How to Reset Empty Toner Cartridges and Fix a Brother Color Laser Printer

𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐄 👉 ‪@groovyPost‬
Laser printers often report toner cartridges are empty when in fact there is still life remaining in them. Many times your printer will not allow you to print because it "thinks" the toner cartridge is empty. Toner, especially color toner, is expensive, and this can lead to a large waste of cash.
Learn how to reset the print counter on your Brother laser toner (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) cartridges, saving cash by using 100% of the toner in each cartridge.
Although the steps were performed on an MFC-L3770CDW, people have commented below (Thank you!!) that the trick also works on other Brother printers, including MFC-L8900CDW, MFC-L3710, MFC-L3730, MFC-L3750 CDW for the Toner models: Brother TN-223 TN-227 TN-243 TN-247.
Note - The steps shown were done on the MFC-L3770CDW running the following Firmware:
Firmware Version: ZA
Sub Version: 1.60
To check the firmware of your printer, do the following:
Tap the Gear icon, All Settings, Machine Info, Firmware Version.
Update #1 - 3/20/2024 | Viewers have commented that they can only reset the toner a single time depending on the firmware version. With this in mind, I would recommend against resetting the toner as a "test". Only perform the steps in the video when your toner reports as empty.
Also, you might want to disable the Firmware Auto-Update to avoid this problem. Just keep in mind (disclaimer) that this has the long-term potential to prevent your printer from getting fixes, software updates, and security patches.
Brother MFC-L3770CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer
go.gplink.io/brother-mfcl3770
Brother Genuine High Yield TN227 Replacement Toner Combo Set
amzn.to/3SJTtJN
Brother Genuine Standard Yield TN223 Replacement Toner Combo Set
amzn.to/3mddITY
Note: If you click the links to Amazon above, I make a few cents for the referral. Your price won't change, but every couple of months, it's enough to buy me a cup of coffee.

[@alexandraechandia2055]

I never comment on videos!! But YOU SAVED ME from months and months of stressed i have looked at god knows how many videos on how to make my printer recognize my brand new toner and Nothing worked UNTIL NOW!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

[@groovyPost]

You are so welcome! I'm so glad I could help. Don't forget to like the video and subscribe to the channel. Steve

[@lisadrewart]

PERFECT solution! We were completely out of Yellow, bought new cartridges that didn't fit and couldn't get a new one until after Christmas. This worked so well!! Thank you!

[@groovyPost]

That's so great to hear. Thank you for the comment. Very happy my tip was able to get you back up and running! Steve

[@stinacoupons9716]

Thank you! I was on my 2nd yellow brand new toner for my MFC L8900CDW and I was dead in the water at night and Brother website was zero help. This was the very first time that I changed the toner on my new MFC. There should have been zero worn out parts. Your solution worked for me.

[@groovyPost]

Awesome. That's great to hear. Yeah, as much as we like the Brother printers, its website is really really horrible. Out of date, slow and unhelpful. Glad our channel could help!

[@roymcewen8203]

Thank You Steve For A Clear Video Explanation On How To Reset The Toner Cartridges 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@groovyPost]

Thanks Roy! I appreciate the comment. When I figured out this trick, I knew I had to share it. I just love this printer, and as I said in the video, I love it even more now that I know how to extend the life of the toner.

[@gabrielwhite9656]

so many bogus solutions to these issues on youtube, designed for clicks and selling ads. Imagine my joy and frankly surprise that found a tip that was actually useful, worked and true. Thanks

[@groovyPost]

Thank you for the feedback! Appreciate the comments. Steve groovyPost

[@paultarter5424]

Does not work with the hl-l3280cdw… brand nes printer printed 150 pages… box says 1500 pages… but no and no one can help me!!!

[@carlycupid340]

I used it on my Brother MFC-L8900CDW and it worked. Thank you. I love how easy that was!

[@groovyPost]

Glad it helped!

[@devinjensen447]

Wow this is amazing saved me so much money and time rushing to the store to get more toner. Thanks for your help!

[@groovyPost]

You bet! I pretty much felt the same way when I discovered it! Welcome to the channel. Steve

[@yolandaforster6461]

Thank you! This sorted our problem after messing about with it for over an hour. Sorted in a jiffy.

[@groovyPost]

Awesome. Thank you for the feedback and I'm glad it's working out!

