# [phone] Brother Printer Not Scanning to Computer? Troubleshooting Guide

Brother printers are widely known for their dependable performance, compact design, and multifunctionality. Many users rely on these printers for scanning, printing, copying, and faxing tasks. However, a common issue faced by users is the **"Brother Printer Not Scanning to Computer"** problem. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when urgent documents need to be digitized.

In this comprehensive **3000-word troubleshooting guide**, we will walk you through the possible reasons behind the scanning issue, along with **step-by-step solutions**. Whether your Brother printer is connected via USB, over Wi-Fi, or through an Ethernet network, this guide is your go-to resource. If you’re in the USA and need immediate assistance, call **[phone]**, our toll-free support number for expert help.

## **Section 1: Understand the Issue**

Before jumping into fixes, it's essential to **identify the symptoms and causes** of the problem:

### Common Symptoms:

* Brother printer says “Cannot scan to PC.”
* The scan button does nothing.
* Error message: “Scanning failed” or “Check connection.”
* Scanner works on other PCs but not yours.
* Wireless scanning doesn’t detect the PC.

### Common Causes:

* Driver issues or outdated software.
* Improper network connection.
* Windows or macOS firewall blocking scanner communication.
* Scan settings misconfigured.
* USB cable issues or port malfunction.
* Software conflict with antivirus.

## **Section 2: Initial Checks**

### ✅ 1. Restart Devices

* Turn **off** the Brother printer and **unplug** it for 30 seconds.
* **Restart your computer** completely.
* Turn the printer back **on** and wait for it to become ready.

### ✅ 2. Check Cable or Network

* If using **USB**, ensure the cable is properly plugged in.
* For **wireless**, confirm the printer is connected to the same **Wi-Fi network** as your computer.
* Ping the printer’s IP address to verify connectivity.

### ✅ 3. Confirm Printer Status

* Go to **Control Panel > Devices and Printers** in Windows.
* Make sure your Brother printer shows as **"Ready."**
* On macOS, check **System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.**

## **Section 3: Fix USB Connection Issues**

If your Brother printer is connected via USB:

### 🛠 1. Check USB Cable & Port

* Use a **different USB port** on your computer.
* Try a **different USB cable** to rule out damage.
* Avoid using USB hubs or docking stations.

### 🛠 2. Reinstall Brother Scanner Driver

* Go to the [Brother USA website](https://support.brother.com).
* Enter your **model number** and download the **latest full driver package**.
* Uninstall previous drivers, then install the new package.
* Reboot the system after installation.

### 🛠 3. Enable Scanner Device

* Open **Device Manager** in Windows.
* Expand “Imaging Devices” and locate your Brother scanner.
* If disabled, **right-click > Enable**.

### 🛠 4. Use Brother’s ControlCenter4 Software

* Open **ControlCenter4** from Start Menu.
* If not installed, download it from Brother’s website.
* Try scanning a document using the ControlCenter4 interface.

## **Section 4: Fix Wireless Scanning Issues**

If your Brother printer is connected over Wi-Fi:

### 🛠 1. Verify Network Connection

* Print a **network configuration report** from the printer settings.
* Check if the printer is connected to the **same Wi-Fi** as your computer.

### 🛠 2. Set Static IP

* Assign a **static IP address** to the printer to avoid dynamic changes.
* Access your **router settings** to reserve the IP.

### 🛠 3. Add Scanner Manually in Windows

* Go to **Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Add a device**
* If it doesn’t appear, click **The printer I want isn’t listed > Add using IP address**
* Enter the static IP set earlier and follow the wizard.

### 🛠 4. Configure Firewall & Antivirus

* Temporarily disable the firewall to see if scanning works.
* Add exceptions for Brother utilities in firewall and antivirus programs.

### 🛠 5. Reinstall Wireless Driver

* Download the full driver package for your model.
* Choose **Wireless Network Connection** during installation.
* Use **Brother’s Wireless Setup Wizard** if needed.

