A Brother printer not printing double sided is a frustrating issue that you normally only discover at the last minute.
For example, you suddenly have a big document to print, and you wisely want to use the duplex (two-sided) printing feature to save paper.
However, when you go to the print dialog, the option is nowhere to be found!
The good news is that this frequent problem is usually easy to fix.
This article will guide you through the troubleshooting steps to get your printer back to printing on both sides of the page.
In a Hurry? Here’s the Quick Fix:
If your Brother printer isn’t offering a two-sided printing option, the most likely cause is an incorrect driver setting in Windows.
The fix is often as simple as going to your printer’s Printer Properties > Device Settings and changing the “Duplex Unit” from “Not installed” to “Installed.”
This article will walk you through this and other solutions in detail.
Common Causes Of A Brother Printer Not Printing Double Sided
Understanding why your printer is not cooperating is the first step to solving the problem.
In most cases, the issue is not with the hardware itself but with the software or settings on your computer.
Incorrect Printer Driver is Installed
This is the most common culprit.
Windows and macOS can sometimes install a generic printer driver that doesn’t support all of your printer’s features, including duplex printing.
To get the full functionality of your Brother machine, you need to use the official Brother printer driver.
You can find the correct driver for your model on the Brother support website.
Duplex Unit is Disabled in Settings
Even if you have the correct driver installed, the duplex unit might be disabled in the printer’s device settings.
This can happen after a Windows update or if the printer was not automatically configured correctly.
As mentioned in the quick fix, you’ll need to manually set the duplex unit to “Installed” in the printer properties.
Using the Wrong Paper Size or Type
Brother printers have specific requirements for automatic two-sided printing.
Using paper that is too small, too thick, or of the wrong type can cause the printer to default to single-sided printing to avoid jams.
According to Brother’s official documentation, you should use A4, Letter, Legal, Mexico Legal, India Legal, or Folio sized paper.
The paper weight should be between 16 and 28 lb (60 to 105 g/m²), and you should avoid using bond paper, damaged paper, or paper with pre-punched holes.
You can find more details on Brother’s official documentation about paper specifications for automatic 2-sided printing.
Advanced Troubleshooting For A Brother Printer Not Printing Double Sided
If the common fixes don’t work, it’s time to dig a little deeper.
These advanced troubleshooting steps can help you resolve more stubborn issues.
Clearing a Duplex Tray Jam
A paper jam in the duplex tray can cause the “Jam Duplex” message to appear and prevent two-sided printing.
To clear the jam, you’ll need to access the back of your printer, pull out the duplex tray, and carefully remove any jammed paper.
Make sure to check for any small pieces of paper that might be left behind.
Brother provides detailed instructions on how to clear a duplex jam on their support page for clearing duplex jams.
Application-Specific Settings
Sometimes, the issue is not with the printer driver but with the application you’re printing from.
Some applications have their own print settings that can override the driver settings.
For example, in Microsoft Word, you need to make sure that “Print on Both Sides” is selected in the print dialog.
If you’re having trouble with a specific application, try printing from a different one to see if the problem persists.
Resetting the Printing System (Mac)
If you’re a Mac user and you’re still having trouble, resetting the printing system can often resolve the issue.
This will remove all printers from your Mac, so you’ll need to add your Brother printer again.
To reset the printing system, go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, right-click (or Control-click) on the list of printers, and choose “Reset printing system.”
Duplex Printing Setup Visual Guides
For a visual guide on how to enable duplex printing on your Brother printer, there are several helpful YouTube videos that I recommend you watch.
Each one covers different aspects of the same issue, and so unusually I plan on linking to all four on the page for you.
First up you can watch this helpful video on turning on Brother printer duplex printing (hopefully embedded below) from within 3 different devices (pc, mac and smartphone):
I also really like this one on setting up duplex printing on a Brother printer (hopefully embedded below) as it is shorter and straight to the point, plus it focuses more detail on certain settings:
This official video from Brother on Duplex printing in Windows (hopefully embedded below) also mentions some interesting information, including the fact that models without a “D” in the model name are unable to automatically manage 2 sided printing:
(Specifically on models without a “D” in the name you have choose “Manual duplex” in printer settings, which results in all odd numbered pages being printed first and you then having to manually turn over the pages and put them in again to print out all of the even numbered pages.)
