Revolutionize Your Printing Experience: Learn How to Reset a Brother Printer to Factory Settings

Is your Brother printer giving you trouble? From printing errors to stubborn paper jams, these issues can be frustrating. Sometimes, the simplest solution is to reset your printer to factory settings. This can resolve a variety of problems and help your printer run smoothly again. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to reset a Brother printer to factory settings and get your printer back in tip-top shape.

Why Reset Your Brother Printer?

Resetting your Brother printer to factory settings can be a valuable troubleshooting step for a variety of issues, including:

• Printing errors: If your printer is displaying error messages, a factory reset can help clear them.
• Connectivity problems: If you’re having trouble connecting your printer to your computer or network, a reset can help re-establish the connection.
• Paper jams: While a reset may not directly fix a paper jam, it can help reset the printer’s internal settings and prevent future jams.
• Incorrect settings: If your printer is using the wrong paper type or other settings, a reset can restore the default settings.
• Forgotten password: If you’ve forgotten the password for your printer’s wireless network, a reset can help you regain access.

Resetting Your Brother Printer: The Basics

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

• Your Brother printer
• The power cord for your printer
• Your computer or mobile device
• The printer’s user manual (optional, but helpful)

There are two main ways to reset a Brother printer:
1. Using the Control Panel:

• Locate the “Reset” or “Factory Reset” button: This button is usually located on the printer’s control panel. It might be labeled as “Reset,” “Factory Reset,” or have a small icon that resembles a gear or wrench.
• Press and hold the button: Hold the button down for a few seconds, usually 3 to 5 seconds, until the printer’s display shows a confirmation message or the printer starts to reset.
• Follow the on-screen instructions: Depending on your printer model, you may need to confirm the reset by pressing another button or following specific instructions on the printer’s display.

2. Using the Printer’s Menu:

• Access the printer’s menu: This can be done by pressing the “Menu” or “Settings” button on the control panel.
• Navigate to the “Reset” or “Factory Reset” option: This option is usually located under the “System” or “Network” settings.
• Confirm the reset: You will likely be asked to confirm the reset by pressing a button or entering a code.

Resetting Your Brother Printer: Specific Models

While the general steps for resetting a Brother printer are similar, there are some variations depending on the model. Here are some specific instructions for common Brother models:
Brother MFC-J995DW:
1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press and hold the “Stop/Clear” button on the control panel.
3. While holding the “Stop/Clear” button, turn on the printer.
4. Release the “Stop/Clear” button after the printer’s display shows “Resetting.”
5. The printer will reset and restart.
Brother HL-L2350DW:
1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press and hold the “Cancel” button on the control panel.
3. While holding the “Cancel” button, turn on the printer.
4. Release the “Cancel” button after the printer’s display shows “Resetting.”
5. The printer will reset and restart.
Brother DCP-L2550DW:
1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press and hold the “Go” button on the control panel.
3. While holding the “Go” button, turn on the printer.
4. Release the “Go” button after the printer’s display shows “Resetting.”
5. The printer will reset and restart.
Brother HL-3170CDW:
1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press and hold the “Stop” button on the control panel.
3. While holding the “Stop” button, turn on the printer.
4. Release the “Stop” button after the printer’s display shows “Resetting.”
5. The printer will reset and restart.
Brother MFC-L2750DW:
1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press and hold the “Cancel” button on the control panel.
3. While holding the “Cancel” button, turn on the printer.
4. Release the “Cancel” button after the printer’s display shows “Resetting.”
5. The printer will reset and restart.
Note: These are just a few examples. If you can’t find your model listed here, refer to your printer’s user manual for specific instructions.

What Happens When You Reset Your Brother Printer?

When you reset your Brother printer to factory settings, the following changes occur:

• All settings are restored to their default values: This includes network settings, paper type, print quality, and other preferences.
• All saved documents and files are deleted: This includes any documents stored in the printer’s memory, such as scanned images or saved print jobs.
• The printer’s wireless network connection is reset: This means you’ll need to reconnect the printer to your network again.
• The printer’s password is reset: This is useful if you’ve forgotten the password.

After Resetting Your Brother Printer: What to Do Next

Once you’ve reset your Brother printer, you’ll need to configure it again. This involves setting up the printer’s basic settings, connecting it to your network, and installing the necessary drivers.

• Connect the printer to your computer or network: This can be done using a USB cable or wirelessly.
• Install the printer drivers: You can usually download the latest drivers from the Brother website.
• Configure the printer settings: This includes setting the paper type, print quality, and other preferences.
• Test the printer: Print a test page to ensure that the printer is working correctly.

Resetting Your Brother Printer: A Last Resort

Resetting your Brother printer to factory settings should be considered a last resort. It’s best to try other troubleshooting steps first, such as checking the paper tray, restarting your computer, or updating the printer driver. If these steps don‘t work, then resetting the printer might be the solution.

Beyond the Reset: Other Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes, resetting your printer isn‘t the only solution. Here are some other troubleshooting tips to try before resorting to a factory reset:

• Check the paper tray: Make sure the paper is loaded correctly and that there are no obstructions in the tray.
• Restart your computer: This can help resolve connectivity issues.
• Update the printer driver: Outdated drivers can cause problems.
• Check the ink levels: Low ink levels can cause printing errors.
• Clean the print heads: Clogged print heads can lead to poor print quality.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Brother Printer Running Smoothly

While resetting your Brother printer to factory settings can be a helpful troubleshooting step, it’s important to remember that it should be used as a last resort. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can reset your printer and get it back to working order. And remember, regular maintenance, like cleaning the print heads and checking the ink levels, can help prevent future problems.

What You Need to Know

Q: Will resetting my Brother printer delete all my saved documents?
A: Yes, resetting your Brother printer to factory settings will delete all saved documents and files, including scanned images and saved print jobs.
Q: Do I need to reinstall the printer driver after resetting it?
A: Yes, you will likely need to reinstall the printer driver after resetting it. This is because the reset will remove the driver from your computer.
Q: Will resetting my Brother printer fix a paper jam?
A: Resetting your Brother printer may not directly fix a paper jam, but it can help reset the printer’s internal settings and prevent future jams. You should still manually clear any paper jams before resetting the printer.
Q: How often should I reset my Brother printer?
A: You should only reset your Brother printer if you are experiencing problems. Resetting it too often can actually cause more problems.