# 1-866-203-7571 Brother MFC J985DW not Printing [Fixed]

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

The **Brother MFC-J985DW** is known for its excellent print quality, low-cost ink system, and reliability. But even the best printers experience issues from time to time—and one of the most frustrating problems users face is when the **Brother MFC-J985DW stops printing** entirely. Whether your device is connected via Wi-Fi, USB, or network, the “not printing” issue usually results from incorrect settings, driver issues, ink problems, or firmware errors.

This comprehensive 3000-word guide walks you through every possible reason and solution for the **Brother MFC-J985DW not printing** problem. You will also learn advanced troubleshooting steps, preventive care, and expert methods to restore your printer to perfect working condition.

If you want immediate expert support, you can always call **Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

# **1. Why Is Brother MFC-J985DW Not Printing? (Common Causes)**

Before jumping into advanced solutions, it is important to understand why the printing issue occurs. Here are the most common causes:

### **1.1 Printer Shows Online but Does Not Print**

* Print queue jammed
* Incorrect default printer
* Pending or stuck print jobs
* Outdated driver
* Communication failure

### **1.2 Wi-Fi Printing Issues**

* Weak wireless signal
* Printer not connected to the same network
* Incorrect Wi-Fi password
* Router settings blocking the device
* IP address conflict

### **1.3 Hardware-Related Problems**

* Low ink levels
* Clogged printhead
* Jammed paper
* Faulty cartridges
* Dirty encoder strip

### **1.4 Software & System Causes**

* Windows or macOS update breaking driver
* Malware or firewall blocking the printer
* Corrupted firmware
* Incorrect printer configuration

Understanding these root causes allows you to apply the right fix quickly.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

# **2. Quick Fixes for Brother MFC-J985DW Not Printing**

Before diving into deep troubleshooting, try these simple solutions:

### **2.1 Restart the Printer**

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Disconnect power for 1–2 minutes.
3. Reconnect and power it on.

This clears temporary firmware glitches.

### **2.2 Restart Your Computer or Mobile Device**

A simple restart often resolves driver and spooler errors.

### **2.3 Check All Cables & Wireless Connections**

* Ensure USB cables are secure (if using USB).
* Check Wi-Fi on the printer’s display.
* Look for signal strength bars.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

# **3. Check Printer Status (Is the MFC-J985DW Set as Default?)**

On Windows, printers sometimes get “redirected” or replaced after updates.

### **How to Set as Default (Windows):**

1. Go to **Control Panel** → **Devices & Printers**.
2. Find **Brother MFC-J985DW**.
3. Right-click → **Set as Default Printer**.
4. Make sure it does NOT say **Offline**.

### **On Mac:**

1. Go to **System Preferences** → **Printers & Scanners**.
2. Select **Brother MFC-J985DW**.
3. Check that it is set as **Default Printer**.

If the printer is not selected as default, your system may send print jobs elsewhere.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

# **4. Clear the Print Queue (Fixes Most “Not Printing” Errors)**

A stuck print queue will prevent new jobs from printing.

### **Windows Steps:**

1. Open **Run** (Windows + R).
2. Type: **services.msc**
3. Find **Print Spooler** → Right-click → **Restart**.
4. Go to **C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS**.
5. Delete all files.

### **macOS Steps:**

1. Go to **System Preferences** → **Printers & Scanners**.
2. Select your printer → **Open Print Queue**.
3. Delete all pending jobs.

Restart your printer and computer afterward.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

# **5. Fix Wi-Fi Connection Issues on Brother MFC-J985DW**

Wireless issues are one of the top causes for “not printing” problems.

### **5.1 Verify Wi-Fi Connection on Printer**

On the printer’s display, go to:
**Menu → Network → WLAN → Status**

Check for:

* SSID connected
* Excellent or good signal
* Correct network name

If not connected:

### **5.2 Reconnect Wi-Fi Manually**

1. Go to **Menu → Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard**.
2. Select your Wi-Fi network.
3. Enter password carefully.

### **5.3 Restart Wi-Fi Router**

* Turn off router for 1 minute.
* Restart and try printing again.

### **5.4 Fix IP Address Conflicts**

Assign a **static IP** to the printer:

1. Open the printer’s web interface (type printer’s IP in browser).
2. Go to **Network** → **TCP/IP** settings.
3. Enable **Static IP**.

This prevents random disconnections.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

# **6. Update or Reinstall Brother MFC-J985DW Drivers**

Drivers are often the cause of printing failure, especially after OS updates.

### **6.1 Update Driver**

On Windows:

* Go to **Device Manager**
* Expand **Printers**
* Right-click **Brother MFC-J985DW**
* Click **Update Driver**

On Mac:

* macOS automatically updates printer drivers via system updates.

### **6.2 Reinstall Printer Driver (Complete Fix)**

1. Remove the printer from your system.
2. Download the latest driver from Brother’s support page.
3. Install fresh and reconnect the printer.

Reinstallation resolves nearly all driver corruption issues.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

# **7. Fix Ink & Printhead Issues (The Most Overlooked Cause)**

The MFC-J985DW uses the Brother INKvestment cartridges. If there’s an issue with ink delivery, the printer will refuse to print.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

## **7.1 Check for Empty or Low Ink Levels**

On the printer screen:
**Ink → Ink Volume**

If any cartridge is empty, the printer will stop printing immediately.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

## **7.2 Perform Printhead Cleaning**

Clogged nozzles stop ink from reaching the page.

### **Steps:**

1. Press **Ink**.
2. Select **Cleaning**.
3. Choose color or **All**.
4. Run print test.

Repeat up to **4 times**, but no more (to avoid wasting ink).

