Brother printers are known for their reliability and high-quality printing. However, like any other electronic device, they can encounter issues over time. One common problem users face is when their Brother printer stops printing black ink. This can be frustrating, especially when you need to print important documents.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through various solutions to address the issue of a Brother printer not printing black ink. Whether it's due to clogged nozzles, low ink levels, or other technical glitches, we've got you covered.
How to Fix Brother Printer That Is Not Printing Black?
If you're facing the issue of your Brother printer not printing black, don't worry! We have compiled a list of effective solutions to help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem. Follow these steps to get your printer back to producing high-quality black prints:
Check Ink Levels
One of the primary reasons for your printer not printing black could be low ink levels. To verify this:
Navigate to Printer Settings: Access your printer's settings from the control panel or your computer.
Check Ink Levels: Look for an option that displays ink levels. If the black ink cartridge is critically low or empty, replace it with a new one.
Clean the Print Head
Over time, the print head can get clogged, leading to print quality issues. Here's how you can clean it:
Access Maintenance Settings: From the printer's settings menu, find the maintenance or tools option.
Initiate Print Head Cleaning: Select the option for print head cleaning. This process will help unclog any dried ink.
Print a Test Page
Printing a test page can help diagnose the issue further. To print a test page:
Printer Control Panel: Use the printer's control panel to find the option for printing a test page.
Inspect the Test Page: Check if the test page has any black ink. If not, proceed to the next solution.
Replace or Shake the Ink Cartridge
Sometimes, ink cartridges can settle or become unevenly distributed, causing printing problems.
Remove the Cartridge: Take out the black ink cartridge carefully.
Gently Shake the Cartridge: Hold the cartridge horizontally and gently shake it. This can help redistribute the ink inside.
Reinsert the Cartridge: Put the cartridge back into the printer and run a test print.
Perform a Nozzle Check
A nozzle check can identify if any nozzles are clogged. Follow these steps:
Access Maintenance Settings: Similar to the print head cleaning, find the maintenance option in the printer's settings.
Run Nozzle Check: Initiate the nozzle check. The printer will print a page with patterns that can help you identify clogged nozzles.
Use Manufacturer-Approved Ink
Using third-party ink cartridges might seem cost-effective, but they can lead to compatibility issues.
Check Cartridge Compatibility: Ensure that you're using ink cartridges that are approved by Brother for your specific printer model.
Install Approved Cartridges: If you're not using Brother's approved cartridges, consider switching to them and check if the issue persists.
Update or Reinstall Drivers
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can also cause printing problems. To address this:
Uninstall Current Drivers: Remove the existing printer drivers from your computer.
Download Latest Drivers: Visit Brother's official website and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
Install New Drivers: Install the downloaded drivers and restart your computer.
Perform a Hard Reset
A hard reset can often resolve minor technical glitches that might be causing the issue.
Turn Off the Printer: Power off your Brother printer.
Disconnect Power Cord: Unplug the printer's power cord from the electrical outlet.
Wait and Reconnect: Wait for about 5-10 minutes and then plug the power cord back in.
Power On: Turn on the printer and check if it prints black now.
Contact Brother Support
If none of the above solutions work, it's recommended to get in touch with Brother's customer support or visit an authorized service center.