Unlock the Secrets of Your Brother Printer MFC J6520DW: How to Reset It

Are you experiencing issues with your Brother MFC-J6520DW printer? It’s not uncommon for printers to develop glitches, leading to frustrating printing problems. From paper jams to ink cartridge errors, these issues can disrupt your workflow. But before you throw in the towel and consider a new printer, there’s a powerful tool at your disposal: resetting your Brother MFC-J6520DW.
This guide will walk you through the steps of resetting your Brother MFC-J6520DW printer, providing clear instructions to help you troubleshoot common issues and get your printer back up and running smoothly.

Why Reset Your Brother MFC-J6520DW Printer?

Resetting your Brother MFC-J6520DW printer isn‘t just about fixing immediate problems; it’s about restoring your printer to its factory settings. This can be beneficial for several reasons:

• Solving Software Glitches: A reset can clear out temporary files and configurations that may be causing printing errors or unexpected behavior.
• Resolving Ink Cartridge Issues: If you’re encountering ink cartridge errors or inconsistencies, a reset can sometimes help re-establish communication between the printer and the cartridges.
• Fixing Paper Jam Errors: While a reset won’t physically remove a paper jam, it can clear out any lingering error messages related to the jam.
• Starting Fresh: If you’re experiencing persistent issues or want to start using your printer with a clean slate, a reset can help you begin anew.

Resetting Your Brother MFC-J6520DW: Two Methods

There are two main methods for resetting your Brother MFC-J6520DW printer:
1. Using the Printer’s Control Panel:
This method is the simplest and most accessible, often requiring no additional tools.

• Power Off: Turn off your printer completely.
• Unplug: Disconnect the power cord from the printer.
• Wait: Leave the printer unplugged for at least 30 seconds.
• Plug Back In: Reconnect the power cord and turn the printer back on.
• Wait for Startup: Allow the printer to fully power on and initialize.

2. Using the Brother Utility Software:
This method provides a more comprehensive reset, allowing you to reset settings and configurations related to your computer’s connection to the printer.

• Install the Brother Utility: If you haven’t already, download and install the Brother utility software for your specific operating system from the Brother website.
• Open the Utility: Launch the Brother utility software.
• Locate Reset Option: Look for a “Reset” or “Factory Reset” option within the software’s menu.
• Follow On-Screen Instructions: The utility will guide you through the reset process, which may involve confirming the reset and restarting the printer.

Common Issues Resetting Can Fix

Here are some common issues that resetting your Brother MFC-J6520DW printer can help resolve:

• Paper Jams: A reset can clear out any error messages related to a paper jam, allowing you to remove the jam and resume printing.
• Ink Cartridge Errors: If you’re getting error messages about ink cartridges, a reset can sometimes help re-establish communication between the printer and the cartridges.
• Connectivity Issues: If your printer is struggling to connect to your computer or network, a reset might resolve the issue.
• Printing Errors: If you’re encountering printing errors such as blurry text, faded colors, or incomplete prints, a reset can sometimes help restore proper functionality.
• Slow Printing Speeds: A reset might address issues that are causing your printer to print slowly.
• General Malfunction: If your printer is exhibiting unusual behavior, a reset can be a good first step in troubleshooting.

What to Do After Resetting

Once you’ve reset your Brother MFC-J6520DW printer, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure everything is working correctly:

• Check for Updates: After resetting, it’s a good idea to check for any available firmware updates for your printer. Updates can often address bugs and improve performance.
• Reinstall Drivers: If you used the Brother utility software to reset, it’s a good idea to reinstall the printer drivers to ensure a clean connection between your computer and the printer.
• Test Printing: Print a test page to verify that your printer is working properly and that the reset has resolved any issues.
• Monitor Performance: Keep an eye on your printer’s performance in the days following the reset to make sure the issue doesn’t reappear.

Beyond Resetting: Troubleshooting Tips

While resetting can often fix common problems, it’s not a guaranteed solution for every issue. Here are some additional troubleshooting tips to consider:

• Check Ink Levels: Low ink levels can cause printing errors. Make sure your ink cartridges have sufficient ink.
• Inspect Paper: Ensure you’re using the correct type of paper for your printer and that the paper is free of wrinkles, creases, or obstructions.
• Clean Printer Head: If you’re experiencing ink streaks or blurry prints, cleaning the printer head can help restore print quality.
• Check Connections: Make sure all cables and connections are secure, including the power cord, USB cable (if applicable), and network connection.
• Contact Brother Support: If you’ve tried all of these steps and still have issues, it’s time to reach out to Brother support for assistance.

The End of the Line: When to Consider a New Printer

While resetting and troubleshooting can often resolve printer issues, sometimes it’s time to accept that your Brother MFC-J6520DW might be nearing the end of its life. Consider replacing your printer if:

• Frequent Repairs: You’re constantly dealing with repairs and malfunctions.
• High Maintenance Costs: The cost of ink and repairs is becoming excessive.
• Out-of-Date Technology: Your printer is outdated and lacks features you need.
• Performance Issues: Your printer is consistently slow, producing low-quality prints, or experiencing frequent jams.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: How often should I reset my Brother MFC-J6520DW printer?
A: You shouldn’t need to reset your printer frequently. A reset is primarily a troubleshooting tool. If you’re experiencing recurring issues, it may indicate a more serious problem.
Q: Will resetting my printer erase all my documents?
A: Resetting your printer will not erase any documents stored on your computer. However, it will reset the printer’s settings and configurations, so you may need to reconfigure your printer’s connection to your computer or network.
Q: Can I reset my printer without using the Brother utility software?
A: Yes, you can reset your printer using the printer’s control panel, as explained in the first method.
Q: What if resetting my printer doesn‘t fix the problem?
A: If resetting your printer doesn‘t resolve the issue, you can try the additional troubleshooting steps mentioned in this guide or contact Brother support for further assistance.
Q: Will resetting my printer void the warranty?
A: Resetting your printer will not void the warranty. It’s a standard troubleshooting technique that’s often recommended by manufacturers.