# 1-866-203-7571 What to do When Brother Printer is in Error State?
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
Brother printers are widely used in homes, schools, and offices due to their reliability, performance, and affordability. However, like any electronic device, Brother printers are not immune to technical issues. One of the most common and frustrating problems users face is the **“Brother Printer is in Error State”** message.
When this error appears, printing tasks come to a halt, documents get stuck in the queue, and productivity is affected. Many users are unsure what the error means or how to fix it properly. The good news is that this issue can usually be resolved by following a series of structured troubleshooting steps.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain **what the Brother printer error state means**, **why it occurs**, and **what to do when a Brother printer is in an error state**. Whether you’re using Windows or macOS, a wired or wireless Brother printer, this article will walk you through all possible solutions step by step.
If at any point you need professional assistance, you can also contact **Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571** for expert help.
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## Understanding the “Brother Printer in Error State” Message
The “Printer is in Error State” message usually appears on your computer, not on the printer screen itself. It indicates that your operating system cannot communicate properly with the Brother printer due to a hardware, software, or connectivity issue.
This error is not linked to one single cause. Instead, it acts as a **generic warning** that something is preventing the printer from functioning correctly.
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## Common Reasons Why a Brother Printer Goes into Error State
Before fixing the issue, it’s important to understand what may have triggered it. Below are the most common reasons:
### 1. Loose or Faulty Connections
* USB cable not connected properly
* Damaged or incompatible USB cable
* Network cable unplugged
### 2. Wireless Connectivity Issues
* Printer disconnected from Wi-Fi
* Weak network signal
* Router issues
### 3. Paper Jam or Obstruction
* Paper stuck inside the printer
* Torn paper fragments blocking sensors
### 4. Low Ink or Toner
* Empty toner cartridge
* Incorrectly installed cartridge
### 5. Printer Driver Problems
* Outdated printer drivers
* Corrupted driver files
* Incompatible driver version
### 6. Printer Set as Offline
* Printer manually set to offline mode
* Windows communication issue
### 7. Print Spooler Errors
* Print jobs stuck in the queue
* Spooler service not responding
### 8. Hardware or Sensor Issues
* Faulty paper tray sensor
* Internal hardware malfunction
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## Initial Checks Before Troubleshooting
Before diving into advanced steps, start with these quick checks:
* Ensure the printer is **powered ON**
* Check the printer display for any error message
* Remove all pending print jobs
* Restart your printer and computer
* Verify that the printer has paper and toner
Often, these simple steps alone can clear the error state.
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## Solution 1: Check All Physical Connections
### For USB-Connected Brother Printers:
1. Turn off the printer
2. Disconnect the USB cable from both ends
3. Reconnect the cable securely
4. Try using a different USB port
5. Replace the cable if necessary
6. Turn the printer back on
### For Network Printers:
* Ensure the Ethernet cable is plugged in securely
* Check router indicator lights
* Restart the router if needed
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## Solution 2: Remove Paper Jams Properly
Paper jams are one of the most common reasons a Brother printer enters an error state.
### Steps to Remove Paper Jam:
1. Turn off the printer and unplug it
2. Open the front and rear covers
3. Gently pull out any stuck paper
4. Check for small torn pieces
5. Close all covers securely
6. Turn the printer back on
⚠️ **Important:** Never pull paper forcefully, as it can damage internal components.
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## Solution 3: Check Ink or Toner Cartridge Status
If your Brother printer is low on ink or toner, it may display an error state.
### What to Do:
* Open the printer cover
* Remove the cartridge
* Reinstall it correctly
* Replace empty cartridges with genuine Brother supplies
* Reset toner counter if needed (model-specific)
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## Solution 4: Restart the Print Spooler Service (Windows)
A stuck print spooler can cause the printer to go into an error state.
### Steps:
1. Press **Windows + R**
2. Type `services.msc` and press Enter
3. Locate **Print Spooler**
4. Right-click and select **Restart**
5. Close the window and try printing again
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## Solution 5: Set Brother Printer as Default and Online
Sometimes the printer is simply set to offline mode.
### Steps:
1. Open **Control Panel**
2. Go to **Devices and Printers**
3. Right-click your Brother printer
4. Select **Set as Default Printer**
5. Click **See what’s printing**
6. Uncheck **Use Printer Offline**
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## Solution 6: Update or Reinstall Brother Printer Drivers
Corrupted or outdated drivers are a major cause of error state problems.
### Steps to Update Drivers:
1. Visit the official Brother support website
2. Enter your printer model
3. Download the latest driver for your OS
4. Install and restart your system
### To Reinstall Drivers:
* Uninstall existing drivers
* Restart your computer
* Install fresh drivers
If you’re unsure which driver to install, call **1-866-203-7571** for guided assistance.
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## Solution 7: Check Printer Status from Brother Control Panel
Brother printers often display helpful error codes or warnings on their LCD screen.
Look for messages like:
* “Paper Jam”
* “Replace Toner”
* “Cover Open”
* “Drum Error”
Resolving these specific messages will usually remove the error state.
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## Solution 8: Power Reset the Brother Printer
A power reset can clear temporary memory issues.
### Steps:
1. Turn off the printer
2. Unplug the power cord
3. Wait 5–10 minutes
4. Plug the printer back in
5. Turn it on
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## Solution 9: Check Network Settings (Wireless Printers)
Wireless Brother printers may go into error state if they lose network connectivity.
### What to Check:
* Wi-Fi signal strength
* Correct SSID connection
* IP address conflict
* Firewall or antivirus blocking printer communication
You may need to reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi using a setup wizard.
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## Solution 10: Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily
Some security software blocks printer communication.
* Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall
* Try printing
* If successful, add printer as an exception
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## Solution 11: Update Operating System
Outdated OS versions can conflict with printer drivers.
* Update Windows or macOS
* Restart system
* Test printer again
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## When to Contact Brother Printer Support
If none of the above steps work, the error may be due to:
* Internal hardware failure
* Faulty sensors
* Logic board issues
In such cases, professional help is recommended.
📞 **Call Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571** to get:
* Expert troubleshooting
* Step-by-step guidance
* Remote assistance
* Quick resolution
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## Preventing Brother Printer Error State in the Future
Here are some best practices to avoid recurring issues:
* Keep printer drivers updated
* Use genuine Brother ink/toner
* Clean printer regularly
* Avoid overloading paper trays
* Keep firmware up to date
* Ensure stable network connectivity
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
### Why does my Brother printer keep going into error state?
This usually happens due to connectivity issues, driver problems, paper jams, or low toner.
### Can restarting fix the error state?
Yes, a restart often clears temporary errors.
### Does reinstalling drivers help?
Absolutely. Driver issues are a leading cause of this problem.
### Should I replace my printer?
Not necessarily. Most error state issues are fixable without replacement.
**Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**
## Conclusion
Seeing your **Brother printer in error state** can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of important work. However, this error is usually easy to resolve by following systematic troubleshooting steps such as checking connections, clearing paper jams, updating drivers, and restarting services.
By carefully following the solutions outlined in this guide, you can restore your Brother printer to normal working condition. If the issue persists or you prefer professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact **Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571** for fast and reliable help.
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