Brother printers are renowned for their reliability and excellent print quality. However, like any other printer, they can encounter issues, including the common problem of not printing in black ink. This issue can disrupt your workflow, whether you’re printing professional documents or personal materials.

In this article, we’ll explore the potential causes of why your brother printer not printing in black and provide detailed troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.

Common Causes of Black Ink Printing Issues

Several factors can cause your Brother printer to stop printing in black. Understanding these reasons is the first step toward resolving the problem effectively.

1. Low or Empty Black Ink Cartridge

One of the most obvious reasons is that the black ink cartridge is low on ink or completely empty.

2. Clogged Printhead Nozzles

Ink can dry up in the printhead nozzles if the printer hasn’t been used for a while, leading to blockages that prevent black ink from being dispensed.

3. Incorrect Ink Cartridge Installation

Improperly installed or incompatible ink cartridges can cause printing issues.

4. Firmware or Driver Issues

Outdated firmware or printer drivers can disrupt the printer’s functionality, including its ability to print in black.

5. Printer Settings

The printer settings on your computer or the printer itself may be configured incorrectly, leading to the black ink issue.

6. Damaged Printer Parts

Physical damage to internal components, such as the printhead or ink cartridge holder, can also be a factor.

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Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Brother Printer Black Ink Issues

Here are detailed steps to help you identify and resolve the issue:

Step 1: Check the Black Ink Cartridge

a. Verify Ink Levels

Open the printer’s front cover to access the cartridges.
Check the ink levels of the black cartridge. If it’s low or empty, replace it with a new cartridge.

b. Inspect the Cartridge

Ensure the cartridge is properly seated in its slot.
Look for any visible leaks, cracks, or damages in the cartridge.

c. Use Genuine Brother Ink Cartridges

Using third-party or refilled cartridges can sometimes cause issues. Brother recommends using original cartridges for optimal performance.

Step 2: Perform a Printhead Cleaning

Clogged printheads are a common cause of black ink issues. Cleaning them can help restore normal functionality.

a. Automatic Cleaning Process

Access the printer’s menu and navigate to the Maintenance or Ink Management section.
Select the Clean Printhead option. The printer will attempt to clean the nozzles automatically.

b. Manual Cleaning (Advanced Users)

If the automatic process doesn’t work, you can clean the printhead manually:

Turn off the printer and unplug it.
Remove the black ink cartridge.
Use a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water to gently wipe the printhead.
Reinstall the cartridge and perform a test print.

Step 3: Update Printer Drivers and Firmware

Outdated software can cause compatibility issues and disrupt the printer’s ability to print in black.

a. Update Printer Drivers

Visit the official Brother website.
Search for your printer model in the support section.
Download and install the latest driver compatible with your operating system.

b. Update Printer Firmware

Some Brother printers allow firmware updates via their control panel or through Brother’s software on your computer.

Step 4: Adjust Printer Settings

Incorrect settings may prevent black ink from being used.

a. Check Print Settings on Computer

On Windows:
- Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
- Right-click on your Brother printer and select Printing Preferences.
- Ensure the Color/Grayscale option is set to use black ink.
On Mac:
- Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
- Select your printer, click Options & Supplies, and adjust the settings.

b. Test Print in Monochrome Mode

Ensure that the printer is set to print in monochrome or black-and-white mode instead of color.

Step 5: Check for Software or Connectivity Issues

a. Reinstall Printer Software

Uninstall the current printer software and reinstall the latest version from Brother’s official website.

b. Verify Network Connection

If you’re printing wirelessly, ensure the printer is connected to the same network as your computer.

Step 6: Inspect for Hardware Damage

If none of the above steps work, physical damage may be the cause.

a. Inspect Internal Components

Check for visible damage inside the printer, such as ink buildup or misaligned parts.
Clean the inside of the printer with a soft, dry cloth if needed.

b. Contact Brother Support

If hardware damage is suspected, reach out to Brother’s customer service or take the printer to an authorized service center for professional repair.

Preventative Tips to Avoid Black Ink Issues

1. Use the Printer Regularly

Frequent use helps prevent ink from drying up in the nozzles.

2. Store Cartridges Properly

Keep extra cartridges in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality.

3. Perform Regular Maintenance

Run cleaning and alignment routines periodically to ensure the printer remains in good working condition.

4. Use High-Quality Paper

Low-quality paper can cause ink smudging and clogging issues.

5. Replace Ink Before It’s Empty

Don’t wait for the cartridge to run completely dry; replace it as soon as the ink level becomes critically low.

Conclusion

When your Brother printer stops printing in black, it can be a significant inconvenience. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can resolve most issues and get your printer back to normal operation. Whether it’s a simple fix like replacing the cartridge or a more complex task like cleaning the printhead, addressing the problem promptly will save time and effort.

If the issue persists, professional assistance from Brother’s support team or an authorized technician can help restore your printer’s functionality. Regular maintenance and the use of genuine Brother cartridges will also go a long way in preventing future problems.

Brother Printer Not Printing in Black: Troubleshooting Guide