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

## **7.3 Print Nozzle Check Pattern**

Go to:
**Ink → Test Print → Print Quality**

If the pattern shows missing lines, the printhead still needs cleaning.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

## **7.4 Do a “Deep Cleaning” Mode**

If regular cleaning does not work:

**Ink → Cleaning → Heavy Cleaning**

This uses more ink but unclogs deeper blockages.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

## **7.5 Reseat Ink Cartridges**

Sometimes the cartridges lose electrical contact.

Remove and reinsert each cartridge:

1. Lift scanner cover.
2. Remove cartridge gently.
3. Reinstall firmly until you hear a click.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

## **7.6 Use Genuine Brother Ink Only**

Non-genuine ink causes:

* Printhead blockage
* Faded prints
* Ink detection errors
* Error messages like “Cannot Detect Ink”

Brother strongly recommends OEM cartridges.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

# **8. Fix Paper Jam That Causes Printing Failure**

Paper jams often prevent the printer from printing even if no jam message appears.

### **Steps:**

1. Open back cover.
2. Remove any stuck paper.
3. Open front cover and check roller area.
4. Check scanner area (under lid).
5. Remove all bits of torn paper.

Restart the printer afterward.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

# **9. Fix “Offline” or “Paused” Printer Status**

If the printer is offline, it will not print regardless of connection.

### **Windows Fix:**

1. Go to **Devices & Printers**.
2. Right-click Brother MFC-J985DW.
3. Uncheck **Use Printer Offline**.
4. Uncheck **Pause Printing**.

### **Mac Fix:**

* Go to **Print Queue** and resume printing.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

# **10. Fix Brother MFC-J985DW Not Printing From Mobile Devices**

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

## **10.1 iPhone / iPad (AirPrint) Issues**

AirPrint requires the device and printer to be on the same Wi-Fi network.

### **Fix:**

* Restart iPhone
* Restart printer
* Check Wi-Fi connection
* Disable VPN
* Reinstall Brother iPrint&Scan app

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

## **10.2 Android Printing Issues**

Try the following:

* Clear cache of **Brother iPrint&Scan**
* Disable VPN
* Update the Brother Print Service Plugin
* Ensure Wi-Fi Direct is off if using Wi-Fi network

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

# **11. Firmware Update (Fixes Bugs & Printing Errors)**

Outdated firmware is a major cause of printing failure.

### **Update Firmware:**

1. Go to **Menu → Ink → Firmware Update**.
2. Ensure Wi-Fi is connected.
3. Follow on-screen instructions.

Once updated, restart your printer.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

# **12. Fix Spooler Service Errors (Windows Only)**

The print spooler is responsible for sending jobs to the printer.

### **Manually Restart Print Spooler:**

1. Press **Windows + R**.
2. Type: **services.msc**
3. Find **Print Spooler**.
4. Right-click → **Restart**.

If spooler refuses to run:

* Corrupted driver
* Malware
* System conflict

Reinstalling the Brother driver usually resolves this.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

# **13. Factory Reset Brother MFC-J985DW (Last Resort)**

If nothing else works:

### **Factory Reset Steps:**

1. Press **Menu**.
2. Scroll to **Initial Setup**.
3. Choose **Reset**.
4. Select **Machine Reset**.
5. Confirm reset.

After resetting:

* Reconnect to Wi-Fi
* Reinstall drivers
* Reconfigure settings

This fixes software corruption.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

# **14. Advanced Troubleshooting (Expert Level Fixes)**

If your printer still won’t print, try these deeper fixes.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

## **14.1 Disable Firewall Blocking Printing**

Certain firewalls block printer communication.

### **Fix:**

* Go to Security Software
* Disable firewall temporarily
* Try printing
* Add printer exception

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

## **14.2 Fix Port Settings**

Wrong port selection causes printing failure.

### **Windows Steps:**

1. Go to **Devices & Printers**.
2. Right-click printer → **Printer Properties**.
3. Select **Ports** tab.
4. Ensure **WSD** or the correct **TCP/IP port** is selected.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

## **14.3 Reinstall Brother Utilities**

Brother utilities manage scanning and printing.

Download & reinstall:

* Brother iPrint&Scan
* Brother Utilities
* Brother ControlCenter4

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

## **14.4 Fix DNS Issues (Network Printing)**

Sometimes DNS failures interrupt printing.

### **Set Google DNS:**

Use the printer’s web interface → Set DNS to:

* Primary: **8.8.8.8**
* Secondary: **8.8.4.4**

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

# **15. Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Printing Problems**

### **Do This Weekly:**

* Print at least one color page
* Check ink levels
* Inspect Wi-Fi signal

### **Do This Monthly:**

* Clean rollers
* Update firmware
* Check for dust buildup

### **Avoid These Mistakes:**

* Using cheap 3rd-party ink
* Leaving printer unused for weeks
* Allowing dust and humidity to accumulate

Proper care ensures long printer life.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

# **16. When to Call a Printer Expert?**

If your Brother MFC-J985DW still does not print after trying all troubleshooting steps, you may need advanced diagnostics.

Situations requiring expert assistance:

* Severe printhead failure
* Printer not responding at all
* Firmware corruption
* Internal hardware damage
* Network configuration conflict
* Repeated paper jams

At this point, expert help is recommended.

📞 **Call Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
Available 24/7 for instant assistance.

**Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**

# **17. Conclusion**

The **Brother MFC-J985DW Not Printing** problem is usually caused by:

* Driver issues
* Wi-Fi problems
* Print spooler errors
* Clogged printhead
* Wrong printer settings
* Stuck print queue
* Firmware glitches

This detailed guide provided every possible troubleshooting method—from basic fixes to advanced network and driver solutions. After following the step-by-step instructions, your Brother MFC-J985DW should be printing smoothly again.

If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to get professional help.

📞 **Brother Printer Support Helpline:** **1-866-203-7571**