Finally this last really short video on enabling Brother printer 2-sided printing activation (hopefully embedded below) mentions something very interesting in that you might have a duplex option setting on the machine itself:
Preventing Future Duplex Printing Problems
Once you’ve fixed the issue, you’ll want to take steps to prevent it from happening again.
Regular maintenance and proper usage are key to keeping your Brother printer’s duplex function working smoothly.
Keep Your Printer Drivers Updated
Brother regularly releases driver updates that can fix bugs and improve compatibility with new operating systems.
Make it a habit to check for driver updates every few months on the Brother support website.
This is especially important after a major Windows or macOS update.
Handle Paper with Care
Proper paper handling can prevent many printing problems, including duplex jams.
Store your paper in a dry, cool place to prevent it from curling or absorbing moisture.
Before loading paper into the tray, fan the stack to separate the sheets and prevent them from sticking together.
Clean Your Printer Regularly
Dust and paper debris can accumulate inside your printer and interfere with the paper feed mechanism.
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the inside of your printer, paying special attention to the paper rollers.
For more detailed cleaning instructions, consult your printer’s user manual.
Final Thoughts On Brother Printer Not Printing Double Sided
A Brother printer not printing double sided can be a frustrating experience, but as we’ve seen, the solutions are often straightforward.
By ensuring you have the correct driver installed, checking your settings, and using the right paper, you can resolve most duplex printing issues.
If you continue to have problems, don’t hesitate to consult the official Brother support website or contact their customer service for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my Brother printer suddenly stopped printing double-sided?
This is often due to a recent Windows or macOS update that has reset your printer settings or installed a generic driver.
The most common fix is to go into your printer’s device settings and ensure the duplex unit is set to “Installed.”
How do I force my Brother printer to print double-sided?
You can’t “force” it, but you can ensure it’s set up correctly.
In the print dialog, under “Printing Preferences,” go to the “Basic” tab and select “2-sided” from the “2-sided / Booklet” dropdown.
If this option is missing, you’ll need to troubleshoot the driver and device settings as described in this article.
What do I do if my printer is jamming when I try to print double-sided?
First, ensure you are using the correct paper size and weight.
If the paper is correct, check for and clear any paper jams in the duplex tray at the back of the printer.
If jams persist, the paper feed rollers may need cleaning.
How To Fix A Brother Printer Not Printing Double Sided
Here is a step-by-step guide to fixing the most common cause of a Brother printer not printing on both sides of the paper.
Time Required: 10 Minutes
Supplies Required:
- Brother Printer
- Computer (Windows or Mac)
Tools Required:
- None
Steps:
- Check Printer Driver:
Ensure you have the official Brother printer driver installed. If not, download and install it from the Brother support website. - Enable Duplex Unit in Windows:
Go to ‘Printers & scanners’ in Windows settings, select your printer, and click ‘Printer properties.’ In the ‘Device Settings’ tab, find the ‘Duplex unit’ option and set it to ‘Installed.’ - Check Paper Compatibility:
Make sure you are using a supported paper size (e.g., Letter, A4) and weight (16-28 lb). Avoid using bond paper or damaged paper. - Clear Paper Jams:
If you get a ‘Jam Duplex’ error, turn the printer around, remove the duplex tray, and carefully clear any jammed paper. - Verify Print Settings:
In the application’s print dialog, go to ‘Printing Preferences’ and ensure that ‘2-sided’ printing is selected.
Finally be sure to check out our Tech Troubleshooting FAQ or our Printer Troubleshooting Tips pages for even more general tips that cover a wide range of technical problems and solutions.
(If after reading the above article you still have a “Brother printer not printing double sided” problem, then you might find a much less obvious solution on the above tech pages!)