What To Know
- Running out of ink in the middle of a crucial printing job is a nightmare.
- A full bar or 100% indicates a full ink cartridge, while a low bar or low percentage signifies a near-empty cartridge.
- These are usually displayed on the printer’s control panel, showing a flashing ink icon or a low ink message.
Running out of ink in the middle of a crucial printing job is a nightmare. Avoid this frustrating situation by staying ahead of the game and checking your Brother printer ink levels. Knowing how to check your printer ink levels is essential for both home and office users. This guide will walk you through the various methods to check your Brother printer ink levels, ensuring you never run out of ink again.
Checking Ink Levels Through the Control Panel
The easiest and most direct way to check your ink levels is through your Brother printer’s control panel. This method is accessible and user-friendly, requiring no additional software or applications.
1. Turn on your Brother printer. Ensure it is powered on and ready to operate.
2. Locate the ink level icon. This icon typically resembles a drop of ink or a gauge. It might be labeled “Ink” or “Toner” depending on your printer type.
3. Press the ink level icon. This will display the current ink levels for each color cartridge. The ink levels are usually represented by a bar graph or a percentage.
4. Interpret the ink levels. A full bar or 100% indicates a full ink cartridge, while a low bar or low percentage signifies a near-empty cartridge.
Checking Ink Levels Using Brother’s iPrint&Scan App
If you prefer a more interactive and convenient approach, Brother’s iPrint&Scan app is a great solution. This app allows you to monitor your ink levels remotely from your smartphone or tablet.
1. Download the iPrint&Scan app. This app is available for both Android and iOS devices. Search for “Brother iPrint&Scan” in your app store and download it.
2. Connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network. Ensure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile device.
3. Launch the iPrint&Scan app and select your printer. The app will automatically detect your Brother printer.
4. Access the ink level information. Within the app, you’ll find an option to view the ink levels for each color cartridge.
Monitoring Ink Levels Through Brother’s Software
Brother’s dedicated software provides a comprehensive way to manage your printer, including monitoring ink levels. This software is usually installed during the initial printer setup.
1. Open Brother’s software. The software name may vary depending on your printer model. It is usually called “Brother ControlCenter” or “Brother Printer Utility.”
2. Navigate to the ink level section. The software interface typically displays a status overview of your printer, including ink levels.
3. View the ink levels. You can see the remaining ink levels for each color cartridge, often presented as a percentage.
Checking Ink Levels Through the Computer
If you don’t have the Brother software installed, you can still check your ink levels directly from your computer. This method utilizes the printer’s built-in functionality.
1. Open the “Printers & Scanners” or “Devices and Printers” setting. This can be accessed through the Windows Control Panel or the macOS System Preferences.
2. Right-click on your Brother printer icon. A menu will appear with various options.
3. Select “Properties” or “Printer Properties.” This will open a window with information about your printer.
4. Navigate to the “Supplies” or “Ink” tab. This tab will display the current ink levels for each cartridge.
Understanding Ink Level Notifications
Most Brother printers have built-in ink level notifications that alert you when your ink levels are running low. These notifications can be visual, auditory, or a combination of both.
1. Visual notifications. These are usually displayed on the printer’s control panel, showing a flashing ink icon or a low ink message.
2. Auditory notifications. Some printers emit a beep or a series of beeps to signal low ink levels.
3. Software notifications. Brother’s software may also display low ink notifications on your computer screen.
Replacing Empty Ink Cartridges
Once you’ve confirmed that your ink levels are low, it’s time to replace the empty cartridges. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Purchase genuine Brother ink cartridges. Using non-genuine cartridges can damage your printer and void your warranty.
2. Turn off your printer and unplug it. This ensures safety and prevents accidental ink spills.
3. Open the printer’s cartridge access door. This door is usually located on the front or top of the printer.
4. Remove the empty cartridge. Gently lift the cartridge out of its slot.
5. Insert the new cartridge. Align the new cartridge with the slot and gently push it into place.
6. Close the cartridge access door. Ensure the door is securely closed.
7. Turn on your printer and plug it back in. Allow the printer to initialize and complete any necessary calibration.
Ink Level Accuracy and Tips
While ink level indicators are generally accurate, they can sometimes be slightly off. Factors like the type of paper, print settings, and usage patterns can affect ink consumption.
Here are some tips to ensure accurate ink level readings and prolong the life of your ink cartridges:
- Print draft quality documents when possible. This uses less ink than high-quality settings.
- Avoid printing unnecessary pages. Review documents before printing to minimize wasted ink.
- Clean your printer regularly. This helps maintain optimal ink flow and prevents clogging.
- Store ink cartridges properly. Keep cartridges in a cool, dry place to prevent them from drying out.
In a nutshell: Keeping Your Brother Printer Ink Levels in Check
By following these simple steps and staying informed about your Brother printer’s ink levels, you can avoid the inconvenience of running out of ink mid-print. Whether you use the control panel, Brother’s iPrint&Scan app, or the dedicated software, there are various methods to monitor your ink levels and ensure smooth printing operations. Remember to purchase genuine Brother ink cartridges and follow the tips for maximizing ink cartridge life.
Information You Need to Know
1. How often should I check my printer ink levels?
It’s recommended to check your ink levels at least once a week, or more frequently if you print regularly.
2. What happens if I keep printing with low ink levels?
Printing with low ink levels can lead to poor print quality, streaks, and faded colors. It can also damage your printer’s print heads.
3. Can I use third-party ink cartridges in my Brother printer?
While third-party ink cartridges may be cheaper, they can affect your printer’s performance and void your warranty. It’s best to use genuine Brother ink cartridges.
4. How can I reset my printer’s ink level indicator?
Some Brother printers allow you to reset the ink level indicator through the control panel or software. Refer to your printer’s manual for specific instructions.
5. What are the signs of a clogged print head?
Clogged print heads can cause streaks, blurry prints, and faded colors. If you notice these issues, clean your print heads using Brother’s recommended cleaning solutions.
