If your Brother printer is not aligned, the issue likely stems from misaligned print heads, incorrect paper settings, or driver issues. This can cause blurry text, lines that don’t match up, or uneven prints. Use the steps below to correct the alignment and restore print quality.
Run Print Head Alignment from the Printer Menu
- On the printer’s control panel, go to Ink > Test Print > Alignment.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to print the alignment page.
- Compare the printed results with the alignment guide and select the best-matching patterns.
- Confirm the changes to complete the alignment.
Use Brother Printer Software to Align Print Head
On Windows
- Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
- Right-click your Brother printer and select Printing Preferences.
- Go to the Maintenance or Tools tab.
- Select Print Head Alignment and follow the prompts.
On macOS
- Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
- Select your Brother printer, then click Options & Supplies > Utility.
- Choose Print Head Alignment and proceed with the instructions.
Ensure Proper Paper Settings
- Check the printer’s control panel under Paper Type and Paper Size.
- Make sure the settings match the actual paper loaded (e.g., A4, Letter).
- Mismatched paper settings can cause misaligned prints.
Check for Obstructions and Paper Feed Issues
- Open the printer and inspect the paper feed path for debris or stuck paper.
- Ensure the paper guides in the tray are snug but not too tight.
- Reload the paper and try printing again.
Clean the Print Head
- On the printer, go to Ink > Cleaning or Maintenance > Print Head Cleaning.
- Select All or the affected color if alignment issues appear only in color prints.
- After cleaning, perform another alignment test.
Update or Reinstall Printer Driver
- Visit the Brother Support website.
- Download the latest driver package for your specific model and operating system.
- Uninstall the current driver, restart your computer, and install the new version.
- Reconfigure your printer settings and check alignment again.
Reset Printer Settings
- Go to Initial Setup > Reset > All Settings on the printer panel.
- Confirm the reset and allow the printer to restart.
- After reset, reload the paper and perform a new alignment process.
Perform a Firmware Update
- Download the Firmware Update Tool from Brother’s website.
- Connect the printer to your computer via USB.
- Run the tool and follow the steps to update the firmware.
- Try realigning the print heads afterward.
If the Brother printer continues to print with poor alignment even after these steps, the issue may be mechanical, and professional servicing might be required.