If your Brother HL-L2350DW printer is not printing, it can be due to several issues ranging from hardware problems to software or connectivity issues. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem.
Step 1: Check Printer and Power Connections
- Verify Power Status: Ensure that the printer is turned on. Check that the power light is illuminated. If not, press the power button to turn it on. If the printer does not power on, check the power cord and connections.
- Check Paper and Ink/Toner: Ensure there is paper loaded in the tray and that the toner cartridge is installed correctly. Open the printer’s front cover and make sure the toner cartridge is seated properly and that there is enough toner.
Step 2: Verify Printer Status and Error Messages
- Check for Error Lights or Messages: Look at the printer’s display panel for any error messages or warning lights. Common issues might include paper jams, low toner, or other alerts.
- Clear Paper Jams: If there is a paper jam, carefully remove the jammed paper. Follow the printer’s manual for proper paper jam removal procedures.
Step 3: Confirm Printer Connectivity
- Wired Connection:
- Check Cable Connections: Ensure that the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and the computer. Try using a different USB port on your computer or a different USB cable if available.
- Restart Devices: Turn off both the printer and your computer, then turn them back on to refresh the connection.
- Wireless Connection:
- Verify Network Connection: Ensure that the printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network. You can print a network configuration report from the printer’s control panel to check its network status.
- Reconnect to Wi-Fi: If the printer is not connected to Wi-Fi, access the printer’s network settings from the control panel and reconnect it to your wireless network.
Step 4: Set the Printer as Default
- Windows Users:
- Go to “Control Panel” > “Devices and Printers.”
- Find your Brother HL-L2350DW printer in the list. Right-click on the printer icon and select “Set as default printer.”
- Mac Users:
- Go to “System Preferences” > “Printers & Scanners.”
- Select your Brother printer from the list and click on “Default Printer” to ensure it is set as the default.
Step 5: Check Print Queue and Printer Status
- Open Print Queue:
- Windows: Go to “Control Panel” > “Devices and Printers,” right-click on the Brother HL-L2350DW printer, and select “See what’s printing.” Ensure that no print jobs are stuck in the queue.
- Mac: Go to “System Preferences” > “Printers & Scanners,” select your Brother printer, and click “Open Print Queue.” Cancel any pending print jobs if necessary.
- Ensure Printer is Online:
- In the print queue window, click on “Printer” and ensure “Use Printer Offline” is not checked. If it is, uncheck it.
Step 6: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
- Update Drivers:
- Visit the official Brother website.
- Navigate to the “Support” section and enter your HL-L2350DW model.
- Download and install the latest drivers compatible with your operating system.
- Reinstall Drivers:
- Windows: Go to “Control Panel” > “Devices and Printers,” right-click your Brother printer, and select “Remove device.” Restart your computer, then reinstall the printer using the downloaded drivers.
- Mac: Go to “System Preferences” > “Printers & Scanners,” select your printer, and click the “-” button to remove it. Re-add the printer using the “+” button and follow the prompts to reinstall it.
Step 7: Check Printer Settings and Preferences
- Printer Settings:
- Windows: Right-click the Brother printer icon in “Devices and Printers,” select “Printer Properties,” and check settings under the “General” and “Advanced” tabs.
- Mac: In “Printers & Scanners,” select your printer and check the settings to ensure everything is configured correctly.
- Print a Test Page:
- Windows: In “Printer Properties,” go to the “General” tab and click “Print Test Page.”
- Mac: In “Printers & Scanners,” select your printer and click “Open Print Queue.” Use the “Printer” menu to print a test page.
Step 8: Perform a Printer Reset
- Reset Printer:
- Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source. Wait for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on.
- Check if the printer starts functioning correctly after the reset.
Step 9: Check for Firmware Updates
- Firmware Updates:
- Visit the Brother website and check for any available firmware updates for the HL-L2350DW.
- Download and install the latest firmware according to the provided instructions.
Step 10: Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps above and your Brother HL-L2350DW is still not printing, there may be a more serious hardware issue. In this case:
- Contact Brother Support: Reach out to Brother customer support for assistance.
- Professional Repair: Consider taking the printer to an authorized service center for professional diagnosis and repair.
Conclusion
By systematically following these troubleshooting steps, you can resolve most issues that cause a Brother HL-L2350DW printer to stop printing. From checking basic connections and settings to updating drivers and performing resets, each step helps address common problems that may be preventing your printer from functioning correctly.