How To Override Low Toner on Brother Printer

Not Recommended: Resolve "Low Toner" Message

Before delving into the methods, it's important to understand that a low toner warning is designed to alert you when the toner level is running low.

Overriding this warning might temporarily affect print quality, making this solution best suited for situations where top-quality prints aren't essential, such as drafts or internal documents. Continued printing with low toner levels may harm your printer.

However, if you choose to proceed with overriding the low toner warning on your Brother printer, there are several methods to do so. 

Here are some of them:

Check the Toner Level

To check the toner level, navigate to the printer's control panel or access the printer's software on your computer. 

The exact steps can vary depending on your Brother printer model. 

Look for an option that displays the toner level. If it shows that the toner is low or empty, it's time to replace the cartridge.

Read our comprehensive guide: How to Check Printer Ink and Toner Levels

Replace the Toner Cartridge

When replacing the toner cartridge, make sure to use a genuine Brother toner cartridge specifically designed for your printer model. 

Non-Brother cartridges may not provide accurate toner level readings and can lead to errors.

To replace toner cartridges in a Brother printer, follow these steps:

• Switch off your printer.
• Lift the cartridge cover and take out the old cartridges.
• Pause for a few minutes.
• Obtain a genuine Brother toner cartridge designed for your printer model.
• Remove any packaging and seals from the new cartridge.
• Lightly shake the new cartridge to evenly distribute the toner.
• Install the new cartridge into the printer until it clicks into place.
• Close the cartridge cover.
• Power on your printer.

Reset the Printer

For a printer reset, power off the printer and disconnect it from the power source.

Wait for a few minutes before plugging it back in and turning it on. 

This action can clear temporary errors.

Reset the Toner Level

If the above methods don't work, you can try resetting the toner level on your printer. The process varies by printer type:

Brother HL Monochrome Printers

• Open the toner door.
• Hold Go/Start while turning on, then press twice.
• Press Go/Start five times when all lights are on.
• Close door and print test page.

Brother MFC Monochrome Printers

• Open the toner door and press *00.
• Confirm with Okay.
• In drum menu, press * and 00.
• Confirm with Okay and print test page.

Brother DCP, MFC, and HL Color Printers

• Turn on the printer and open the toner door.
• Press Clear/Back for Reset Menu.
• Select Reset, choose toner, and press "Okay."
• Press 1 to reset.
• Exit with Clear/Back, close door, and print test page.

Shake the Toner Cartridge

Sometimes, toner settles at the bottom of the cartridge, causing it to appear empty when it's not.

Take out the cartridge and gently shake it for even toner distribution

Reinstall it and check if the error persists.

Clean the Corona Wire

The corona wire is a part inside a printer or copier that puts an electrostatic charge on the drum to help create images on paper. 

A dirty or damaged corona wire can cause a "Toner Low" error because it affects the proper transfer of toner onto the paper.

Here's how to clean the corona wire:

• Open the front cover of your printer.
• Remove the drum unit and toner cartridge assembly.
• To clean the corona wire, gently move the green tab from left to right and then back in the opposite direction.
• Reinsert the drum unit and toner cartridge assembly.
• Close the top cover.

Update Firmware/Driver

Visit the Brother website and check for the latest firmware updates and printer drivers for your specific printer model. 

Download and install any available updates. 

Updated software can resolve compatibility issues and improve performance.

Buy From Toner Buzz

For reliable and cost-effective genuine Brother toner cartridges, consider purchasing from Toner Buzz. 

Using  genuine toner guarantees accurate readings and prevents potential errors. 

Just type your desired Brother toner cartridge model in the search bar on their website.

Summary

Please note that the exact wording of options and their arrangement might vary slightly depending on your printer model. 

In case you're uncertain about the specific steps for your printer, you can consult your printer's user manual or visit the official Brother support website. 

Further Reading:

• Printer Review Brother HL-3070CW
• The Ultimate Brother Toner Guide