[@PastorPaulFlynn]

Thanks so much! I was shocked that it was so easy! My yellow "ran out" but I rarely use anything but black and white so I knew something is off with the brother toners. This will save a lot of money!

[@groovyPost]

Yeah tell me about it! I've got 3 kids myself and the constant printing would have been VERY expensive had I not found this. Thanks for the comment and please subscribe for more tips in the future! - Steve

[@abidamjad3844]

bro you're a life saver, I hope Brother printer makers wont see this video anytime soon. LOLL (Lots of Love from London)

[@groovyPost]

Yes - exactly.

[@PawelKedzior]

Just proven to work also on DCP-L3550CDW. Thank you so much!

[@groovyPost]

Awesome. Thanks for confirming that for us! Steve

[@HiYou9]

this helped out 100%. What a simple solution and Thanks to brother printers for allowing for this option.... Man I am liking this printer more and more

[@groovyPost]

Great to hear! Thanks for the feedback! Don't forget to like the video and subscribe!

[@JohnStrutt-mn7yy]

I have been doing a lot of printing in black print, and when the printer flaged up I was out of Y I knew this was wrong. Did all the things I probably I shouldnt have, shaking the cartridge etc., then I found this video, game changer, cant thank you enough!!

[@groovyPost]

Awesome! Thnx for the comment!

[@mortalballdc]

You are a life saver. I have the same exact printer. I replaced the black and it was saying it was at 75% right after I changed it

[@groovyPost]

That's great to hear. Some have complained that newer the trick doesn't work on newer BIOS versions so it's good to hear you got it working for ya. What BIOS is your printer running? To check the firmware of your printer, do the following: Tap the icon, All Settings, Machine Info, Firmware Version. My printer is running Firmware Version:, Sub Version: Thanks! Steve

[@Astrogak]

Worked like a charm. Thanks mate.

[@groovyPost]

Excellent! Thanks for the update.

[@junior_sabino]

MAN YOU ARE A LIFESAVER! Thank you so much!

[@groovyPost]

You're welcome! Be sure to subscribe and support the channel. Thank you!

[@byronbiblecamp]

Thanks so much this saved my day! I'm changing over to a new brother printer that uses the same cartridges and had some left over and the printer wasn't recognizing them until I did this!

[@groovyPost]

Hey that's awesome. Thanks for sharing that detail. Would you mind lett us know which model you moved to?

[@byronbiblecamp]

@@groovyPost We moved from a MFC-L861 OCDW to a MFC-L8900CDW which use the same toner cartridges.

[@groovyPost]

Awesome great tip@@byronbiblecamp. Thanks for the follow-up!

[@JudgeBuster]

Excellent video. Just wish I had seen it before I bought the TN-227 HY replacement cartridge. But I didn't throw away the original TN-223BK cartridge, so now I have a spare in the TN-227 box. These printer manufacturers sure know how to scam you into buying new cartridges. I started buying the off-brand ink refills for my MFC-J6710DW ink jet that I've had for about 10 years. It still works great. Glad I found out that the ink jet ink is all made by the same companies that sell the ink to Brother. Thanks again, brother!!

[@groovyPost]

Yeah, I hear you -- I might have a spare lying around also (by doing the same thing.....) That's for the feedback. I'm happy the video was able to help ya!

[@jeromeamulraj7096]

Thank you Steve, your video really helped me to reset the toner life and continue printing. I wish I had seen this earlier before purchasing the black toner ;-) but you saved me from purchasing the color toners.

[@groovyPost]

Same thing happened to me! I have a closet with a few Black toners... Oh well, eventually I'll get to them I guess. Thanks for the comment. Please like and subscribe! Steve

[@christythibodeau6165]

OMG Thank you so much! Was ready to toss my MFC-L3770CDW on the dump! Although I do LOVE this machine, it can get frustrating when the toner keeps saying "out" when you know it isn't.

[@groovyPost]

Hey that's great. Thank you for the comment. I'm glad my video was able to help ya! Steve

[@onlinetrophies4814]

Perfect, Thank you. The same method worked on my Brother DCP-L8410CDW as well

[@groovyPost]

Excellent! Thank you for the comment on this other Model #. Appreciate that! Steve

[@onlinetrophies4814]

Well the last used bk cartridge I put in the machine lasted 5 months. I had to watch the vid again as I forgot what to do. I did have to switch the printer off and on again before I could re-set the the cartridge. Thanks again👍👍

[@healthcapades4407]

You are a life saver!! Thank you so much for this tip!!

