Brother Printer Not Copying – How to Fix It

If your Brother printer is not copying, the issue may be related to scanner malfunctions, internal settings, hardware problems, or power interruptions. Follow the steps below to identify and fix the problem.

Check Power and Display Panel

1. Ensure the printer is powered on and the display panel is working properly.
2. If the screen is frozen or blank, unplug the printer for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and restart.

Check for Error Messages

1. Look for any error codes or warning messages on the printer screen.
2. Follow on-screen instructions if errors are displayed, such as “Paper Jam” or “Ink/Toner Empty”.

Confirm Scanner Lid Is Properly Closed

1. Make sure the scanner lid is completely shut and flat against the glass.
2. Loose or tilted lids can interfere with the scanning and copying process.

Use the Correct Copy Settings

1. Press the Copy button on the printer panel.
2. Adjust the settings for number of copies, contrast, paper size, or enlargement/reduction if needed.
3. Try copying a simple document (black-and-white, letter size) to test basic function.

Clean the Scanner Glass

1. Lift the scanner lid and check the glass surface for smudges or dust.
2. Wipe the glass gently with a lint-free cloth and glass cleaner.
3. Dry completely before copying again.

Test Copy with Both Flatbed and ADF

Using Flatbed

1. Place a single page face down on the scanner glass.
2. Press Start > Copy and observe the output.

Using ADF (Automatic Document Feeder)

1. Insert pages face up in the ADF tray.
2. Make sure the paper guides are adjusted.
3. Start a copy job and watch for any feeding issues.

Check Ink or Toner Levels

1. On the printer’s control panel, navigate to Ink/Toner Status.
2. If any cartridges are empty or low, replace them before attempting another copy.
3. Faded or blank copies are often caused by low supplies.

Perform a Copy Test Page

1. Go to Maintenance > Print Settings > Print Test Page on the printer.
2. This confirms whether the printer hardware can print correctly outside of the copy function.

Reset Copy Settings

1. If you have adjusted copy settings previously, they may be interfering with normal use.
2. Navigate to Copy > Settings > Restore Default Settings on the printer control panel.

Update Printer Firmware

1. Visit the Brother Support website.
2. Download the Firmware Update Tool for your specific model.
3. Connect the printer to your computer via USB and follow on-screen instructions.

Try a Factory Reset (if copying still fails)

1. Open the menu and go to Initial Setup > Reset > All Settings.
2. Confirm the reset and wait for the printer to restart.
3. Reconfigure your printer and try copying again.

If the Brother printer still will not copy, even after a reset and cleaning, the issue could be hardware-related and may require service from an authorized Brother technician.