FAQs & Troubleshooting

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HL-2170W

FAQs & Troubleshooting

FAQs & Troubleshooting

Date: 12/05/2023 ID: faq00002656_004

I cannot print from my computer via network. (For Macintosh)

Follow the steps below to resolve this issue.

 

NOTE: Illustrations shown below are from a representative product and operating system, and may differ from your Brother machine and operating system.

 

STEP A: Verify the Brother machine is powered on and there are no errors

  1. If the machine's display (hereinafter called LCD) is blank, then the Brother machine is not powered on or is in sleep mode. Press a button on the machine to see if it wakes from sleep mode. If it does not, then verify that it is plugged into a working outlet and any power switches are turned to the ON position.

    NOTE: If you are unable to power on the machine, this solution does not apply. Troubleshoot this hardware issue.
     
  2. Check the LCD screen for any error messages. An example would be "Paper Jam" or "Ink/Toner Empty". If the LCD screen shows an error that will prevent printing, troubleshoot to clear the particular issue before you continue troubleshooting the PC printing.

 

STEP B: Verify the connection between your Brother machine and your computer

Follow the instructions that apply to your connection type.

(For Wireless Network)

Make sure that there are no issues with the connection of your Brother machine to the wireless network.

> Click here to see how to resolve this issue. (I cannot connect my machine to the wireless network.)

If the issue continues, go to STEP C.

 

(For Wired Network)

  1. Turn off your Brother machine. Wait a few seconds, then turn it on again.
    Wait at least three minutes for the machine to join the network.
    If the issue continues, go to STEP 2.
     
  2. Check the following points:
    • Verify that the network cable and the power cord of the Brother machine are securely connected. If the power cord is connected to a surge protector or power switch, remove the cord from the device and connect it directly to the outlet.
       
    • Verify that the Brother machine and your computer are connected in a Peer-to-Peer environment. There is no central server controlling file access or printer sharing.

      Peer-to-Peer
    • Verify that the Link light of the router or the hub is ON.
    If you make any adjustments to the configuration, try restarting your computer. And then make sure that you can print.
    If you can print correctly, the issue is resolved.

    If the issue continues, go to STEP C.

 

STEP C: Verify the IP Address

Verify that both the IP addresses of your computer and the Brother machine are correct and located in the same segmentation following the instructions below:

I: How to check the IP address of your computer

 

(macOS 13 or later)

  1. Click the Apple Menu and select System Settings > Network.
     
  2. Select Wi-Fi with the word "Connected" underneath. If this is not the case, consult your Network Administrator.
     
  3. Click Details.
     
  4. Click TCP/IP and check the IP Address and Subnet Mask.
     
  5. Check the IP address of your Brother machine, go to STEP C-II.

Please make sure that the Subnet Mask is "255.255.255.0".
If your Subnet Mask is different, please consult a network administrator to resolve the issue. (This FAQ is not applicable for your network environment.)
If your Subnet Mask is 255.255.255.0, continue to the instructions below.

 

(macOS 12 or earlier)

  1. Click the Apple Menu and select System Preferences > Network > Advanced.
     
  2. Click TCP/IP and check the IPv4 Address and Subnet Mask.

Please make sure that the Subnet Mask is "255.255.255.0".
If your Subnet Mask is different, please consult a network administrator to resolve the issue. (This FAQ is not applicable for your network environment.)
If your Subnet Mask is 255.255.255.0, continue to the instructions below.

 

II: How to check the IP address of your Brother machine

If your Brother machine was purchased Network Ready, then the IP address can be determined via the control panel of the Brother machine or by printing a Report Page which is called the User Settings list or Network Configuration (Network Config) list. For more information on how to find the IP address on the control panel of the machine or print a Report Page, refer to the Online User's Guide, User's Guide or Network User's Guide for your machine.

> The latest Online User's Guide, User's Guide or Network User's Guide are available in the Manuals section.

 
III: How to verify that both the IP addresses of your computer and the Brother machine are correct and located in the same segmentation.

III-1: Make sure all the following points from a to c are applicable for both the IP addresses of your computer and your Brother machine.

 

  1. The addresses (bold texts) are the same as below:

    PC IP address: 192.168.1.2
    Brother machine IP address: 192.168.1.199
  2. The end addresses are different and the address is within 2-254.
  3. The addresses are unique among all connected devices in your network environment.

 

III-2: Check the chart listed below.

If both IP addresses are following all the above points, check Case A
If either IP address is not following one of the above points, check Case B.
 

You can check the Boot Method or IP Config listed in the User Settings or Network Configuration list.

 

Case A: IP addresses are correct

Case B: IP addresses are incorrect

Boot Method or IP Config : Auto

Boot Method or IP Config: Static

Boot Method or IP Config : Auto

Boot Method or IP Config : Static

Reset all network settings of your Brother machine. Reset all network settings of your Brother machine and reset the IP address manually. Reset all network settings of your Brother machine.
If the IP address is still incorrect, set the IP address manually. (This changes Boot Method or IP Config to "Static".)
Reset the IP address manually.

 

  • To see how to reset the network settings of the Brother machine, refer to the Related FAQs at the end of this page.
    You can also check the instructions in the Network User's Guide. (The latest Network User's Guide is available in the Manuals section.)
  • Before resetting, make sure the machine is not operating, then disconnect all the cables from the machine (except power cable).

STEP D: Make sure your router allows communication on the network via Bonjour.

Does the router support Bonjour communication?
The router may be set to block Bonjour communication. Refer to the support documentation for your router and check the router settings.
If you don’t know whether the router supports Bonjour or the method for changing the settings, contact the router manufacturer.

STEP E: Restart the router or hub

Try restarting the router or hub.

If the issue continues, go to STEP F.
 

 

STEP F: Uninstall and reinstall the Brother drivers

  1. Uninstall the Brother driver. (Click here to see how to uninstall the driver.)
     
  2. Download the latest printer driver and re-install it. The installation instructions are available on the download page.
    > Click here to download the Printer Driver in the Downloads section.

(For compatible models for macOS 11 or later)
If you do not find the Printer Driver, we recommend using AirPrint.
If you want to see how to add your Brother machine with AirPrint, see the Related FAQs at the end of the page.

If your machine does not support AirPrint, you will not find any AirPrint FAQ in the Related FAQs. Download Brother iPrint&Scan from the App Store.

 

Related FAQs

Related Models

HL-1210W, HL-1212W, HL-2135W, HL-2170W, HL-2270DW, HL-3070CW, HL-5370DW

If you need further assistance, please contact Brother customer service:

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