[@SteveKrause]

You're very welcome! Thank you for the feedback. I had a feeling I wasn't the only person out there getting annoyed by throwing away full-toner cartridges. Now, don't forget to disable Firmware Auto-Update. I'm hearing this ends this lifehack... Steve groovyPost

[@groovyPost]

Happy to help!

[@npmarshall]

Dude! Incredible tip, thanks so much.

[@groovyPost]

Happy to help!

[@drmimzz309]

Thank you so much you've saved me a heap of money!

[@groovyPost]

Glad I could help!

[@raymondgilbert3326]

Magic!!! also works on my MFC-L3750CDW

[@groovyPost]

Great feedback @raymondgilbert3326 - Appreciate that comment. I'll update the article with your feedback. Thnx!

[@traceyshields344]

Can't make it work on mine at all. I guess I'll have to find a technician to come to the house😢

[@paulpips2742]

Fixed my printer, thank you!

[@groovyPost]

Glad it helped!

[@spencerhulme1203]

Brilliant servicce maintenance tutorial thank you ! Recently i purchased a DCP-L3520CDWE secondhand (I also bought 4 non brother new toners and even after reset it still says to replace blk and yellow! The original that came with it are half full, this printer is an eco pro, but half full seems a massive wase and added expence i thnk it is to do with the toner chips.

[@mattcrooke8321]

You sir, are an absolute genius. Thank you!!!

[@groovyPost]

You're very welcome! Thnx for the comment.

[@user-ck8xj5iq9l]

I looked into it. The MFC-3720CDW or any of the new Brother printers that no longer have physical back and cancel keys won't let you reset the toner life or print when the counters reach empty. I sent my printer back to Amazon and bought a printer that does let you reset the toner life. At the $ a 4 pack of toner cartridges cost it's crazy to use a printer that makes you replace color toner cartridges when they are almost full.

[@groovyPost]

That's good to know. I have no plans to get rid of my MFC-L3770CDW or update its firmware. Love the printer.

[@raulsilva5327]

Thank you SO MUCH!

[@groovyPost]

You're very welcome. I'm happy the tip worked for ya.

[@valdanowill]

Awesome it worked. Thank you.

[@groovyPost]

Glad it helped. Welcome to the channel.

[@nocnipel]

Thank you sir :) hate when they force you to change a toner that s still perfectly working !

[@groovyPost]

100% - Even worse when you NEED to print something and it won't let ya. ;) Thanks for the comment. Be sure to like and subscribe!

[@tatebernd3850]

Thanks mate... brilliant hack ... thanks again

[@groovyPost]

No problem. I'm glad it worked out for ya!

[@farefare7616]

You are awesome! Thank you!

[@groovyPost]

Thnx Fare for the comment. Glad we were able to help. Don't forget to subscribe!

[@endtimesmanitoulin5676]

Corrected Method: Computer cannot be sending print job to printer, and printer must not be in "Receiving Data" mode to reset toner. My notebook was sending large print job when Yellow signaled "out of toner". Notebook was still sending more pages, and printer was still trying to receive pages. Dozens of attempts to reset failed. To dolve reset problem, I shut my notebook off so it couldn't send print job to printer. Printer still showed it was trying to receive print job. I pulled power plug from printer, waited 30 seconds, then plugged printer back in. On startup, printer was no longer trying to "receive data", but Yellow toner was still out. Then I followed the procedure here, worked first time.

[@groovyPost]

Great tip. Something to keep in mind if the reset isn't working for other viewers. Appreciate that.

[@jennythomas1409]

OMG! You are brilliant. Thankyou so much. :)

[@groovyPost]

You're very welcome! Glad I could help! Steve

[@pete0205]

Thanks, great help!

[@groovyPost]

You bet! Welcome to the channel. Be sure to subscribe!

[@gerryhanley5136]

thanks Steve works grate

[@groovyPost]

You're welcome. Glad I was able to get ya back up and running.

[@user-dv5rl4mx1g]

You saved me too!!!! Thank you so much!

[@groovyPost]

Glad I could help!

