Troubleshooting

If you think there is a problem with your P-touch, check the chart below and follow the troubleshooting tips.
If you need additional help, the Brother support website offers the latest FAQs and troubleshooting solutions.
Visit us at support.brother.com.

•

Basic Operations

Problem

Solution

After exiting P-touch Editor Lite, how do I restart the program while the P-touch is still on?

•	Disconnect and then reconnect the USB cable while the P-touch is on.
•	(For Windows) Launch P-touch Editor Lite from [My Computer].

I cannot turn the P-touch on.

Check to see that the batteries are installed correctly, or that the included power adapter is securely connected.

I cannot exit P-touch Editor Lite.

Check to see if an error message is displayed, and try to resolve it. Please note that the software cannot be exited while labels are being printed.

A blank horizontal line appears through the printed label.

Streaks or poor quality characters on printed labels generally indicate that the print head is dirty. Clean the print head using a cotton swab or optional print head cleaning cassette (TZe-CL4).
See Cleaning the Print Head and Head Roller.

*	Do not touch the print head directly with your bare hands.

The label is difficult to cut.

Clean the cutter blade using a cotton swab.
See Cleaning the Tape Cutter.

*	Do not touch the cutter blade directly with your bare hands.

When the label is printed out, there is too much margin (space) on both sides of the text.

(When using P-touch Editor Lite)

When margins are set to [Large], labels print with approx. 25 mm margins on each side of the printed text. Reduce this margin by changing the setting to [Small]. In P-touch Editor Lite, right-click the mouse and select [Margins] from the displayed menu. Change the setting to [Small].

The P-touch does not print, or the printed characters are not formed properly.

•	Check that the tape cassette has been inserted correctly.
•	If the tape cassette is empty, replace it.
•	Check the cassette cover is properly closed.

The power turns off when you try to print.

•	The batteries may be weak. Replace them.
•	Check that the batteries are correctly inserted.
•	An incorrect adaptor is being used; the recommended adapter is the AD-E001.

The tape does not feed properly, or the tape gets stuck inside the P-touch.

•	Check that the end of the tape feeds under the tape guides.
•	The Feed & Cut button was used while printing. Do not touch the Feed & Cut button during printing.

I want to reset the P-touch.

With the P-touch off, press and hold the Feed & Cut button while holding down the Power button. When the Editor Lite lamp starts flashing and the Status lamp lights orange, press the Feed & Cut button six times while continuing to hold down the Power button. The P-touch will be reset to the factory settings.

The ink ribbon is separated from the ink roller.

If the ink ribbon is broken, replace the tape cassette. If not, leave the tape uncut and remove the tape cassette, then wind the loose ink ribbon onto the spool as shown in the figure.

Spool

The P-touch stops while printing a label.

•	Replace the tape cassette if striped tape is visible, as this indicates that you have reached the end of the tape.
•	Replace all batteries or connect the AC adapter directly to the P-touch.
•	The print head may be too hot. Wait for a while, and then try printing again.

The label is not cut automatically.

Check the option setting in the printer driver. For more information about the cutting options, see the FAQs on the Brother support website.
Alternatively, press the Feed & Cut button to feed and cut the tape.

I want to confirm whether I am using the latest version of the software.

Use the P-touch Update Software provided to confirm whether you are using the latest version of the software.
For more information about the P-touch Update Software, see the FAQs on the Brother support website.

•

Network

First check the following:

The rechargeable Li-ion battery is installed or the AC adapter is connected. You cannot establish a wireless network connection when the P-touch is powered by alkaline or Ni-MH.

The access point (for wireless), router or hub is turned on and its link light is flashing.

All protective packaging has been removed from the P-touch.

The cassette cover is fully closed.

The tape cassette is inserted correctly in the tape cassette compartment.

I cannot complete the wireless network setup configuration.

Question

Solution

Are your security settings (SSID/Network Key) correct?

Reconfirm and choose the correct security settings.

•	The manufacturer’s name or model number of the WLAN access point/router may be used as the default security settings.
•	See the instructions supplied with your WLAN access point/router for information on how to find the security settings.
•	Ask the manufacturer of your WLAN access point/router or ask your Internet provider or network administrator.

Are you using MAC Address filtering?

Confirm that the MAC Address of the P-touch is allowed in the filter. You can find the MAC Address in [Communication settings] of the Printer Setting Tool. See Using the Communication Settings for details about [Communication settings].

Is your WLAN access point/router in stealth mode? (not broadcasting the SSID)

•	You should enter the correct SSID name during the installation or when using [Communication settings] in the Printer Setting Tool.
•	Check the SSID name in the instructions supplied with your WLAN access point/router and reconfigure the wireless network setup.

Is your P-touch correctly connected to the WLAN access point/router?

Check if the Wi-Fi lamp or the NFC lamp is lit.

The P-touch cannot print over the network.
The P-touch is not found on the network even after successful installation.

Question

Solution

Is your P-touch assigned with an available IP address?

•	Confirm the IP address and the Subnet Mask. Verify that both the IP addresses and Subnet Masks of your computer and the P-touch are correct and located on the same network. For more information on how to verify the IP address and the Subnet Mask, ask the network administrator.
•	(Windows) Confirm your IP address, Subnet Mask and other network settings with [Communication settings] in the Printer Setting Tool. See Using the Communication Settings for details about [Communication settings].

Did your previous printing job fail?

•	If the failed printing job is still in your computer’s print queue, delete it.
	For example, when using Windows 7: , [Devices and Printers] and select your machine from [Printers and Faxes]. Double-click your machine's icon, and then select [Cancel All Documents] in the [Printer] menu.

Is your P-touch correctly connected to the WLAN access point/router?

Check if the Wi-Fi lamp or the NFC lamp is lit.

I have checked and tried all the above, however the P-touch does not print. Is there anything else I can do?

Uninstall the printer driver and the software, and then reinstall them.

I want to check that my network devices are working correctly.

Question	Solution
Is your P-touch, access point/router or network hub turned on?	Make sure you have confirmed all instructions in First check the following:.
Where can I find the P-touch network settings, such as IP address?	Check [Communication settings] in the Printer Setting Tool. See Using the Communication Settings for details about [Communication settings].
Is your P-touch correctly connected to the WLAN access point/router?	Check if the Wi-Fi lamp or the NFC lamp is lit.

Others

Question

Solution

I want to reset the P-touch network settings.

With the P-touch off, press and hold the Feed & Cut button while holding down the Power button. When the Editor Lite lamp starts flashing and the Status lamp lights orange, press the Feed & Cut button twice while continuing to hold down the Power button. The network settings will be reset to the factory settings.

To turn off the APIPA setting and reset the network settings, press the Feed & Cut button four times.

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