Any printer user will likely have to replace the toner cartridge at some point. After changing the cartridge, the printer may not recognize it, which is a very common problem.
It is not as complex as it seems to be to fix this issue. If you are looking for some easy fixes, you are at the right place.
So, let’s jump into the main context:
Brother Printer Not Recognizing New Toner Cartridge? Common Reasons with Fixes
Software Failure
Printers are programmed for detecting the cartridge and show the full ink level automatically when you insert it. But sometimes the program fails and considers it as the previous one (Which was empty).
As this is a software issue, resetting it will be an effective solution to it.
Here is how to reset your brother printer cartridge.
- Press menu
- Using the up and down buttons choose initial setup
- Choose the cartridge reset option
Plastic Cover around Cartridge
Sometimes in a hurry, the users forget to remove the polyethylene straps around the cartridge.
The printer can not recognize the cartridge if it is covered with protective plastic straps.
The easiest solution is to open the chamber and check if there is any plastic strap, tape, or cover stuck on the cartridge. If there is, then remove it properly and insert the cartridge into your printer again.
Update the Driver and Firmware
Printer companies like Brother send firmware updates for their printers. Firmware updates are produced to make the system more bug-free and user-friendly.
To update the drivers and firmware on your brother printer first you have to delete the drivers and firmware from your printer.
To delete the drivers and firmware from your printer…
- Open the “Brother Utilities” application on your computer
- Select your printer model from the dropdown list
- Go to tools and then uninstall
- From there, follow the instructions to uninstall the software and drivers
Next, you will have to download the firmware and drivers
Click here to download the full software packageDamaged or Isolated Connectors
The connectors of the cartridge can be damaged. They are called Contacts. The printer is unable to recognize a toner cartridge with damaged contacts.
Even dirt stuck on the connectors also affects the same. So, try to clean the contacts properly and then insert the cartridge again.
Here is how to clean your connectors.
Cleaning the Connectors
Generally, the connectors are placed at one side of the cartridge (Most often at the back of the toner cartridge).
Before starting to clean it make sure you have unplugged your printer from the power so you don’t get an electric shock. Now follow the steps below:
- Remove the toner cartridge and put it on a flat surface.
- Have a look at the metal flat plates around the cartridge.
- See where those metal contacts are connected to the printer.
- Wipe the connectors with a dry cloth. Remove if there is any dirt visible and be careful that you don’t damage it.
- Now install the toner cartridge again in its place.
- Plug in the printer and try printing again.
Contact Customer Support
If none of these troubleshooting steps worked for you, you can contact brother customer support and they will help you get a solution to your issue. they offer multiple contact options which are live chat, email, or phone.
Contact Brother SupportOnce you are on the official brother customer service support page, scroll down and search for your brother printer product model.
In Conclusion
The not recognizing toner cartridge error is not something too uncommon for a printer user. You can simply fix this error by following the few steps we mentioned above.
If the troubleshooting steps don’t work, you can contact brother customer support.
Also, if your Brother Printer is too old and is showing unnecessary errors. You should consider getting a new one. Because electronics don’t last forever.
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