[@svrider23]

Nailed it, thank you!

[@groovyPost]

Glad you liked it! Be sure to subscribe and support the channel. Thank you!

[@marksaunders4485]

So helpful!

[@groovyPost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cindijojo3429]

you just saved me!!!! Thanks

[@groovyPost]

Glad to hear it!

[@pelon846]

Helped us as well almost bought new toners, even though we hardly used them, Thanks

[@groovyPost]

Excellent! Really glad you found the tip! Thanks for the comment. I wish we didn't need to "hack" the printer to not waste a bunch of cash replacing half-empty toner. Just let it print until I decide to replace it. It's a lot cheaper to waste a few pieces of paper vs. several hundred dollars on new toner.

[@user-bx9vr7bv9j]

Omg thank you!!

[@groovyPost]

You bet! Glad the tip got you back up and running.

[@MsLDouce]

THANK YOU!

[@groovyPost]

You're welcome!

[@DumpoDeluxe]

Thank you very mouch. Hope it still works on new series with no buttons

[@groovyPost]

Let me know what you find out.

[@sjsboutiquex1167]

Thank you so much!

[@groovyPost]

Glad it helped!

[@unitetheworld500]

Thank you. It really works! Has anyone tried using the compatible printer cartridges rather than the Brother cartridges? I purchased a compatible brand and the printer keeps giving me the message 'replace the toner' even though the toner is sitting inside.

[@groovyPost]

Hi! Welcome to the channel. So.... personally, no, I have not. At least not on a Brother printer. I had a very nice Canon color laser printer, and when I needed new toner, I bought the 3rd party, non-canon toner. The result it ruined my printer. The colors started getting all messed up and bleeding, and the thing just was never the same. I ended up giving it away on Craigslist. Very sad because I "REALLY" liked the printer. So, call that a lesson learned. I "personally" will never buy non-certified toner from the OEM ever again. For me, it's just not worth it. Steve

[@freefifty]

YES! it works!

[@groovyPost]

Perfect. Glad it worked for ya!

[@JudgeBuster]

You can also empty and reset the Brother waste drum WT-223CL. There's several videos on YT that show how easy it is.

[@groovyPost]

Good to know. Thanks for the tip @judgebuster.

[@SteveKrause]

Yes - Press Home Button > Press and Hold Toner Life Icon for 5 seconds. This resets the life for the Drum of each toner and the Belt (under the toner).

[@MrBogogo]

You're the best 👌

[@groovyPost]

Well *cough*... thank you very much. :)

[@Kalozbeni]

Thank You!!!!

[@groovyPost]

You're welcome!

[@TopUpLearningTti]

Lovely, thanks a million, :)

[@groovyPost]

Awesome. Glad I could help! Steve

[@matthewargent9915]

It does work

[@groovyPost]

Awesome. Glad it helped ya out.

[@user-ez8st9ow9w]

Hey I tried using the tip for HL-L3280 and it doesn't work. Can you give any other suggestion

[@sallyann8258]

thankyou 🙂

[@groovyPost]

You're welcome!

[@keroberoz]

do you know how to do this with MFC-L8340CDW?

[@cintya6405]

Thank you! I was ready to call IT lol

[@groovyPost]

Any time! You got this one for free. Please subscribe and support the channel. Thank you!

[@user-ck8xj5iq9l]

question is it possible to override toner life with the new MFCs like the MFC-L3720cdw where they removed the physical back and X buttons and placed them on the screen. I have not been able to find a way and must return the printer to Amazon shortly if there is no work around since it is not cost effective if you can't over ride toner life.

[@groovyPost]

Ugh... Sorry... I don't have that model so I can't play and test it out. If you figure it out, let me know and I'll update the article.

[@mikedpp8595]

I have the same problem as the last commenter. I reset my black, but I am unable to reset any of the three other colors. Do you have any ideas about why that would be. FYI: I have never updated the bios so that shouldn’t be the issue

[@danhach7422]

You saved my b...ttt! I had to make some urgent printing and booomm... you know the rest... thx!

[@groovyPost]

You're very welcome. I'm glad the video was a help! Steve K.

[@adamduchek6509]

I just reset the yellow and now the magenta went out and now I can’t reset my machine and any suggestions?

