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Brother printers are straightforward and quick to install on your computer. But unfortunately, that installation process can only be completed if it has a stable, uninterrupted connection with the printer. So, how do you fix a connection problem when trying to install your Brother printer?
You can fix a Brother printer installation/connection problem by restarting your computer and printer. Doing that will clear any glitches or minor errors affecting the printer’s connection. Then, check that you’re choosing the correct connection type during installation. Lastly, check your wireless connection for signal interference or wired connection for physical damage.
Keep reading to learn more about the steps to fix your Brother printer installation/connection problem.
How Do You Fix A Brother Printer Installation/Connection Problem?
Here are the steps you can take when you’re trying to install a Brother printer and experience a connection problem:
Step 1: Reboot Your Computer
What it is: Rebooting your computer is when you shut it down for a short period before turning it back on. The process is also called restarting your computer.
You can do it by accessing your computer’s menu, like the Start menu on a Windows system or the Apple menu on a macOS system.
How it helps: The connection problem you experience when installing your Brother printer is caused by a connectivity issue. More specifically, the connectivity between your computer and the Brother printer you’re trying to set up is the issue.
The first thing to consider when troubleshooting this problem is that the problem is with your computer. It’s likely experiencing a glitch or short-term error preventing it from maintaining a connection with your Brother printer.
Rebooting your computer allows it to start over fresh without the errors that prevent it from communicating with your Brother printer.
How to do it: Firstly, never reboot your computer by turning it off at the power source. The sudden loss of power can damage your computer and cause other problems.
Instead, access the Start Menu (Windows) or Apple Menu (macOS) and select restart or reboot. The computer will follow the correct shutdown procedure and turn itself back on when it’s ready.
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Read: Why Brother Printer Keeps Dropping Off The Wifi Network? – Troubleshooting Guide
Step 2: Restart The Printer
What it is: Like in Step 1, you can also restart your printer. Some printer models will have a menu that you can use to access a restart or reboot option.
However, you can restart all printers through power cycling. Unlike a computer, there’s no shutdown procedure you must follow to prevent damage or data loss.
How it helps: Remember: when you’re experiencing an installation/connection problem with your Brother printer, there are two sides to the issue: your computer and your Brother printer. You restarted your computer in Step 1, so now it’s time to do the same for your printer in Step 2.
Restarting your Brother printer will clear its memory and force it to start over. In doing so, it’ll be free from any glitches or errors that cause connection problems with your computer.
How to do it: If your printer has a menu with a restart or reboot option, you can use that. However, all printers can be restarted through power cycling.
To do that, start by disconnecting your printer from the wall socket for 1 full minute. When that time passes, reconnect the printer and allow it to restart normally.
Read: How To Connect Brother Printer To Wifi?
Step 3: Choose The Correct Connection Type
What it is: Brother printers provide several different connection types for you to choose from. The availability of those connection types will depend on your printer model and their compatibility with your computer or other devices.
In most cases, you can connect a Brother printer to your computer using a local connection (via a USB cable), a network connection (via a network cable), and a wireless connection (via your WiFi network or directly to your device).
When you experience installation/connection problems, it can also result from choosing an incompatible connection type during the installation process.
How it helps: Choosing the correct connection type will ensure that your Brother printer and computer can communicate well throughout the installation process.
Firstly, it must be a connection type that’s compatible with both your computer and the printer you’re installing.
Secondly, the correct connection type should also be stable enough for you to complete the installation process.
How to do it: During a Brother printer’s installation process, the installer application will prompt you to choose a connection type.
As mentioned above, you should choose a connection type compatible with your computer and printer while also being stable throughout the installation process.
Generally, choosing a cabled connection (e.g. USB or network cable) for the installation process is more stable than a wireless (e.g. WiFi) connection. After all, you can always switch to a wireless connection after installing the printer.
Read: Why Brother Wireless Printer Connected But Not Printing?
Step 4: Check Wired/Wireless Connection
What it is: Connection problems during a Brother printer installation could also be caused by the connection itself.
Unfortunately, this can affect both wired and wireless connections. The problems can also happen even if nothing touches the printer’s cables during installation.
So, once you complete troubleshooting Steps 1-3, you should focus on the connection.
How it helps: Wireless and wired connections can be affected by issues you can’t see with your eyes.
For example, a USB or network printer cable can be torn inside. That tear can cause intermittent connection problems that interfere with your Brother printer installation.
Besides that, your wireless connection can be affected by signal interference instead. For instance, a microwave oven can sometimes emit signals disrupting WiFi connections if the appliance is too close.
How to do it: If you’re using a wired connection, inspect the cable closely for any tears, rips, holes, and other visible signs of damage. You can also try completing the installation using a different cable to connect your printer to the computer.
Ensure the printer and computer are within the wireless signal range for wireless connections. Also, check that there are no sources of signal interference like obstacles (e.g. heavy furniture) and other appliances (e.g. microwave ovens).
Weak signals and interference can cause connection problems when you’re trying to install your Brother printer.
Read: Why Is New Ink Cartridge Not Working? – Troubleshooting Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here, you’ll find a few more questions and answers to help you troubleshoot your Brother printer:
How Do I Connect My Brother Printer To My Computer?
You can connect your Brother printer to your computer using a wired or wireless connection. Wired connections include USB or network cables; wireless connections are through your WiFi network or directly to your device.
Read: Why Does My Printer Keep Rebooting? – Troubleshooting Guide
How Do I Install A New Printer?
Firstly, connect your printer to your computer and give it a few moments to detect the new device. Then, run the printer’s installation software to guide you through the installation process. Sometimes, your computer will prompt you automatically once it detects the new printer.
What Cord Do I Need To Connect My Brother Printer To My Computer?
You will need a USB or a network cable to connect your Brother printer to your computer. That will depend on two things. Firstly, it depends on your Brother printer model and which cabled connections it supports. Secondly, it depends on which type of connection you prefer (i.e. direct USB connection or shared network connection).
How Do I Know If My USB Cable Is Damaged?
You’ll know your USB cable is damaged if you see tears, rips, or holes in the cable’s insulation. Besides that, USB cables that are excessively kinked, bent, or twisted are likely damaged on the inside.
How Do I Fix My USB Connection?
You can fix your USB connection by removing the cable on both ends (i.e. your computer and the Brother printer) and then reconnecting it after a few moments.
