Brother printers are popular for their dependability and effectiveness, especially in homes and offices. However, like all printers, they can sometimes have toner problems. These issues can affect the quality of printouts, cause slow performance, and even result in long-term damage to the printer. The great part is that most toner issues are prevalent and easy to resolve.
This blog will focus on these common issues with Brother printers while highlighting the best solutions to maintain their efficient functionality.
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Not Recognizing the Toner Cartridge
Issue:
In some cases, a Brother printer may show messages like “Toner not detected” or “Replace Toner” even after a fresh toner cartridge has been installed.
Causes:
- The cartridge is not positioned correctly.
- The toner cartridge is of the incompatible type or does not match.
- Protective seals are still intact.
- The firmware for the printer is outdated.
How to Fix It:
- Ensure that the cartridge clicks into place.
- Only use Brother cartridges or certified third-party ones.
- Remove all orange tabs or seals before installation.
- Reboot the printer after setup.
- Check if the firmware requires updating.
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Alerts for Low Toner Level Even When Toner is Full
Problem:
A low toner warning alert pops up on your printer screen even if the cartridge is new.
Causes:
- Failure to reset the toner sensor
- Failure to perform the cartridge shake
- Software defect
How to Fix It:
- Go to the front panel and reset the toner from the printer settings.
- Perform a gentle shake of the cartridge to balance the toner inside.
- Turn on the printer and perform a test print.
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Light or Faded Printouts
Problem:
Printouts are harder to read due to them looking lighter than usual or faded.
Causes:
- Toner level is low
- Toner distribution is uneven
- Issues with the drum unit
- Incorrect printer settings
Solutions:
- Check the toner level and replace if necessary
- Shake the toner cartridge to disperse the toner evenly
- The drum unit should be cleaned or replaced if worn
- Increase print density in settings
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Toner Smudging on Paper
Problem Statement:
Toner smudging is a major issue as crucial documents get ruined.
Causes:
- Issues with the toner drum or the fuser unit
- Low-grade printer paper
- Overfilled toner cartridge
Replacing the toner:
- Recommended and high-standard printer paper should be used
- Avoid overfilling toner cartridges
- Fuser and drum units should be cleaned and replaced as necessary
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Page has stains or streaks due to toner
Problem Statement:
Affecting overall print quality, random spots, lines or streaks can show up on your printouts.
Causes:
- Leaky toner cartridge
- Damaged or expired toner
- Old toner
- Drum or printer rollers are dirtied
To resolve these issues:
- Inspect and clean the cartridge for leaks
- Use a soft cloth to clean the printer drum and rollers
- Replace damaged cartridges
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The printer has a toner cartridge stuck inside
Problem Statement:
Toner removal gets difficult as it seems stuck and won’t come out easily.
Causes:
- Improper installation
- The locking mechanism has become stuck
- Blockage or damage within the printer
How To Fix It:
- Switch off the device and softly move the cartridge back and forth
- Avoid using force; rather, look for any latches or locks
- Get support if the toner remains stuck
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Printing Black Pages
Problem:
A Brother printer is supposed to provide a clean printout, but instead, it outputs completely black pages.
Causes:
- A faulty drum unit
- Toner was not placed properly
- Internal electrical problems with the printer
How To Fix It:
- If the drum unit is worn out, replace it
- Make sure the toner and drum are installed properly
- Power down, then power up and check for any hardware issues
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Uneven Distribution of Toner
Causes:
- Toner accumulates on one side
- The room temperature is too cold
- Long periods of inactivity
How to Fix It:
- Shake the cartridge before use
- Keep cartridges in a controlled room temperature setting
- Avoid inactivity with the printer
Tips To Prevent Toner Problems
- Always use toner cartridges endorsed by Brother
- Maintain a clean and dust-free environment for the printer
- Perform routine maintenance
- Keep cartridges away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
- Promptly change the toner and drum units when alerts appear
Conclusion
Toner problems in Brother printers sometimes happen at the most inconvenient times. Thankfully, with the right attention and knowledge, most of these problems are straightforward to fix. Simple actions like interpreting error codes, changing settings, and replacing worn components can restore your printer to optimal function.
For recurring or complex issues, Geeks Worldwide Solutions can assist you. With tailored support for your unique problems, we offer fast responses that resolve your printing issues. Reach out to Geeks Worldwide Solutions now for more information, guides, or to receive professional help.
Contact details: +1 408-416-3696