[@Willow-re5cq]

Hi. Thanks for this tip. Unfortunately, the error message still appears, even though I've gone through the process. The home screen shows all toners are full, but I still receive the message to load toner. Do you have any other suggestions? Thanks again!

[@groovyPost]

Hi - What is your exact error message you're getting? Is it a message on the printer or Windows or Mac? It could be your toner needs to be removed and put back again. Steve

[@rupamroy1984]

Thank you! Amazing tip! It is a pity that the brother wants to get money out of people.

[@groovyPost]

Thank you for the comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Steve groovyPost

[@christinebowes2528]

I came across your channel and wondered if you could shed light on my issue with my brother printer. I have MFC-3750-CDW it look the same as yours. My problem is my toners all appear full but when I print a color label I see the printer is not laying down the colors properly and so I get a sort of a muted array of colors covering the whole label. Any clue as to why this could happen. Thankyou

[@groovyPost]

It sounds like your Brother printer may be experiencing a color calibration issue, which is causing it to print colors incorrectly or with reduced saturation. This can happen if the printer's color calibration settings are off, or if the toner cartridges are not properly installed or are defective. If it were me, I would try a calibration. On my printer, click Options > Toner > Calibration > Calibrate. It "might" work...?

[@sherieanderson3223]

Steve, I tried this on a Brother MFC-J995DW and I don’t get the screen that you showed to reset toner when holding both buttons down. Do you get to it differently on this model?

[@groovyPost]

Hey there. So, I think the J995DW is an Ink Jet printer and not a Laser Printer. I've not had an Ink Jet for a long time and I don't know if it's possible to reset those. Sorry I wasn't able to help much...

[@sartajsingh216]

nice bro my problem is solve

[@groovyPost]

Awesome. Super happy the video helped ya out. Please subscribe and support the channel. Thank you! Steve

[@arialdejeune5354]

Hi and thanks for the great tip. I have the L3745CDW and it also worked on that. I'm hoping you can help me with another problem. REPORT - every time I print an 'Office for Mac' doc from my Mac computer I get an annoying extra page report of what I just printed. I have tried everything to turn off this report but haven't succeeded. And it appears in the page count, and if I say print 1-3 of 4, it's still prints out that last page with the report. It's a useless report and a waste of paper and ink. It just states where the file is located, date printed, number of characters etc. Have you experienced this and can you advise how to turn it off. Thanks

[@groovyPost]

That's great to hear it also worked on the other Brother printer. Thanks for that. Providing tech support in KZbin comment's is less than idea. Please post your question in our free tech support forum on my blog -- forum.groovypost.com We can try to help you there. Thanks! Steve

[@carlosn.6634]

Its even easier: In the main menu press for 5 seconds the multicolor-toner-fill-icon. Then select the color you want to reset

[@SteveKrause]

That's for the tip -- those are the steps to reset the life of the "Belt" and the "Drum" on the Toner. It's not for resetting the toner life itself. That said, great tip!

[@groovyPost]

Correct. Not the Toner.

[@DM-yh6vb]

My Brother MFC-L8610CDW shows empty on the yellow toner cartridge after installing two new Brother cartridges. This is a 4 year old printer with only 2500 copies printed and this is the first time cartridges have been changed. The cyan and magenta cartridges were changed at the same time as the yellow with no issues. So far I've not been able to reset the yellow to show full. Any suggestions?

[@groovyPost]

Ouch... so even after two NEW OEM Brother Cartridges you're still having issues? If the reset worked but it still shows empty, that's even more bizarre. I would call tech support at this point.

[@rfb411]

Oh, I was SO hopeful! Allegedly my yellow toner cartridge is empty, and although it now shows full after the reset, the printer (MFC3745CDW) still tells me there's no toner. Sigh... Great tip that has obviously worked for many folk, though!

[@groovyPost]

Now that is a new one. It shows the toner is full but won't print yellow.... Have you performed a full power off and power on? The best method is to just pull the power cable and wait 1 minute. Give that a shot and let us know if it helps.

[@traceyshields344]

Exactly the same as mine! Yellow. I've bought 2 new cartridges and all new drum cartridges and still it says no toner! Have reset many times. Shows as all full but won't print.

[@rfb411]

@@groovyPost I did try that... No go... 😭 I suspect gremlins. Ended up buying a new cartridge.

