# 1-866-203-7571 How to Fix Brother MFC-J1205W Printer Offline Issue
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
A Brother MFC-J1205W going offline is one of the most common and frustrating problems users face—especially when you need a printout urgently. This issue can occur due to various reasons, including network glitches, outdated drivers, incorrect printer settings, USB/Wi-Fi disconnection, router issues, firmware bugs, or Windows print spooler errors.
The good news? **You can fix the Brother MFC-J1205W offline problem easily at home** using the step-by-step troubleshooting guide provided here. If your issue still continues or you want instant expert help, you can call **Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**.
This detailed 3000-word article covers:
✅ What Causes the Brother MFC-J1205W Printer to Go Offline
✅ Step-by-Step Fixes for Windows, Mac, Wi-Fi & USB Users
✅ How to Reconnect Brother MFC-J1205W to Wi-Fi
✅ How to Fix Driver Issues
✅ How to Reset Network Settings
✅ How to Fix Offline Error Using Brother iPrint&Scan
✅ Preventive Tips to Avoid Future Offline Issues
…and much more.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **SECTION 1: Why Is My Brother MFC-J1205W Printer Offline?**
Before troubleshooting, let’s understand the most common reasons behind this error. The offline issue can appear on:
* Windows 10/11
* macOS
* iOS/Android (via Wi-Fi)
* Chromebook
* Wi-Fi Direct devices
Here are the major causes:
### **1. Weak or Lost Wi-Fi Connection**
If your Brother MFC-J1205W loses Wi-Fi signal, your computer will show it as “Offline.”
Common reasons include:
* Router operating far away
* Interference from walls or appliances
* Network restart
* Router firmware bugs
### **2. Printer Not Set as Default**
Windows sometimes auto-switches to a different printer, causing the Brother printer to show offline.
### **3. Print Spooler Service Errors (Windows)**
If the print spooler crashes, the printer cannot communicate with the computer.
### **4. Outdated or Corrupted Printer Drivers**
Incorrect or outdated drivers may show:
* “Offline” error
* “Driver Unavailable”
* “Cannot communicate with printer”
### **5. Incorrect Printer Status**
If “Use Printer Offline” is enabled, Windows forces it offline.
### **6. IP Address Change**
Wi-Fi printers rely on IP addresses. If the router assigns a new IP, your computer loses communication.
### **7. USB Cable Issues**
If the cable is:
* Loose
* Damaged
* Not connected properly
the printer will appear offline.
### **8. Printer Sleep Mode or Power Save Glitch**
The MFC-J1205W sometimes doesn’t wake instantly from deep sleep, resulting in offline errors.
### **9. Firewall / Antivirus Blocking Printer Communication**
Security software may block printer ports, especially after updates.
### **10. Firmware Bugs**
Outdated firmware may cause connectivity drops.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **SECTION 2: Quick Checklist Before Troubleshooting**
Perform these basic checks first:
✔ Is the printer ON?
✔ Do you see **Wi-Fi icon** glowing on the printer display?
✔ Is your router working?
✔ Are your computer and printer on the **same Wi-Fi network**?
✔ Is your USB cable properly connected (if using USB)?
✔ Are there any error lights on the printer?
If everything looks right, continue with the detailed fixes below.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **SECTION 3: How to Fix Brother MFC-J1205W Printer Offline Issue (Windows Fixes)**
Below are all the methods in recommended order.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
## **Fix 1: Set Brother MFC-J1205W as the Default Printer**
1. Press **Windows + R**, type:
```
control printers
```
2. Right-click **Brother MFC-J1205W**.
3. Click **Set as default printer**.
Restart your PC and try printing.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
## **Fix 2: Disable “Use Printer Offline” Mode**
1. Go to **Control Panel → Devices and Printers**
2. Right-click **Brother MFC-J1205W**
3. Select **See what's printing**
4. Click **Printer** (top-left)
5. Uncheck **Use Printer Offline**
If it was enabled, turning it off may immediately fix the issue.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
## **Fix 3: Restart Print Spooler Service (Very Effective)**
1. Press **Windows + R**
2. Type:
```
services.msc
```
3. Find **Print Spooler**
4. Right-click → **Restart**
Now check if the printer shows online.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
## **Fix 4: Reinstall or Update Brother Printer Driver**
Corrupt drivers cause most offline issues.
### **Steps:**
1. Press **Windows + X → Device Manager**
2. Expand **Printers**
3. Right-click **Brother MFC-J1205W**
4. Select **Uninstall device**
5. Restart PC
6. Download & install the latest driver from Brother’s support site
7. Reconnect your printer
This fix resolves 80% offline driver problems.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
## **Fix 5: Manually Add Printer Using TCP/IP Address**
If your printer’s IP address changed, reconnect it manually.
