Brother printer help and tips
Independent tips for Brother printer owners: drum and toner messages, counter resets, paper jams, Wi-Fi setup and Brother's official support link.
Independent guide. The Print Bench is not affiliated with Brother. For warranty claims, repairs and official drivers, go to Brother’s own support site: support.brother.com (opens in a new tab)
These independent tips are for people who own Brother printers and are not written by or connected to Brother. Many Brother laser printers use a separate drum unit and toner cartridge, which explains several of the messages below. For official drivers, manuals and warranty help, use Brother's official support site.
Brother’s own app for setup and mobile printing is Brother Mobile Connect. Download it only from your phone’s official app store or Brother’s website.
Common problems with Brother printers
Replace Drum message after fitting a new drum
Brother laser printers count pages printed with each drum unit. After installing a new drum, you need to reset the drum counter, or the printer keeps showing the replacement message. The reset steps differ by model, through a menu on models with a screen or a button sequence on those without, so follow the instructions in your manual.
Read the full fix: Drum error on a laser printerDrum Error and the corona wire
A drum error is often caused by a dirty corona wire inside the drum unit. Remove the drum and toner assembly, slide the small tab on the drum unit gently from side to side several times, and return the tab to its home position before reinstalling.
Read the full fix: Drum error on a laser printerToner message after installing new toner
Brother toner cartridges signal to the printer that a new cartridge has been installed. If the message stays after replacement, check that the toner is fully locked into the drum unit and that you removed any packing material. Some non-Brother cartridges don't trigger the reset, so the printer may keep reporting empty toner.
Read the full fix: Toner low message after replacing the cartridgeCannot Detect on inkjet models
Brother inkjets show Cannot Detect when a cartridge isn't recognized. Remove the cartridge, take off any protective cap or tape, and reinstall it firmly until it locks. If it persists, check the cartridge number matches your model.
Read the full fix: Printer doesn't recognize the cartridgePaper jams in laser models
Brother lasers report where a jam is, for example inside, at the rear, in the duplex unit or in a tray. Open the indicated area and pull paper out slowly in the direction it travels. Turn the printer off and let it cool first if you need to reach near the fuser, which gets very hot.
Read the full fix: Paper jam: how to clear it safelyNetwork printer shows offline on Windows
Brother network printers sometimes show offline after the printer's IP address changes. Print a network configuration report from the printer's menu to find its current address, then re-add the printer on your computer using that IP address.
Read the full fix: Printer shows as offlineMessages you might see
| On-screen message | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Replace Drum | The drum unit has reached its rated life, or the drum counter wasn't reset after a new drum was fitted. Replace the drum if print quality has dropped, or reset the counter if you have just installed a new one. |
| Drum End Soon | The drum is nearing the end of its rated life. You can keep printing until quality drops, but have a replacement ready. |
| Drum Error | Often a dirty corona wire. Clean it by sliding the tab on the drum unit side to side, then return the tab to its home position. |
| Replace Toner | The toner cartridge is empty or isn't being detected. Install a new cartridge and make sure it locks into the drum unit. |
| Toner Low | The toner is running low. You can keep printing for now; order a replacement so you have it ready. |
| Cannot Detect | On inkjet models, a cartridge isn't recognized. Reseat it firmly, remove any protective cap or tape, and check the cartridge number. |
Exact wording varies by model. Your printer’s manual has the definitive list.
Tips for Brother owners
- On models with a separate drum and toner, replace only the part the message names; the drum usually lasts for several toner cartridges.
- Print a network configuration report from the printer's menu to see its IP address and connection status.
- Let the printer cool before reaching inside a laser printer; the fuser area gets hot enough to burn.
- Brother's official support site has model-specific manuals and FAQs, including counter reset steps for your exact model.
Common questions
Is this site affiliated with Brother?
No. This is an independent help site with no connection to Brother. For official drivers, manuals and warranty help, use Brother's official support site.
How do I reset the drum counter?
It depends on the model, so follow the steps in your manual. Only reset the counter after installing a new drum, or the printer won't warn you when the old drum is worn out.
Can I keep printing after Replace Toner appears?
Some models have a setting that lets printing continue after the toner end message, with print quality fading as toner runs out. Check your manual to see whether your model offers it.