When setting up or using a Brother printer, users may sometimes find that the device isn’t recognized by the Brother Control Center software even when connected via USB. This kind of issue can be frustrating, especially when the printer was previously working without problems. There are several reasons why the Brother printer may not be detected, ranging from simple cable malfunctions to more complex driver or system conflicts. Fortunately, most of these issues can be resolved with a systematic approach.
Understanding Brother Control Center and USB Connectivity
Brother Control Center is a utility that comes packaged with many Brother printer and scanner devices. It allows users to quickly scan documents, adjust settings, and access device functions directly from their computer. When a printer is connected via USB but doesn’t show up in the Control Center, it indicates a communication problem between the computer and the printer hardware.
This issue is particularly common after a Windows or macOS update, or if drivers have been installed incorrectly. External factors like faulty cables or incorrectly set printer modes also play a role in connection issues.
Initial Checks Before Troubleshooting
Before diving into more technical troubleshooting steps, it’s essential to check a few basic but often overlooked items:
- Confirm USB Cable Integrity: Ensure the USB cable is not frayed or damaged. If possible, use a different USB cable or port.
- Power Cycle the Printer: Turn off the printer, wait 30 seconds, and power it back on to reset the device.
- USB Port Issues: Try plugging the printer into a different USB port on the computer preferably a port directly on the motherboard (rear side) instead of front panel or hub connections.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for USB Detection Issues
1. Verify Printer Status in Device Manager (Windows)
For Windows users, the Device Manager is a good place to start.
- Press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
- Look under Universal Serial Bus Controllers and Printers to see if your Brother printer is listed.
- If it appears with a yellow exclamation mark, right-click and select Update driver or Uninstall and reinstall it.
If the printer is not listed, Windows may not be recognizing the USB input at all. Continue with the following steps.
2. Confirm Printer Drivers Are Installed Properly
Incorrect or outdated printer drivers are a common reason Control Center can’t detect the printer.
- Visit the official Brother support website and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
- Install drivers with the printer disconnected via USB. Only connect it when told during the installation process.
- After installation, reboot the system and re-open Control Center to check the status.
3. Manually Add or Select the Device in Control Center
Sometimes Brother Control Center is available but does not automatically detect the connected device.
- Open Brother Control Center.
- Click on the Model drop-down menu.
- If your printer is listed, select it. If not, click Specify Your Machine, then select USB connection and choose the correct model from the detected list.
This manual method often resolves communication issues caused by improper automatic configurations.
4. Disable Security Software Temporarily
Antivirus or firewall software may block the connection between your computer and the printer. Temporarily disable any active security software and check if the device appears in Control Center. Don’t forget to re-enable the software after testing.
5. Check Brother Services Are Running
Ensure Brother-specific services are active on your computer. If these are stopped, the printer won’t communicate.
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Look for services like Brother Service or ControlCenter Services.
- Ensure their status is set to Running. If not, right-click and choose Start.
6. Try a Clean Reinstall of Software
As a last resort, uninstall all Brother software including Control Center and drivers:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
- Uninstall all Brother-related programs.
- Restart the computer and perform a clean installation downloaded from Brother’s support page.
Mac-Specific USB Detection Tips
Mac users may encounter similar detection issues with USB-connected Brother printers. Here’s what to do:
- Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners and check if your printer is listed.
- If not, press the + sign to add the printer manually.
- Ensure you’ve downloaded and installed the latest Brother CUPS Driver instead of using Apple’s generic driver.
Also, verify that the USB interface is functioning correctly by checking in the System Report under USB to ensure the printer is listed.
Preventing Future USB Detection Problems
To reduce the chance of recurring issues, follow these best practices:
- Always use the latest drivers from Brother’s website, not bundled ones.
- Perform disconnects and power-offs properly—avoiding forced shutdowns during prints or scans.
- Regularly check system updates and Brother software updates.
Keeping everything up to date ensures continued compatibility between your device, Control Center, and operating system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why isn’t my Brother printer showing up in Control Center after connecting via USB?
It could be due to driver issues, faulty USB cables, outdated software, or interference from antivirus programs. Follow the troubleshooting steps to isolate the issue.
Q2: Do I need to install drivers if my computer already recognizes the printer as a USB device?
Yes, your system may recognize the hardware, but without the correct Brother drivers, Control Center may not communicate with the printer properly.
Q3: My USB ports work with other devices. Why won’t they recognize my printer?
USB ports can behave differently when handling data versus peripheral communication. Try another port, reconnecting the printer, or updating your USB drivers.
Q4: Should I use a USB hub to connect the Brother printer?
It’s recommended to connect the printer directly to your computer’s USB port. Hubs, especially unpowered ones, can cause connection issues.
Q5: What should I do if Brother Control Center still does not detect the printer?
Perform a full uninstallation of all Brother software and drivers, then reinstall using the latest files from Brother’s website. If the problem persists, consider contacting Brother support for further diagnosis.
Resolving USB detection issues between Brother printers and the Control Center often involves a bit of patience and systematic troubleshooting. However, once fixed, it ensures stable and productive use of your printing and scanning hardware.
