People who use Brother Printers, of which who use Brother TN-420 or Brother TN450 toner cartridges, might encounter toner error messages such as “Toner Low”, “Replace Toner” or “Toner Life End”. By the way, Brother TN450 is the high yield version toner for TN420. As the screen shows the cartridge you are using is empty or not recognized, you think you have to replace a new toner cartridge, or you can not continue printing. But after installing a new cartridge, the problem still exists, and you will find that this happens with both OEM and compatible laser toner cartridges. It doesn’t mean the cartridge you bought is damaged, the reason is the cartridge didn’t reset properly, so the printer couldn’t recognize it as a new one. Don’t worry, it is easy to reset.
For Brother DCP/MFC Series:
- First, Open the front cover of the toner/drum section of the printer.
- Press the Clear/Back button and the following message should appear on the LCD display “Replace Drum? 1. Yes, 2. No”
- Reset the counter in the following procedure by printer model and toner type.
MFC models with numeric keypads
TN420 standard toner: Press the *, 1 and 1 button in this order
TN450 high yield toner: Press the *, 1 and 2 buttons in this order
Unknown Toner Type: Press the *, 0 and 0 buttons in this order
DCP models with numeric keypads
TN420 standard toner: Press the “Start” button, and press “arrow up” or “arrow down” button to display “11” on the LCD display. Then press the “OK” button.
TN450 high yield toner: Press the “Start” button, and press “arrow up” or “arrow down” button to display “12” on the LCD display. Then press the “OK” button.
Unknown Toner Type: Press the “Start” button, and press “arrow up” or “arrow down” button to display “00” on the LCD display. Then press the “OK” button.The message “Accepted” should appear on the LCD display. - Following, wait 2 seconds, “Cover Open” will appear on the LCD display.
- Eventually, Close the front cover.
For Brother HL Series:
- Turn the power of the printer off.
- Open the front cover of the toner/drum section of the printer.
- Press and hold the “Go” button while turning on power to the printer.
- Release the “Go” button after “Toner, Drum, and Error” LEDs turn on with the “Ready” LED turn off. All LEDs will now be OFF.
- Press the “Go” button 2 times – The “Toner, Drum, and Error” LEDs will turn ON.
- Press the “Go” button 6 times for a TN420 or Press the “Go” button 7 times for Brother TN450.
- Close the front cover after “Error” LED starts to flash.
- Finally, The reset procedure has been completed.
I am using an Innovera replacement cartridge sold by Costco. I’ve followed the instructions carefully to reset my DCP-7065DN copier and am unable to resolve the toner low display in the LED window. VERY FRUSTRATING. Please contact me with further instructions as to how to rectify this most annoying problem. Sincerely, Ann W
DID YOU EVER GET AN ANSWER TO THIS PROBLEM?
We have a HP MFC 7240 printer fax/copy machine. I am using a TN420 Brother cartridge. I have followed the instructions as how to replace the cartridge. When I go to print the toner is still stating that it is low. I have usded troubleshooting methods and nothing works.
Please help.
H.Browne
Did you ever get a reply to this question?
If you tried the toner reset instruction not work on your printer, it may be the problem for your printer’s drum counter is overflowed. I attached the link below you can follow the instruction to reset the printer drum counter.
https://support.shopperplus.com/en/support/solutions/articles/9000073967-universal-brother-drum-unit-reset-instruction
PLS AM USING HP 2840 3 IN 1.MY TONER INDICATOR IS INDICATING LOW TONER CATRIDGE, AFTER FILLING THE TONER CATRIGDE. PLS CAN I GET SOLUTION TO THIS. BUT IT DID NOT DISTURB ME FROM PRINTING.
You have nicely explained all the instructions to reset the toner of the brother printer. Thanks a lot for this. Keep posting in future also.
Thanks much! Saved me from having to buy another cartridge.
I’m using a Brother HL-2270DW, firmware version 1.15, driver version 4.5.2, Moustache TN-450 compatible toner cartrige (new).
None of these instructions work. Elsewhere it is suggested to press the “Go” button 5 times. That doesn’t work either. And it’s not a drum issue (the printer reports drum unit has 92.6% remaining life).
Thank you so much for reset instruction on Brother TN450. I had 4 toners and none of them were working!!!
I had heard that Canadian people are smart and good. I wasn’t sure but I am pretty sure now.