Brother printers are trusted worldwide for their print, copy, and scan functionalities. However, it’s frustrating when the scanner suddenly stops working — especially when you need to digitize important documents. If your Brother printer won’t scan  ☎+1-(888)-966-6097, don’t worry. This guide will explain common causes and offer step-by-step fixes to get your scanner working again.

Why Is My Brother Printer Not Scanning?

Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand what might be causing the issue. A Brother printer may refuse to scan due to several reasons:

1. Connection Issues
2. If your printer isn’t properly connected to your computer or network, scanning functions won’t work.
3. Outdated or Corrupt Scanner Drivers
4. Scanner drivers are essential for communication between your printer and computer. If they’re outdated or corrupted, scanning will fail.
5. Scanner Not Set as Default or Recognized
6. If your computer can’t detect the Brother scanner, scan attempts will fail.
7. Firewall or Antivirus Blocking Connection
8. Overprotective firewalls or antivirus programs can block the scanner’s connection.
9. Incorrect Scan Settings
10. Wrong configuration in scanning software or settings can stop scans from completing.
11. Print and Scan Service Issues (Windows)
12. The Windows Print Spooler or other services might be malfunctioning, affecting scan operations.
13. Internal Errors or Hardware Problems
14. Occasionally, physical scanner issues like a stuck lid or hardware failure can cause problems.

How to Fix a Brother Printer That Won’t Scan

Let’s go through reliable, easy-to-follow troubleshooting steps:

1. Check the Printer Connection

For USB-connected printers:

• Make sure the USB cable is securely plugged into both the printer and the computer.
• Try using a different USB port or cable.

For Wi-Fi printers:

• Ensure both the printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Print a Network Configuration Report from the printer’s menu to verify its connection status.
• Restart your Wi-Fi router, computer, and printer.

For Ethernet-connected printers:

• Confirm the Ethernet cable is properly connected and functional.
• Test with another device or cable if necessary.

2. Update or Reinstall Scanner Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of scanning problems.

To update Brother scanner drivers:

• Visit the official Brother Support Website.
• Download the latest scanner and printer drivers for your model and operating system.
• Uninstall any existing Brother drivers on your computer.
• Restart your computer and install the latest drivers you downloaded.

3. Verify Scanner Recognition on Computer

If your computer doesn’t detect the scanner, it won’t work.

On Windows:

• Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
• Check if your Brother printer/scanner is listed.
• If not, reconnect or reinstall the driver.

On Mac:

• Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
• Ensure your Brother device appears in the list.
• If missing, click the + button and add it again.

4. Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Security software can sometimes block scanner connections.

• Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus program.
• Try scanning again.
• If it works, adjust the security settings to allow your Brother scanner.

Note: Don’t leave your computer unprotected. Turn security programs back on after testing.

5. Restart Windows Print Spooler and Scan Services

On Windows systems, the Print Spooler and related services manage both print and scan tasks.

To restart services:

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
• Locate Print Spooler and Windows Image Acquisition (WIA).
• Right-click each one and select Restart.

Then, try scanning again.

6. Use Brother iPrint&Scan App

Brother provides its own scanning software called iPrint&Scan for easy scanning.

• Download Brother iPrint&Scan from Brother’s website or the Microsoft Store (Windows) or Mac App Store.
• Open the app and select Scan.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your documents.

This method often bypasses issues caused by system settings.

7. Check Scanner Settings

Incorrect settings can prevent scans from completing.

• Open your scanner software (like Windows Fax and Scan or Brother’s iPrint&Scan).
• Check file format, destination folder, resolution, and color settings.
• Set them to appropriate values and try scanning again.

8. Power Cycle the Printer and Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart fixes scanning issues.

• Turn off your Brother printer and computer.
• Unplug them from the power source.
• Wait 1–2 minutes.
• Plug them back in, turn them on, and test the scanner.

9. Check for Hardware Issues

Ensure no physical obstruction is preventing the scanner lid from closing or the scanner lamp from moving.

• Inspect for dirt or dust inside the scanner bed.
• Clean the scanner glass with a lint-free cloth.
• Test scanning a single-page document.

If the issue persists, hardware repair might be required.

When to Contact Brother Support

If you’ve tried all the above steps and your Brother printer still won’t scan, there could be a serious internal hardware problem. In that case:

• Contact Brother customer support.
• Provide your printer model and a detailed explanation of the issue.
• Visit a certified service center for professional inspection.

Conclusion

A Brother printer won’t scan  ☎+1-(888)-966-6097 is a common but solvable issue. Most problems arise from connection errors, outdated drivers, software conflicts, or incorrect settings. By following this troubleshooting guide — checking connections, updating drivers, adjusting scanner settings, and restarting services — you can quickly get your scanner working again.

For persistent issues, Brother’s customer support and service centers are always available to help. Regular maintenance, driver updates, and keeping your device clean can also prevent future scanning problems.