How to Fix Brother Printer Won’t Turn On?

Brother printers are widely trusted for their reliability, affordability, and performance. However, like all electronic devices, they may occasionally run into problems. One of the most frustrating issues you can encounter is when your Brother printer won’t turn on at all.

Imagine being in the middle of an important project, pressing the power button, and finding your printer completely unresponsive—no lights, no sounds, nothing. Don’t worry—this doesn’t necessarily mean your printer is dead. In most cases, the problem is caused by power supply issues, internal hardware problems, or software glitches that can be resolved with some troubleshooting.

Why Won’t My Brother Printer Turn On?

Before diving into solutions, let’s understand the common reasons behind this issue:

1. Faulty Power Outlet

The outlet may not be supplying electricity.
Loose or damaged wall sockets are common culprits.

2. Damaged Power Cord or Adapter

Power cords can fray, tear, or get damaged over time.
If the adapter is faulty, the printer won’t receive power.

3. Internal Power Supply Failure

Surge, short circuit, or internal board damage may stop the printer from powering up.

4. Power Button Issue

The physical button might be stuck or broken.

5. Overheating or Auto-Safety Shutdown

Printers sometimes power off automatically to prevent internal damage.

6. Firmware/Software Glitch

Rarely, firmware corruption can cause boot-up issues.

7. Hardware Component Failure

Problems with the logic board, fuser, or other internal components may cause power failure.

How to Fix Brother Printer That Won’t Turn On – Step by Step

Let’s go through practical solutions you can try at home or office.

Step 1: Check the Power Outlet

Unplug the printer and connect another device (like a lamp or phone charger) to the same outlet.
If that device doesn’t work either, the outlet is faulty—use a different one.
If it works, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Inspect the Power Cord and Adapter

Check for cuts, bends, or exposed wires in the cord.
Make sure it’s securely connected to both the printer and power outlet.
If possible, test the cord with another compatible Brother printer.
Replace the cord or adapter if damaged.

Step 3: Reset the Printer’s Power Supply

Disconnect the power cable from the wall outlet and printer.
Wait at least 60 seconds to allow residual charge to discharge.
Reconnect and press the power button.

Step 4: Try a Different Power Outlet or Extension

Sometimes power strips or surge protectors fail.
Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet instead of an extension cord.

Step 5: Inspect the Power Button

Press the button firmly for 3–5 seconds.
Ensure it’s not physically stuck.
If it feels loose or jammed, it may need repair or replacement.

Step 6: Check for Overheating

If the printer feels hot, leave it turned off for 30 minutes before retrying.
Ensure the printer has proper ventilation.

Step 7: Disconnect Other Devices

Sometimes USB cables or network connections interfere with startup.
Remove all connected devices (USB, Ethernet, etc.) and try powering on again.

Step 8: Perform a Firmware Recovery (Advanced)

If your printer starts to power on but freezes during boot-up:

Visit the Brother Support website.
Download the latest firmware update tool.
Follow recovery instructions (usually via USB connection to PC).

Step 9: Internal Power Supply or Board Check

If the printer still won’t power on, the internal power supply unit (PSU) or logic board might be faulty.
These parts usually require professional repair or replacement.

Fixes for Specific Brother Printer Types

Brother Inkjet Printers

Common issue: clogged power supply board due to dust/moisture.
Ensure printer is kept in a dry, cool place.
Try power reset (Step 3).

Brother Laser Printers

Common issue: faulty fuser unit may cause power failure.
Listen for clicking or buzzing when pressing power button—indicates hardware fault.
Professional service is often required.

Preventive Measures

To avoid running into the Brother printer won’t turn on issue again:

Use a Surge Protector – Protects against voltage spikes.
Keep Printer Clean and Dry – Prevent dust/moisture from damaging internal parts.
Avoid Frequent On/Off Switching – Reduces stress on power components.
Regular Firmware Updates – Prevents startup glitches.
Check Power Cord Condition – Replace immediately if worn out.

When to Contact Brother Support

If none of the above fixes work, you may need professional repair. Contact Brother support if:

The printer shows no signs of life after all troubleshooting.
The power cord and outlet are working fine.
You notice a burning smell or unusual noise.

Most Brother printers come with a limited warranty, so check if your device is still covered before paying for repairs.

Conclusion

If you’ve been wondering, “How to fix Brother printer won’t turn on?”, the problem is usually related to power supply issues, damaged cords, faulty buttons, or internal hardware failures.

In many cases, simply checking the outlet, replacing the cord, or resetting the printer solves the issue. However, if the problem persists, it may require a professional technician to repair or replace internal components.

By following the steps outlined in this guide and practicing preventive maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your Brother printer and minimize downtime.