[@rfb411]

@@traceyshields344 ... Nice to know I'm not the only one with printer gremlins! Did you try the "turn off and turn back on" suggestion?

[@tatianaiselle]

I have an MFC-L3780 and I tried this options but I don’t think is working on it, do you have another option?

[@Timba1960]

The L3780 doesn't respond to this method for me either.

[@groovyPost]

Unfortunately, I have the MFC-L3770CDW and don't have access to the 3780. I'll see what I can dig up.

[@Timba1960]

I'm in the same boat with the MFC-L3780CDW. Would love to know how to reset this model too.

[@karldavis7392]

I found another trick - try setting it to Black and White on your computer, like with Printer Properties on an MS Office application. Mine will stop checking the color cartridges if I do that.

[@groovyPost]

Hey there - thanks for the comment. For me that worked on my Mac and iPhone but not on my Windows 11 box. I'll have to try it in MS Office the next time my toner runs out. - Steve

[@robertogonzalezvalladares4920]

hola, sabes como hacerlo en la MFC-L3760?. Hice lo mismo y no funciona.

[@groovyPost]

Hello! I don't have the MFC-L3760 and so far, other viewers have not reported this trick working on that printer. I've been updating the Video Description to include the printers that this trick works on and if anyone reports feedback on the MFC-L3760, I'll let ya know. Steve

[@areejytb63]

Unfortunately it worked the first time. Now that I’m trying it again, follow the same steps, the cartridge level doesn’t change. Tried multiple times. Restarted the printer. Nothing. Any ideas how to fix it? Thanks in advance for your help. 🙏🏼

[@groovyPost]

Heya - great question. This is an Admin function and doesn't have anything to do with the Toner cartridge. My suggestion would be to power the printer off and follow the video step-by-step again. It should work to reset the toner. That said, if the toner is 100% empty, there is a chance it will come back with a "no dice." I've not had a cartridge go fully empty since I learned the trick. Just to be 100% transparent. Steve

[@jamesdonachie6842]

I was resetting using this method but had unwittingly been allowing the printer to upgrade the firmware to ZD 1.6 and now it doesn't work. I went to try the flag gear reset, but as it was a starter cartridge it hasn't got one, so I've had to install a new 3rd party cartridge. I'm convinced there is still loads of life in the original cartridge. Does the flag gear reset make the printer think it is a new cartridge, or does the chip also have any involvement in preventing a reset? FYI it still accepts 3rd party cartridges, but now the display shows that they are "Non-Genuine". I wish I could downgrade the firmware, but methods I've found so far seem risky and may do more harm than good.

[@groovyPost]

Hmm... Yeah, I've not upgraded the firmware on mine so I don't have a way of hacking it for ya to figure out a safe process. My apologies. :( Steve

[@ColinRitchieFinancialPlanning]

Unfortunately, this trick isn't working for me. I can't get to the counter reset even though I get to the screen you show, have the cover up and press both the x and the back space at the same time. Any suggestions?

[@groovyPost]

A few ideas. 1 - Make sure the cover is open 2 - Make sure the info alert is on the LCD: "Cover is open" (3:08) Even if the cover is open but you don't see that warning, it won't work. I got hit with that at 3.37 when I was making the video. 3 - What version of the BIOS are you running? Tap: Gear icon -> All Settings -> Machine Info -> Firmware Version. The firmware in the video is: Firmware Version is: ZA Sub Version: 1.60 I've been told later versions of the BIOS might disable this trick. However, I can't confirm since I'm no longer updating the BIOS on my printer. Steve Krause

[@lucianasversuti7335]

For me I press de x and back bottom and doesn’t go anywhere, very frustrating

[@groovyPost]

Hello. Welcome to my channel. Please make sure to follow all the instructions step-by-step. Also, make sure you're using the same printer that I am. If you miss a step, it will cause the process to not work.

[@Thedrysurrealbloke]

Mines brand new ran out in an hour

[@groovyPost]

Ouch... Glad the trick helped you.

[@BetaboyBuffet]

After the recent firmware update the printer only allows to reset your cartridges once (at least on my exact same model as in the video). This is highly annoying. With brother I used to reset all the time and do 6 months with one cartridge. Now after 2 months all I can do is put in a new one and I know for sure the old one is not empty. Also once it says it's empty you can't print anymore so you always need a back up.

