If your Brother MFC-J1010DW not printing issue has suddenly interrupted your work, you’re not alone. This compact all-in-one printer is known for its reliability, but like any printer, it can occasionally stop printing due to software glitches, connection problems, outdated drivers, clogged print heads, or incorrect printer settings.

The good news is that most printing problems can be resolved in just a few minutes without professional repair. This guide walks you through the most common causes and step-by-step solutions to get your Brother MFC-J1010DW printing again. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or printing wirelessly from a mobile device, you’ll find practical troubleshooting tips that work.

What You’ll Learn

• Why your Brother MFC-J1010DW is not printing
• How to fix common printing problems
• Solutions for Wi-Fi and USB connection issues
• How to resolve ink and printhead problems
• Driver and software troubleshooting
• Printer reset methods
• Preventive maintenance tips
• Frequently asked questions

Why Is Your Brother MFC-J1010DW Not Printing?

Several factors can prevent your printer from printing correctly. Identifying the root cause is the fastest way to fix the problem.

Some of the most common reasons include:

• Printer is offline
• Empty or low ink cartridges
• Clogged printhead nozzles
• Incorrect default printer settings
• Corrupted print jobs
• Outdated printer drivers
• Weak Wi-Fi connection
• USB cable issues
• Paper jams
• Firmware problems

Before trying advanced troubleshooting, verify that the printer is powered on and displaying no hardware error messages.

Check the Printer Connection First

A connection issue is one of the leading causes of printing failures.

For Wireless Connections

If you’re printing over Wi-Fi:

1. Ensure the printer is connected to the same wireless network as your computer.
2. Restart your Wi-Fi router.
3. Print the Network Configuration Report to verify the IP address.
4. Reconnect the printer if the network has recently changed.

Wireless interference from thick walls or multiple connected devices may also interrupt communication.

For USB Connections

If you’re using a USB cable:

• Disconnect and reconnect the cable.
• Try another USB port.
• Test with a different USB cable.
• Avoid using USB hubs whenever possible.

A damaged cable can prevent the printer from receiving print jobs.

Make Sure the Brother MFC-J1010DW Is Set as the Default Printer

Sometimes your computer sends documents to another printer.

On Windows

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Bluetooth & Devices.
3. Click Printers & Scanners.
4. Choose Brother MFC-J1010DW.
5. Click Set as Default.

On macOS

1. Open System Settings.
2. Select Printers & Scanners.
3. Choose the Brother printer as the default device.

Sending print jobs to the wrong printer is more common than many users realize.

Clear the Print Queue to Remove Stuck Jobs

A stalled print job can block every document behind it.

Windows

• Open the printer queue.
• Cancel all pending documents.
• Restart the Print Spooler service if necessary.

macOS

• Open the print queue.
• Delete paused or failed jobs.
• Restart the printer.

After clearing the queue, send a single-page test print.

Inspect Ink Cartridges and Print Quality

Low ink levels or clogged nozzles frequently cause printing failures.

Check for:

• Empty cartridges
• Incorrectly installed cartridges
• Protective tape left on new cartridges
• Ink leakage
• Cartridge recognition errors

Run a nozzle check from the printer’s maintenance menu.

If gaps appear in the pattern, perform a print head cleaning.

Avoid running multiple cleaning cycles consecutively, as they consume significant amounts of ink.

Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver

Corrupted or outdated drivers can stop communication between your computer and printer.

To resolve driver issues:

1. Remove the existing printer driver.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Download the latest Brother MFC-J1010DW driver for your operating system.
4. Install the updated software.
5. Restart both the computer and printer.

Driver updates often fix compatibility problems after Windows or macOS updates.

Check for Paper Jams and Paper-Feed Problems

Even a small piece of paper inside the printer can prevent printing.

Inspect:

• Input tray
• Rear access cover
• Output tray
• Paper rollers

Remove jammed paper slowly using both hands to avoid tearing it.

Reload clean, dry paper and ensure the guides fit snugly against the stack.

Restart and Reset the Brother MFC-J1010DW

Restarting the printer clears temporary software errors.

Soft Reset

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Disconnect the power cable.
3. Wait one minute.
4. Reconnect the cable.
5. Turn the printer back on.

If the issue continues, restore the printer’s default network settings and reconnect it to Wi-Fi.

Remember that resetting network settings removes saved wireless credentials.

Update the printer firmware.

Firmware updates improve printer stability and resolve known bugs.

Updating firmware can help fix:

• Random printing failures
• Wireless communication problems
• Mobile printing issues
• Compatibility with newer operating systems

Ensure the printer remains powered on throughout the update process.

Fix Brother MFC-J1010DW Offline Errors

If your computer shows the printer as offline:

• Restart the printer.
• Restart your computer.
• Disable “Use Printer Offline” in printer settings.
• Verify the IP address hasn’t changed.
• Reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi if necessary.

Many offline errors are caused by network interruptions after router restarts.

Print a Test Page to Confirm the Fix

After completing troubleshooting:

1. Open printer settings.
2. Select Print Test Page.
3. Verify:
   • Sharp text
   • Accurate colors
   • No missing lines
   • Proper paper feeding

A successful test page confirms that the printer is communicating correctly.

Prevent Future Printing Problems

Routine maintenance helps reduce unexpected printer issues.

Follow these best practices:

• Print at least once every week.
• Keep firmware updated.
• Use compatible Brother ink cartridges.
• Clean the printhead when needed.
• Store paper in a dry environment.
• Remove completed print jobs promptly.
• Keep the printer free from dust.

Preventive maintenance extends printer life and improves print quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Brother MFC-J1010DW not printing even though it has ink?

Possible causes include clogged printheads, outdated drivers, printer offline status, incorrect default printer settings, or communication problems.

How do I reset my Brother MFC-J1010DW?

Turn off the printer, unplug it for one minute, reconnect the power, and restart it. If needed, reset the network settings from the printer menu.

Why does my Brother printer say it’s printing, but nothing comes out?

This often indicates clogged nozzles, corrupted print jobs, or communication issues between the printer and computer.

Can outdated drivers stop my Brother printer from printing?

Yes. Driver incompatibility is a common reason printers stop working after operating system updates.

How often should I clean the printhead?

Run a nozzle check first. Clean the printhead only when print quality declines or missing lines appear to avoid unnecessary ink consumption.

Conclusion

If your Brother MFC-J1010DW not printing issue is preventing you from getting work done, don’t assume the printer needs replacing. Most printing problems are caused by connection issues, outdated drivers, clogged printheads, paper jams, or incorrect settings. By following the troubleshooting steps in this guide—from checking the printer connection and clearing the print queue to updating firmware and performing maintenance—you can usually restore normal printing quickly. Regular maintenance and software updates will also help prevent future printing issues and keep your Brother MFC-J1010DW operating reliably.