?

Common causes include:

• Printer offline
• Driver problems
• Paper jams
• Print spooler errors
• Connection failures
• Network communication issues
• Hardware malfunctions
• Firmware problems

The exact cause varies depending on your printer model and setup.

Fix 1: Restart the Printer

A simple restart often clears temporary errors.

Steps

1. Turn off the Brother printer
2. Disconnect power cable
3. Wait 60 seconds
4. Reconnect power
5. Restart printer

Check whether the error state disappears.

Fix 2: Restart Your Computer

Communication issues between the computer and printer can trigger error state warnings.

Steps

1. Save your work
2. Restart your computer
3. Wait for Windows to load
4. Test printing again

This refreshes printer communication services.

Fix 3: Check Printer Connections

The printer must communicate properly with your device.

USB Printers

Inspect:

• USB cable
• USB port
• Loose connections
• Cable damage

Wireless Printers

Check:

• WiFi connection
• Router status
• Signal strength
• Network settings

Connection failures frequently trigger error state messages.

Fix 4: Verify the Printer Is Not Offline

Many error state messages are actually caused by offline status.

Symptoms include:

• Printer visible but unavailable
• Print jobs pending
• Offline warnings

If the printer appears offline, visit: Brother Printer Offline? 10 Fast Fixes to Get It Back Online for complete troubleshooting.

Fix 5: Check for Paper Jams

Paper jams are one of the most common hardware-related causes of printer errors.

Inspect:

• Input tray
• Output tray
• Rear access panel
• Internal paper path

Remove any jammed paper carefully.

For detailed instructions, see: Brother Printer Paper Jam? Step-by-Step Fix Guide.

Fix 6: Clear the Print Queue

A stuck print job can place the printer into an error state.

Steps

1. Open print queue
2. Cancel all pending jobs
3. Restart printer
4. Send a new test print

This often restores normal operation.

Fix 7: Update the Printer Driver

Driver issues are a leading cause of printer error state messages.

Symptoms include:

• Driver unavailable warnings
• Communication failures
• Print jobs not processing

Update the driver through Device Manager or Brother software.

For complete instructions, see: Brother Printer Driver Unavailable? Fix Driver Problems Fast

Fix 8: Restart the Print Spooler

The print spooler controls communication between Windows and the printer.

When it stops working, printers often enter an error state.

Steps

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type services.msc
3. Press Enter
4. Find Print Spooler
5. Right-click
6. Select Restart

Retry printing afterward.

Fix 9: Remove and Re-Add the Printer

Corrupted printer profiles can create persistent error messages.

Steps

1. Open Printers & Scanners
2. Remove Brother printer
3. Restart computer
4. Add printer again

This refreshes communication settings.

Fix 10: Check Ink, Toner, or Drum Status

Low consumables sometimes trigger printer warnings.

Inspect:

• Toner levels
• Ink levels
• Drum status
• Maintenance alerts

Replace any components that have reached the end of their service life.

Fix 11: Update Printer Firmware

Firmware updates help improve stability and compatibility.

Update through:

• Brother Utilities
• Brother software
• Printer settings

Restart the printer after installation.

Fix 12: Run Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in diagnostic tool.

Steps

1. Open Settings
2. Select Troubleshoot
3. Open Other Troubleshooters
4. Run Printer Troubleshooter

The tool may automatically identify the cause.

When Error State Is Caused by Driver Problems

Driver issues are responsible for many Brother printer error state messages.

Common signs include:

• Driver unavailable warnings
• Printer detected but unavailable
• Communication failures

See: Brother Printer Driver Unavailable? Fix Driver Problems Fast for advanced troubleshooting.

When Error State Is Caused by Network Problems

Wireless printers often enter an error state when network communication fails.

Common signs include:

• Frequent disconnects
• Offline warnings
• WiFi instability

Check:

• Router status
• Signal strength
• Network settings

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

✅ restart printer
✅ restart computer
✅ check connections
✅ verify printer is online
✅ inspect paper path
✅ clear print queue
✅ update drivers
✅ restart spooler
✅ reinstall printer
✅ check consumables
✅ update firmware
✅ run troubleshooter

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Brother printer say Error State?

The most common causes are driver issues, offline status, paper jams, communication failures, and print spooler problems.

How do I get my Brother printer out of error state?

Restart the printer, clear print jobs, check connections, update drivers, and verify the printer is online.

Can a paper jam cause an error state?

Yes. Hardware interruptions such as paper jams frequently trigger printer error messages.

Can driver problems cause a Brother printer error state?

Yes. Driver corruption is one of the leading causes of this issue.

Should I reinstall the printer?

Yes. Reinstalling the printer often resolves persistent communication errors.

Final Thoughts

Brother printer error state messages are usually caused by communication, software, or maintenance issues rather than serious hardware failures.

Most users successfully fix the problem by:

• restarting devices
• checking connections
• clearing print queues
• updating drivers
• removing paper jams
• reinstalling the printer

Start with the simplest fixes first.

If the error state persists after troubleshooting, deeper driver, network, or hardware diagnostics may be required.

Following the steps above will resolve the majority of Brother printer error state problems and restore normal printing functionality.