What To Know
- This is the simplest reset and involves simply turning the printer off and on again.
- A factory reset is a more drastic solution that should only be used if other reset methods haven’t resolved the problem or if you’re preparing to sell or give away your printer.
- Use a clean, dry cloth or cotton swab to gently wipe the gold-colored contacts on both the ink cartridges and the printer’s cartridge slots.
Are you experiencing problems with your Brother MFC-J5320DW printer? From paper jams to ink cartridge errors, a reset can often be the solution you need. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods on how to reset your Brother MFC-J5320DW, helping you troubleshoot common issues and get your printer back up and running smoothly.
Understanding the Different Types of Resets
Before diving into the specific reset methods, it’s important to understand the different types of resets available for your Brother MFC-J5320DW:
- Power Reset: This is the simplest reset and involves simply turning the printer off and on again. It can often resolve minor glitches and temporary errors.
- Factory Reset: This reset restores the printer to its original factory settings, erasing all custom settings, network configurations, and saved documents. It’s useful for resolving more complex issues or if you’re selling or giving away your printer.
- Ink Cartridge Reset: This reset specifically targets ink cartridge-related errors, such as “ink cartridge error” or “ink cartridge not recognized.” It helps re-establish communication between the printer and the cartridges.
Method 1: Performing a Power Reset
A power reset is the first step you should take when encountering any printer issues. It’s a quick and easy fix that often resolves temporary errors or glitches. Here’s how to perform a power reset on your Brother MFC-J5320DW:
1. Turn off the printer: Press the power button on the printer to switch it off.
2. Unplug the power cord: Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.
3. Wait 30 seconds: Allow the printer to remain unplugged for at least 30 seconds. This will allow any residual power to dissipate.
4. Plug the power cord back in: Connect the power cord back to the wall outlet.
5. Turn the printer back on: Press the power button to turn the printer back on.
After completing these steps, try using your printer again. If the issue persists, you can move on to the next reset methods.
Method 2: Performing a Factory Reset
A factory reset is a more drastic solution that should only be used if other reset methods haven’t resolved the problem or if you’re preparing to sell or give away your printer. This process erases all your customized settings, so make sure to back up any important configurations before proceeding.
1. Turn on the printer: Ensure the printer is powered on.
2. Access the printer’s menu: Press the “Menu” button on the control panel.
3. Navigate to the “Setup” menu: Using the navigation buttons, scroll down to the “Setup” menu and press “OK.”
4. Select “Reset” or “Factory Reset“: Look for an option labeled “Reset” or “Factory Reset” and select it using the navigation buttons.
5. Confirm the reset: The printer may prompt you to confirm the reset. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Once the factory reset is complete, your Brother MFC-J5320DW will be restored to its original factory settings. You will need to reconfigure your network settings, install drivers, and set up any other customizations.
Method 3: Resetting the Ink Cartridge
If you’re encountering ink cartridge-related errors, such as “ink cartridge error” or “ink cartridge not recognized,” you can try resetting the ink cartridges. This process helps re-establish communication between the printer and the cartridges.
1. Turn off the printer: Power off the printer by pressing the power button.
2. Open the ink cartridge access door: Locate the ink cartridge access door and open it.
3. Remove the ink cartridges: Carefully remove all the ink cartridges from their slots.
4. Clean the ink cartridge contacts: Use a clean, dry cloth or cotton swab to gently wipe the gold-colored contacts on both the ink cartridges and the printer’s cartridge slots.
5. Reinstall the ink cartridges: Place the ink cartridges back into their respective slots, ensuring they are properly aligned.
6. Close the ink cartridge access door: Close the door securely.
7. Turn on the printer: Power on the printer and allow it to initialize.
After completing these steps, try printing a test page to see if the ink cartridge error is resolved.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While resetting your Brother MFC-J5320DW can often resolve various printer issues, it’s important to understand some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
- Paper Jams: Paper jams are a common occurrence in printers. To resolve a paper jam, follow the instructions in your printer’s manual. Carefully remove any jammed paper, ensuring you don’t tear or damage any components.
- Ink Cartridge Errors: If you’re experiencing ink cartridge errors, check the ink levels and ensure the cartridges are properly installed. Cleaning the contacts, as described in the “Resetting the Ink Cartridge” method, can also resolve these errors.
- Network Connectivity Issues: If you’re unable to connect to your printer wirelessly, check your router settings and ensure the printer is connected to the same network. You may also need to update your printer’s firmware or drivers.
- Printing Quality Issues: If your printouts are blurry or faded, check the ink levels and ensure the print heads are not clogged. You may need to clean the print heads or replace the ink cartridges.
Getting Help and Support
If you’re unable to resolve the issue with your Brother MFC-J5320DW after trying the reset methods and troubleshooting steps, you can seek help from Brother’s support resources:
- Brother Website: Visit Brother’s official website and search for support documentation, user manuals, and FAQs for your specific model.
- Brother Support Phone Number: Contact Brother’s customer support hotline for assistance from a technical representative.
- Brother Community Forums: Engage with other Brother users in online forums to find solutions and share experiences.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Printer Running Smoothly
By understanding the different types of resets and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve many common issues with your Brother MFC-J5320DW printer. Remember to perform regular maintenance, such as cleaning the print heads and replacing ink cartridges as needed, to keep your printer running smoothly and deliver high-quality prints.
What You Need to Know
Q: What if my Brother MFC-J5320DW is still not working after trying all the reset methods?
A: If you’ve tried all the reset methods and your printer is still not working, it’s likely a more serious hardware issue. Contact Brother’s customer support for further assistance or consider taking your printer to a qualified repair technician.
Q: How often should I perform a power reset on my Brother MFC-J5320DW?
A: You can perform a power reset whenever you experience minor glitches or errors. It’s also a good practice to do it periodically, such as once a month, to refresh the printer’s system.
Q: Can I reset my Brother MFC-J5320DW without losing my network settings?
A: No, a factory reset will erase all your customized settings, including network configurations. If you want to keep your network settings, consider troubleshooting other issues before resorting to a factory reset.
Q: What should I do if my Brother MFC-J5320DW is showing an “ink cartridge error” even after resetting the cartridges?
A: If the error persists after resetting the cartridges, try replacing the cartridges with new ones. If the error persists even with new cartridges, there may be a problem with the printer’s ink cartridge recognition system. Contact Brother’s customer support for assistance.