## **Section 5: Fix Scan-to-PC Button Not Working**

Sometimes, the scan button on the printer doesn’t trigger a scan. Here’s how to fix it:

### 🛠 1. Enable “ControlCenter4” in Startup

* Press **Windows + R**, type `msconfig`, and press Enter.
* Go to **Startup tab** and ensure **ControlCenter4** is enabled.

### 🛠 2. Set the PC as Default for Scanning

* On the printer, go to **Scan > Scan to PC > File**.
* Choose your PC from the list (must be online and running ControlCenter4).

### 🛠 3. Register Your Computer

* On your PC, open ControlCenter4 > Device Settings > Remote Setup.
* Ensure that your PC name appears in the "Scan To" settings.

## **Section 6: Fix Software and Operating System Conflicts**

### 🛠 1. Update Operating System

* Make sure your **Windows or macOS** is updated to the latest version.
* Older OS versions may lack scanner support or patches.

### 🛠 2. Update Brother Software

* Check for **software updates** in ControlCenter4 (Windows) or iPrint\&Scan (Mac).
* Install all available patches or newer versions.

### 🛠 3. Reinstall All Brother Software

* Uninstall all Brother software from your system.
* Reboot the computer.
* Download and reinstall the **full driver and software package**.

## **Section 7: macOS Specific Fixes**

If you're a Mac user facing scanning issues:

### 🛠 1. Reset Printing System

* Go to **System Preferences > Printers & Scanners**
* Right-click on the printer list and choose **“Reset printing system”**
* Add your Brother printer again.

### 🛠 2. Use Image Capture

* Open **Image Capture** from Applications.
* Select your Brother printer in the sidebar.
* Try scanning a document to confirm scanner communication.

### 🛠 3. Check Permissions

* Go to **System Settings > Security & Privacy > Files and Folders**
* Make sure **Brother utilities** are allowed access to folders.

## **Section 8: Using Mobile or Third-party Scanning**

If nothing works, try these temporary workarounds:

### 📱 Use Brother iPrint\&Scan App

* Install **Brother iPrint\&Scan** on Android or iOS.
* Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi.
* Scan documents and email them to yourself.

### 🔁 Use Third-party Software

* Use scanning software like **VueScan** or **NAPS2**, which support many Brother models.
* These often bypass built-in software issues.

## **Section 9: Hardware Issues and Final Options**

If none of the above steps work, the issue may be **hardware-related**.

### 🔍 Check for Hardware Failures

* Run a **self-diagnostic test** on the printer.
* Look for **scanner glass misalignment**, strange noises, or lighting issues.

### 🔧 Contact Brother Support or a Technician

* Call **Brother USA customer service** or schedule a repair.
* Toll-free Support Helpline: **[phone]**

## **Section 10: Prevent Future Scanning Issues**

To avoid recurring issues, follow these tips:

### ✅ Keep Drivers Updated

* Check for driver and firmware updates every 2–3 months.

### ✅ Avoid Sudden Shutdowns

* Always turn off the printer using the power button.

### ✅ Use Original Brother Software

* Stick to official Brother drivers and utilities for best compatibility.

### ✅ Perform Regular Maintenance

* Clean the **scanner glass** regularly.
* Keep the printer in a dust-free, dry environment.

## **Conclusion**

Scanning issues with Brother printers can be a result of various factors—ranging from connection problems to outdated drivers, software conflicts, and hardware malfunctions. By following this detailed troubleshooting guide, you should be able to resolve most of the problems that prevent your Brother printer from scanning to a computer.

If after trying all these steps, your Brother printer still refuses to cooperate, don’t hesitate to get expert help. Call our **dedicated USA-based support line** at:

📞 **[phone]**

Our trained technicians are available to walk you through the process, remotely diagnose problems, and offer immediate solutions.

**Tags**: Brother printer not scanning, scan to computer fix, Brother scanner not working, Brother scanner help, fix Brother scan issues, Brother scan button not working, Brother USA support, [phone].