[@groovyPost]

Ouch... that's terrible. Sorry to hear that @betaboyBuffet.... To confirm, here's the firmware of my printer in the video. I disabled auto-update to prevent losing this feature: Firmware Version is: ZA Sub Version: 1.60 You can find your version by going to: Gear icon -> All Settings -> Machine Info -> Firmware Version.

[@BetaboyBuffet]

@@groovyPost ZD 1.60 here

[@user-wg1rl4nj7t]

How many times can you do that, after you refil the cartrige ?

[@SteveKrause]

Great question. As long as you don't upgrade the firmware on the printer, it's unlimited.... well... until your toner runs out of toner. :) I'm guessing once or twice max per toner cartridge. Don't forget to subscribe😀 to the channel! Thank you!

[@user-wg1rl4nj7t]

@@SteveKrause I asked this becouse i reseted them once ofter the refill and they didn t worked the second time (i didn t let them run out complet......)

[@groovyPost]

Sorry, I don't quite follow your comment. You were able to reset the toner the first time, and now you can't do it again? What error message does it give you if any? Or, does it accept it then just not reset it? Or?

[@user-wg1rl4nj7t]

@@groovyPost It accepts it but it wont reset the toner lvl....

[@groovyPost]

@@user-wg1rl4nj7t OK, thank you for the update. I've updated the video to warn people not to reset toner as a "test" since, depending on the toner level, it may only work a single time. Thank you!

[@AznBetty86]

How do I prevent the printer from using color ink in the first place? I print black and white 98% of the time, but i don't want to end up with empty color toner when i actually need it. Without a preventative measure, it seems like i have keep empty color toners in the machine for my usual printing, and change out a full set of color toner for when i actually print color.

[@groovyPost]

Hello! When you print from a Mac or Windows, always be sure to select "Black and White" under printer options. That's probably the easiest way to save the toner---it's what I do daily. If you need more help let me know. I'll publish a new video which walks you through the steps etc..

[@AznBetty86]

​@groovyPost Well yes I have done that. In fact, it's on black and white all the time. And yet, my yellow cartridge is the first to be empty when I almost never use color.

[@jaimebustillo7401]

Hi, I used this same trick for a long time, working perfectly well, but now, it works as seen in the video, but the amount of toner left stays low. Would you have a hint about how to make it work again? My assumption is that some software update has removed the functionality, but I may be wrong.

[@groovyPost]

Hmm... That's very odd. So it lets you walk through the process but then the toner level still shows the same?

[@jaimebustillo7401]

@@groovyPost yes, exactly. That's what happens now

[@groovyPost]

Hmm... well, this isn't going to be terribly helpful but, make sure you're selecting the right toner cartridge. Also, what BIOS are you running?

[@jaimebustillo7401]

Hi, thank you very much for your support. I am travelling abroad this week. Next week I will check it and will get back to you. I allowed the printer to update automatically the firmware, but I don't know without checking it which version the printer is running

[@jaimebustillo7401]

@@groovyPost , I tried now, and it worked! I think I was trying to reset the TD capacity when I had a high capacity toner cartridge. Thank you very much!!!

[@user-gt6md9uc5n]

What is wrong if it won't let me reset it - it says accept, but is not resetting. I've done this before and it has worked, but now I don't know why is won't

[@groovyPost]

Be sure to follow all the steps. I made the mistake myself filming the video. If you're sure you followed all the steps, what error are you getting? Is the toner just not resetting? Steve

[@jeromeschott352]

Hello Steve, I loved this tip. There's no telling how many hundreds of dollars of toner I've thrown away over the years. We all know that the real money to be made is in selling toner and ink, not in selling printers. Anyway, I've replaced my 3770 with a 3780 and the mechanical buttons for return and cancel on the 3770 have been replaced with digital buttons on the home screen on the 3780. Your trick doesn't work on that printer. Do you know the dirty little secret to access the reset on a MCF-L3780CDW? I certainly hope so!

[@groovyPost]

Heya - Thanks for the feedback. Regarding your question on the 3780.... The place you find this kind of info is in the Service Manuals---for the people who repair these in the field. Unfortunately, I've not been able to locate the service manual for the MFC-L3780CDW and, I don't own the printer so I can't play with it. Anyone else here able to find the Service Manual for the 3780?