### **Steps:**
1. Press **Windows + R**, type:
```
control printers
```
2. Click **Add a Printer**
3. Select **The printer I want isn’t listed**
4. Select **Add a printer using TCP/IP address or hostname**
5. Enter the printer’s IP address (find it on printer’s Network Report)
The printer should now appear online.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **SECTION 4: Fix Brother MFC-J1205W Offline on Mac**
### **Fix 1: Reset Printing System**
1. Go to **Apple Menu → System Preferences**
2. Click **Printers & Scanners**
3. Right-click on blank area → **Reset printing system**
4. Add the printer again
### **Fix 2: Remove & Re-Add Printer**
1. Open **Printers & Scanners**
2. Select **Brother MFC-J1205W** → **Remove (-)**
3. Click **Add (+)**
4. Choose the printer again
### **Fix 3: Fix via AirPrint**
Ensure AirPrint is active:
* Delete the printer
* Add it again using **AirPrint driver** instead of "Secure AirPrint" or "Generic".
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **SECTION 5: Fix Brother MFC-J1205W Wi-Fi Connection Issues**
Most offline errors come from Wi-Fi issues. Try the steps below.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
## **Fix 1: Restart Wi-Fi Router & Printer**
1. Turn off router – wait 30 seconds
2. Turn off printer
3. Turn router ON
4. Turn printer ON after 1 minute
This resets the network and often resolves offline errors.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
## **Fix 2: Reconnect Printer to Wi-Fi**
### **Method 1: Using WPS**
1. Press **WPS** button on router
2. On printer, press and hold **Wi-Fi Button** for 3 seconds
3. Wi-Fi LED will flash → solid = connected
### **Method 2: Manually Reconnect via Brother Mobile App**
1. Install **Brother iPrint&Scan**
2. Open **Printer Setup**
3. Choose **MFC-J1205W**
4. Connect to your Wi-Fi network
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
## **Fix 3: Assign Static IP Address**
Prevents printer from going offline again.
1. Log in to router settings
2. Go to **LAN/DHCP settings**
3. Assign fixed IP for printer
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **SECTION 6: Fix Brother Printer Offline via Brother iPrint&Scan App**
1. Open the app (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
2. Tap **Printer Configuration**
3. It will auto-detect communication issues
4. Choose **Fix Connection**
5. Follow on-screen steps
Many users report this method resolves offline errors instantly.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **SECTION 7: How to Fix USB Offline Issue**
If you use USB cable:
### ✔ Ensure USB cable is properly connected
### ✔ Try different USB port
### ✔ Replace cable if damaged
### ✔ Reinstall the USB Driver
### **USB Reinstall Steps:**
1. Disconnect USB
2. Open **Device Manager**
3. Expand **USB Controllers**
4. Uninstall any **Brother USB Printer** entries
5. Reconnect USB cable
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **SECTION 8: Reset Network Settings (Last Resort but Highly Effective)**
If nothing else works:
1. Turn on printer
2. Press **Power** + **Cancel**
3. Press **Network Reset** option from the maintenance menu
4. Reconnect Wi-Fi
This resets ALL network configurations.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **SECTION 9: Prevent Brother MFC-J1205W From Going Offline Again**
Follow these tips to avoid future issues:
### **1. Keep printer close to router**
At least within 10–20 feet.
### **2. Avoid metal objects or thick walls**
They disrupt signals.
### **3. Keep printer firmware updated**
Use Brother support app.
### **4. Assign static IP address (recommended)**
Prevents random disconnects.
### **5. Update Windows/Mac OS regularly**
Fixes driver bugs.
### **6. Do not overload the print queue**
Cancel unnecessary jobs.
### **7. Restart printer weekly**
Prevents sleep mode bugs.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **SECTION 10: When to Contact Support?**
If your Brother MFC-J1205W is STILL offline after all troubleshooting, the issue may be due to:
* Hardware Wi-Fi module failure
* Internal system error
* Severe firmware corruption
* Router incompatible settings
* Persistent spooler crashes
* Driver installation error
In that case, contact certified printer experts at:
# **☎ Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
Experts can help with:
✔ Remote Wi-Fi Setup
✔ Advanced Driver Repair
✔ Firmware Troubleshooting
✔ Network Configuration
✔ Offline/Unresponsive Printer
✔ Computer–Printer Communication Errors
Available 24/7.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Conclusion**
The **Brother MFC-J1205W Printer Offline** issue is usually caused by network glitches, incorrect settings, outdated drivers, or spooler errors. By following the step-by-step methods above, you can easily restore the printer back online.
If you still face issues or want expert assistance, call:
📞 **Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
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