How to replace the toner in a Brother laser printer (and clear the Replace Toner message)

Most Brother laser printers keep the toner cartridge clipped onto a separate drum unit. That is why new toner sometimes seems not to fit, or the Replace Toner message stays on. The cartridge has to click into the drum, and the drum has to go back in all the way. Here is the order that works on most models.

Steps

1. Check which toner the screen asks for. Color printers name the color, like Black, Cyan, Magenta or Yellow. Make sure the new cartridge number matches the old one. The number is printed on the old cartridge and in the printer manual, for example TN229 for the MFC-L3780CDW or TN760 for the HL-L2350DW.
2. Leave the printer turned on. Open the front cover. On some smaller models the cover is on top, with the button on the front.
3. Hold the green handle and slide the drum unit out. On color models it is a drawer that holds all four cartridges, and it slides out until it stops. On black and white models the drum and toner come out together as one piece.
4. Remove the old toner. On a black and white model, push down the green lock lever on the drum and lift the toner cartridge out. On a color model, lift the cartridge for the color that is empty straight up and out of the drawer.
5. Unpack the new toner. Hold it level and gently rock it side to side a few times to spread the powder. Pull off the orange protective cover or tape. Try not to touch the roller.
6. Put the new toner in. On a black and white model, push it into the drum until you hear a click and the green lever lifts by itself. On a color model, set it into the slot with the matching color label and press down until it clicks.
7. Clean the wire inside the drum. Find the small green tab on the drum and slide it gently from one end to the other a few times, then return it to its starting spot. This stops streaks after a toner change.
8. Slide the drum unit back in all the way and close the cover. The printer will hum for a minute while it checks the new toner.
9. If it still says Replace Toner, open the cover and make sure the cartridge clicked in and the drum went all the way back. If you used a non-Brother cartridge, the printer may not read its chip, and a genuine cartridge or a cartridge from a different seller usually fixes it.
10. Keep the drum unit. The drum is a separate part that lasts much longer than the toner. Only replace it when the screen says Replace Drum.

Common questions

What is the difference between Toner Low and Replace Toner?

Toner Low means you can still print for a while, so it is a good time to buy a cartridge. Replace Toner means the printer has stopped printing until a new cartridge goes in.

Do I need to buy a new drum every time I change toner?

No. The drum usually lasts through several toner cartridges. Move the same drum over to the new toner.

My prints have lines or streaks after the new toner. Why?

The wire inside the drum usually needs a quick clean. Slide the green tab back and forth a few times and put it back in its home spot.

Where do I recycle the old cartridge?

Brother has a free return program for its cartridges. Many office supply stores also take them.

Can Ellis help me with this?

Yes. Ellis can talk you through each step by phone while you stand at your printer, and will never ask for your passwords or bank details. Ellis is an AI assistant, and it will tell you so.

Ellis is an AI tech support assistant from 5 Star Consultants, a division of Adore LLC. Privacy Terms