[@groovyPost]

BTW Jerome - Here is the service manual for the 3770 (and several others). Perhaps some of this may apply to your 3780. The link is safe. FYI. www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/us2onk98edo6bpzdz0xhw/brother-dcp-9030cdn-l3510cdw-l3517cdw-l3550cdw-l3551cdw-hl-l3290cdw-mfc-9150cdn-9350cdw-l3710cw-l3730cdn-l3735cdn-l3745cdw-l3750cdw-l3770cdw-service-manual.pdf?rlkey=w0ejwwx8y0h0y4e7xx4o4pyse&dl=0

[@Cor-tex]

On what firmware version is your printer??

[@Cor-tex]

@@SteveKrause firmware should be like 1.60/1.59/1.58 with a letter like W or S

[@groovyPost]

@Cor-tex You're correct. The firmware from the video is: Firmware Version is: ZA Sub Version: 1.60 You can find your version by going to: Gear icon -> All Settings -> Machine Info -> Firmware Version.

[@jane-bethc6790]

Hi, my printer is the same as yours… But it has just stopped printing… Any ideas what has happened?

[@groovyPost]

Hi Jane - It stopped printing in what way? Does it power on? Can you print a test page? Did it happen after you installed new toner or tried this tip? Will try to assist if I can.

[@jane-bethc6790]

@@groovyPost Hi, thanks for getting back to me… It’s weird. Did all above and my… Then I just turned it off and left it… Switched it after a day or two and it’s working fine… But, I have this recurring problem, where I will get spots or a line of colour when I print ever now and again… I take the toner tray out and clean the rollers with alcohol wipes, so there is no powder on the rollers, but that doesn’t stop it happening… It really is random… I also get blue dots all the way down the number 8 when I print a dot test… It doesn’t mater how much I clean the rollers it just doesn’t get rid of it… Plus I can’t even see it on the rollers… It drives me mad…

[@groovyPost]

@@jane-bethc6790 Gotcha. I had the same issues for Scans, not printing, however. To fix the scan issue, open up the top lid and the underside of it on the left, and wipe that all down with Q-tips and alcohol. On the printing side of things, take out each toner, and on the top of the toner is a small Green tab. Slide it right and then left again. This is a cleaning step that might help. I had some issues in the past, and I used a Q-tip and alcohol to clean everything inside and out everywhere I can get the Q-tip... But be careful, it might be better to start with Brother and see if they have any suggestions. But if you're adventurous, give those things a try.

[@jane-bethc6790]

@@groovyPost Thank you… Yes, I take each toner out, and I slide the green tab… I shall have another look, but know absolutely nothing about technology, apart from it hates me… Thank you so much for getting back to me, I really do appreciate…

[@groovyPost]

@@jane-bethc6790 No problem. One thing to note. As you're opening things up and cleaning them off with a Q-Tip, be sure to use Isopropyl alcohol. It removes oils, adhesives, fingerprints, toner, and other contaminants, making it ideal for cleaning electronics. Be sure however to only use alcohol with a grade of 90% or more.

[@MrColmfitz]

Doesnt work anymore. 😢

[@MegaBuckminster]

Why not? Has it been patched out by software?

[@groovyPost]

What error did you see or, what happened on your side?

[@swIttY242]

This is incorrect. I have a Mac & it didn't let me print

[@groovyPost]

Hi - I can try to help. What error message are you getting? Is it on the printer or the Mac? Are the toner showing as full after you perform the reset on them? Can you confirm your exact printer model?

[@mattfrom4498]

Brother needs to be sued by every environmentalist group for this disgusting practice. It also seems they have (downgraded) the ability to do this, more then once, until you manually reset the "flag gear"...disgusting. That, combined with this does reset and allow the cartage to be emptied!

[@groovyPost]

It's all about the $$$..... Thanks for the comment Matt, glad it helped ya out!

[@mattfrom4498]

Right! @@groovyPost We should make them pay for this disgusting practice!

[@markwilson1609]

ENOUGH OF THE PREGAME-----GET TO THE POINT ALREADY!!!!!

[@groovyPost]

Ouch that hurts! What can I say, I like to ramble.... :) Steve

[@utube9487]

Thanks. Video starts at 3.02

[@groovyPost]

Good point. I kinda ramble a bit to explain all the context. I'll have to update the video to include chapters so ppl can skip right to the fix. Steve