How to Hard Reset Brother Printer: Top Tips and Tricks Revealed!

Are you experiencing frustrating errors, paper jams, or connectivity issues with your Brother printer? A hard reset is often the solution to these problems. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of how to hard reset a Brother printer, explaining the reasons behind it and providing step-by-step instructions for various models.

Why Hard Reset Your Brother Printer?

A hard reset, also known as a factory reset, essentially restores your Brother printer to its original factory settings. This process can be beneficial in several situations:

• Troubleshooting Errors: A hard reset can resolve various printer errors, including paper jams, communication issues, and print quality problems.
• Fixing Connectivity Problems: If your printer is struggling to connect to your Wi-Fi network, a hard reset can help re-establish the connection.
• Clearing Memory: A hard reset clears the printer’s memory, including stored print jobs, network settings, and custom configurations. This can be helpful if you’re experiencing issues related to outdated settings.
• Preparing for Sale or Transfer: Before selling or transferring your Brother printer to someone else, a hard reset ensures that all your personal information is removed from the device.

How to Hard Reset a Brother Printer: A Step-by-Step Guide

The exact steps for performing a hard reset can vary slightly depending on your Brother printer model. However, the general process remains similar. Here’s a detailed guide:
1. Power Down and Disconnect:

• Turn off your Brother printer completely.
• Unplug the power cord from the printer.
• Disconnect any USB cables or network cables connected to the printer.

2. Locate the Reset Button:

• The reset button is usually located on the back or bottom of your Brother printer. It might be a small, recessed button or a combination of buttons. Refer to your printer’s user manual for the exact location.

3. Press and Hold the Reset Button:

• While the printer is unplugged, press and hold the reset button for a specific duration. The required time can vary from 5 to 30 seconds. Again, consult your user manual for the correct duration.

4. Release the Button and Power Up:

• Release the reset button.
• Plug the power cord back into the printer.
• Turn the printer back on.

5. Wait for the Reset to Complete:

• The printer will go through a reset process, which may take a few minutes. During this time, you might see flashing lights or a progress bar on the display.

6. Re-configure Settings:

• Once the hard reset is complete, you will need to re-configure your printer settings, including your Wi-Fi network, paper settings, and print preferences.

Hard Resetting Specific Brother Printer Models

Here are some additional instructions for specific Brother printer models:
Brother MFC-J905DW:

• Locate the reset button on the back of the printer.
• Press and hold the reset button for 5 seconds.
• Release the button and turn the printer back on.

Brother HL-L2350DW:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Press and hold the “Go” button (usually located on the front panel) and the “Stop” button simultaneously.
• While holding both buttons, plug the power cord back in.
• Continue holding the buttons for about 10 seconds.
• Release the buttons and turn the printer back on.

Brother DCP-L2550DW:

• Power off the printer and unplug it.
• Locate the “Go” button and the “Stop” button on the front panel.
• Press and hold both buttons simultaneously.
• Plug the power cord back in while holding the buttons.
• Hold the buttons for approximately 10 seconds.
• Release the buttons and turn the printer back on.

Brother HL-3170CDW:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Press and hold the “Go” button and the “Stop” button simultaneously.
• While holding both buttons, plug the power cord back in.
• Hold the buttons for about 10 seconds.
• Release the buttons and turn the printer back on.

Important Considerations Before Hard Resetting

• Backup Your Settings: Before performing a hard reset, it’s a good idea to back up any important printer settings, such as Wi-Fi passwords and custom paper sizes.
• Check Your User Manual: Always refer to your Brother printer’s user manual for the most accurate and up-to-date instructions for hard resetting your specific model.
• Alternative Solutions: Consider other troubleshooting steps before resorting to a hard reset. Often, simpler solutions, such as restarting your computer or router, can resolve printer issues.

Beyond the Reset: Troubleshooting and Maintenance Tips

While a hard reset can often solve printer problems, it’s important to understand the underlying causes of these issues. Here are some additional tips:

• Check for Paper Jams: Paper jams are a common cause of printer errors. Inspect the paper path and remove any jammed paper.
• Clean the Printer: Dust and debris can accumulate inside your printer, affecting print quality and performance. Clean the rollers, print heads, and other internal components regularly.
• Update Printer Drivers: Outdated printer drivers can lead to compatibility issues. Ensure you have the latest drivers installed on your computer.
• Use Quality Print Cartridges: Using genuine Brother ink cartridges can improve print quality and minimize the risk of printer errors.

A Fresh Start for Your Brother Printer: Moving Forward

A hard reset can be a powerful tool for resolving printer issues and restoring your Brother printer to optimal performance. By following these steps and considering the additional troubleshooting tips, you can keep your printer running smoothly and enjoy trouble-free printing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I lose all my documents after a hard reset?
A: No, a hard reset only affects your printer’s settings and memory. It will not delete any documents stored on your computer.
Q: Can I perform a hard reset while the printer is still connected to my computer?
A: It’s best to disconnect the printer from your computer before performing a hard reset. This ensures a clean reset process.
Q: What if my printer doesn’t have a reset button?
A: If your printer lacks a dedicated reset button, you might need to follow alternative methods, such as resetting through the printer’s control panel or using a specific button combination. Refer to your user manual for instructions.
Q: How often should I hard reset my Brother printer?
A: You don’t need to hard reset your printer regularly. Only perform a hard reset if you’re experiencing specific issues or if you’re preparing to sell or transfer the printer.