Why Is My Brother Printer Skipping Lines When Printing?

Brother printers are popular worldwide for their durability, high-quality output, and cost efficiency. But even the most reliable printers may sometimes face frustrating issues. One of the most common problems users encounter is when a Brother printer skips lines while printing.

This issue can turn professional documents into messy, incomplete prints, waste ink or toner, and cause unnecessary downtime. If you’ve been asking, “Why is my Brother printer skipping lines when printing?”, this article will give you the complete answer along with step-by-step solutions.

Understanding the Skipping Lines Problem

When we say the printer is “skipping lines,” it usually means that printed text or images appear incomplete, with blank streaks, missing rows of text, or inconsistent ink coverage.

This can be caused by:

Ink or toner delivery issues
Printhead clogs
Mechanical malfunctions
Incorrect printer settings

Identifying the root cause is the first step toward a permanent solution.

Common Causes of Brother Printer Skipping Lines

1. Clogged Print Head (Inkjet Models)

Ink nozzles can dry up or get blocked, preventing smooth ink flow.
This is the most common cause for skipping lines in inkjet printers.

2. Low or Empty Ink Cartridge

A nearly empty or defective cartridge may not supply consistent ink.

3. Poor-Quality or Wrong Paper

Rough or incompatible paper can disrupt the ink/toner transfer.

4. Misaligned Print Head

If the print head is misaligned, the text will not print in proper lines.

5. Software/Driver Issues

Outdated printer drivers may interfere with printing precision.

6. Drum or Toner Problems (Laser Models)

In laser printers, a worn-out drum or toner distribution issue can cause missing lines.

7. Dirty Printer Interior

Dust buildup inside the printer may affect ink/toner application.

8. Mechanical Errors

Rollers or moving parts inside the printer may malfunction.

How to Fix Skipping Lines on Brother Printers

The solutions depend on whether you’re using a Brother inkjet printer or a Brother laser printer.

Fixes for Brother Inkjet Printers

1. Clean the Print Head

On the printer menu, go to Ink Management > Cleaning.
Select the color (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) or choose All.
Run the cleaning cycle.
Print a test page to see if the problem is solved.

If skipping persists, perform a Deep Cleaning.

2. Print a Nozzle Check Pattern

Go to Ink Management > Test Print > Print Quality.
The printer will print a nozzle check sheet.
If gaps appear in the pattern, the print head needs more cleaning.

3. Check and Replace Ink Cartridges

Remove each cartridge and check for low ink or damage.
Shake gently to redistribute ink.
Replace empty or faulty cartridges with genuine Brother cartridges.

4. Align the Print Head

On the printer menu, select Ink Management > Alignment.
Follow on-screen instructions to realign the print head.
This ensures text lines up correctly on the page.

5. Adjust Printer Settings

On your computer → Go to Printer Properties.
Select correct paper type (Plain, Inkjet, Photo).
Lower printing speed if quality issues persist.

Fixes for Brother Laser Printers

Laser printers usually don’t have “clogged heads,” but skipping lines can still happen.

1. Check Toner Cartridge

Remove toner cartridge and shake gently to redistribute toner.
Inspect for leaks or damage.
Replace if necessary.

2. Inspect Drum Unit

A worn-out or dirty drum can cause missing lines.
Clean using the green slider (corona wire cleaner).
Replace if nearing end-of-life.

3. Clean the Printer Interior

Use a lint-free cloth to remove dust and toner residue.

4. Adjust Print Density

In Printer Preferences > Advanced Settings, lower or adjust toner density.

5. Update Printer Driver

Visit Brother’s official website.
Download and install the latest driver for your model.

General Fixes for Both Inkjet and Laser Models

Run Regular Cleaning Cycles – Prevents buildup and clogs.
Update Firmware – Ensures optimal printer function.
Use the Right Paper – Always choose recommended paper type and size.
Store Cartridges Properly – Prevents ink drying or toner clumping.
Restart Devices – Sometimes a simple reboot fixes print misalignment.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Print at Least Once a Week – Prevents ink from drying in inkjet printers.
Keep Printer in a Dry Room – Avoid high humidity which affects paper and toner.
Use Genuine Supplies – Cheap ink/toner often causes print quality issues.
Replace Worn Parts – Don’t delay replacing old drums or fusers.
Handle Cartridges Carefully – Avoid touching the nozzles or roller areas.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your Brother printer continues skipping lines after multiple cleaning cycles and replacing cartridges/drums, it may have a hardware fault.

Contact Brother Customer Support or a certified repair technician if:

The print head is permanently clogged.
The fuser unit is damaged.
Mechanical rollers are failing.

Conclusion

If you’ve been wondering, “Why is my Brother printer skipping lines when printing?”, the main causes are clogged print heads, low ink/toner, drum/fuser problems, or misaligned print heads.

The good news is that most issues can be fixed at home with print head cleaning, alignment, cartridge replacement, or driver updates. By performing regular maintenance and using genuine Brother supplies, you can prevent skipping lines and ensure smooth, professional-quality prints.

Brother printers are designed to last, and with proper care, you can enjoy consistent and reliable performance.

FAQs

1. Why does my Brother inkjet printer skip lines?

It usually happens due to clogged nozzles, dried ink, or misaligned print heads. Running a cleaning cycle often fixes it.

2. Can low ink cause skipping lines?

Yes. If the cartridge is nearly empty or faulty, the printer won’t get consistent ink flow, causing missing lines.

3. How do I fix skipping lines on my Brother laser printer?

Check the toner and drum unit. Clean them if necessary, or replace if worn out.

4. How often should I clean my Brother printer’s print head?

Perform a cleaning cycle whenever print quality drops. For regular users, once every 2–3 weeks is good practice.

5. Do I need professional repair if skipping continues?

If multiple cleaning cycles, cartridge replacements, and driver updates don’t solve the issue, the printer may need a new print head, fuser, or drum unit, which requires professional servicing.