If your Brother printer scanner not working issue is preventing you from scanning important documents, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common problems Brother printer users experience on Windows and macOS. The good news is that most scanner issues are caused by software settings, outdated drivers, network problems, or incorrect scanner configurations—not hardware failure.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify the root cause, fix common scanning errors, reconnect your Brother scanner, and prevent future problems. Whether you’re using a USB or wireless Brother printer, these troubleshooting steps can help restore scanning functionality quickly.

What You’ll Learn

• Common causes of Brother scanner problems
• How to troubleshoot scanner errors
• Fixes for Windows and Mac
• Wi-Fi and USB scanner troubleshooting
• Driver and software solutions
• Brother iPrint&Scan troubleshooting
• Preventive maintenance tips
• Frequently asked questions

Why Is Your Brother Printer Scanner Not Working?

Several issues can stop a Brother scanner from working correctly.

Common causes include:

• Outdated or corrupted scanner drivers
• Poor Wi-Fi or USB connection
• Scanner service not running
• Incorrect scanner selected
• Firewall blocking communication
• Damaged scanning software
• Windows update conflicts
• Offline printer status

Before attempting advanced fixes, verify that your printer powers on normally and displays no hardware error messages.

Check Basic Hardware Connections First

Many scanning problems are caused by simple connection issues.

Follow these checks:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable if applicable.
4. Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
5. Verify the scanner lid is fully closed.
6. Remove any documents stuck inside the scanner.

If the scanner still doesn’t respond, continue with the software troubleshooting steps.

Restart the Brother Printer and computer.

Restarting clears temporary communication errors.

To perform a proper restart:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Unplug it from power for one minute.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Plug the printer back in.
5. Turn it on and test scanning again.

This simple step often resolves temporary scanner communication failures.

Update or Reinstall Brother Scanner Drivers

Corrupted drivers are one of the leading reasons a Brother printer scanner stops working.

Signs of driver problems include:

• Scanner not detected
• “Scanner unavailable” message
• Scan button not responding
• Scanner missing from Windows

Reinstall the latest Brother printer and scanner drivers for your specific model.

After installation:

• Restart the computer.
• Test scanning using the Brother software.

Keeping drivers updated improves compatibility with Windows updates and macOS releases.

Verify Scanner Settings in Windows

Windows may select another scanner as the default device.

To check:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Bluetooth & devices.
3. Open Printers & Scanners.
4. Choose your Brother printer.
5. Confirm the scanner appears correctly.

If multiple scanners are installed, select the Brother device before scanning.

Fix Brother Printer Scanner Not Working Over Wi-Fi

Wireless scanning depends on a stable network connection.

Check the following:

• Printer and computer connected to the same Wi-Fi
• Strong wireless signal
• Router functioning normally
• No VPN interfering with communication

If needed:

• Reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi.
• Restart the router.
• Assign a static IP address if the connection frequently drops.

Wireless scanning issues are especially common after changing routers or Wi-Fi passwords.

Restart the Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service.

Brother scanners rely on the Windows Image Acquisition service.

To restart it:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type services.msc.
3. Locate Windows Image Acquisition (WIA).
4. Right-click and select Restart.
5. Ensure Startup Type is Automatic.

If WIA is stopped, most scanning applications will fail to detect the scanner.

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Check Brother & Scan Software

Brother iPrint&Scan allows scanning directly from your computer.

If it isn’t working:

• Update the software.
• Remove and reinstall the application.
• Confirm your printer is selected.
• Test with another scanning application.

If another application scans successfully, the issue is likely within the Brother software rather than the scanner itself.

Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Security software may block scanner communication.

Temporarily disable:

• Windows Defender Firewall
• Third-party antivirus
• Network security software

After disabling, test the scanner.

If scanning works, create an exception for the Brother software instead of leaving protection disabled.

Fix Scanner Not Working on macOS

Mac users can also encounter scanning issues after system updates.

Try these steps:

• Remove the Brother printer from System Settings.
• Add it again.
• Install the latest Brother scanner software.
• Reset the printing system if necessary.
• Test scanning using Image Capture.

Many macOS scanning problems are resolved by reinstalling the printer.

Reset the Brother printer.

If none of the previous methods work, resetting the printer may resolve software-related issues.

General steps:

1. Open the printer menu.
2. Navigate to Settings.
3. Choose Initial Setup.
4. Select Reset.
5. Confirm the reset.

After resetting:

• Reconnect Wi-Fi.
• Reinstall the printer if necessary.
• Test the scanner.

Tips to Prevent Brother Scanner Problems

Regular maintenance helps avoid future scanning issues.

Best practices include:

• Update printer drivers regularly.
• Install firmware updates.
• Keep scanning software current.
• Maintain a stable Wi-Fi connection.
• Restart the printer occasionally.
• Avoid disconnecting the printer while scanning.
• Clean the scanner glass monthly.
• Keep Windows and macOS updated.

Preventive maintenance reduces unexpected scanner failures.

Quick Answers

Why is my Brother printer printing but not scanning?

Printing and scanning use different drivers and services. A missing scanner driver, stopped Windows Image Acquisition service, or network issue can prevent scanning while printing continues to work.

How do I get my Brother scanner working again?

Restart the printer and computer, verify connections, reinstall the scanner driver, restart the WIA service, and reconnect the printer to your network if using Wi-Fi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Brother scanner say unavailable?

This usually indicates a communication issue, outdated driver, or disconnected network connection.

Can Windows updates break Brother scanner functionality?

Yes. Some Windows updates may require updated Brother scanner drivers for compatibility.

Why is my Brother scanner not detected?

The scanner may be offline, disconnected, blocked by firewall software, or missing the required drivers.

Does reinstalling the printer fix scanner problems?

Yes. Reinstalling the printer and scanner software often resolves corrupted configuration files.

Should I use USB instead of Wi-Fi?

If wireless scanning frequently disconnects, a USB connection provides a more stable communication method.

Conclusion

If your Brother printer scanner not working issue persists, don’t assume the scanner has failed. Most scanning problems are caused by outdated drivers, network interruptions, incorrect settings, or software conflicts that can be resolved with systematic troubleshooting. By following the fixes in this guide and keeping your Brother software up to date, you can restore reliable scanning performance and reduce the likelihood of future issues.