Open the front cover and locate the toner cartridge
The toner cartridge in a Brother printer sits inside the front panel. Open the front cover by pressing the release buttons on either side — they are usually marked with arrows or icons. The cover will swing down or slide out, depending on your model.
Once open, you will see the toner cartridge inside. It is a rectangular plastic unit, typically black or cyan, magenta, yellow, or black if you have a color model. The cartridge sits in a horizontal slot and has a green or colored tab on one end.
Key Takeaways
- Open the front cover by pressing the release buttons on both sides, then locate the toner cartridge in the horizontal slot inside.
- Pull the cartridge straight toward you using the green or colored tab until it comes free from the printer.
- Remove the new cartridge from its packaging, shake it gently side to side for 10 to 15 seconds to distribute the toner, then insert it into the slot until you hear a click.
- Close the front cover and run a test print to confirm the new cartridge is working.
- Brother printers will display a toner low warning on the screen or in the printer menu before the cartridge runs out completely.
Pull the cartridge out using the tab
Grasp the green or colored tab on the end of the cartridge. Pull it straight toward you with steady pressure. The cartridge will slide out of its slot. Do not twist or angle it — pull straight out to avoid damaging the cartridge or the printer.
Once the cartridge is free, set it aside on a clean surface. If you are replacing it immediately, you can place the old cartridge on a piece of paper or cardboard to catch any loose toner powder that may fall out.
Prepare the new cartridge before inserting it
Remove the new cartridge from its box and packaging. You will see a long plastic seal or tape running along the length of the cartridge — this protects the toner inside during shipping. Peel this seal off completely and discard it.
Hold the cartridge horizontally and shake it gently from side to side for 10 to 15 seconds. This distributes the toner powder evenly inside the cartridge and ensures consistent print quality from the first page. Do not shake it up and down, as this can damage the internal components.
Insert the new cartridge into the slot
Align the new cartridge with the horizontal slot inside the printer. The cartridge should slide in smoothly without forcing. Push it straight in until you hear or feel a click — this indicates the cartridge is seated correctly and locked in place.
If the cartridge does not slide in easily, stop and check the alignment. Make sure the green or colored tab is facing outward and the cartridge is level. Forcing a misaligned cartridge can damage both the cartridge and the printer.
Close the cover and test the printer
Swing or slide the front cover back into place until it clicks shut. The printer will usually display a message on the screen confirming that a new cartridge has been installed. Some models will automatically reset the toner level counter.
Print a test page to confirm the new cartridge is working. Most Brother printers have a test print option in the Settings or Maintenance menu. If the printout looks clear and the color is correct, the cartridge installation is complete.
What to do with the old cartridge
Brother cartridges contain plastic and toner powder and should not go in regular trash. Many retailers that sell Brother cartridges — including office supply stores and online sellers — accept old cartridges for recycling. Some Brother dealers also run mail-back programs where you can send the old cartridge back for free.
Check the Brother website or call your local recycling center to find a drop-off location near you. Some programs offer a small discount on your next cartridge purchase if you return the old one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the toner is running low?
Brother printers display a toner low warning on the screen or in the printer menu before the cartridge is empty. You may also see a message on printed pages or notice that text looks faded or streaky. You can continue printing after the warning appears, but quality will decline.
Can I use third-party or refilled cartridges in my Brother printer?
Yes, many Brother printers work with third-party and refilled cartridges, though Brother recommends using genuine cartridges for best results. Third-party cartridges may trigger a warning message on the printer screen, but this does not prevent printing. Check your printer manual or the cartridge packaging to confirm compatibility with your specific model.
What if the cartridge does not click into place?
Stop and remove the cartridge. Check that the plastic seal was completely removed and that the cartridge is aligned straight with the slot. Reinsert it slowly and listen for the click. If it still does not lock, contact Brother support — forcing it can damage the printer.
Is toner powder dangerous if it spills?
Toner powder is not toxic, but it can irritate your lungs if inhaled in large amounts. If powder spills, wipe it up with a damp cloth rather than blowing it away. Wash your hands after handling toner. If you have respiratory sensitivity, wear a dust mask when changing cartridges.
Why does my printer still show low toner after I installed a new cartridge?
The toner counter may not have reset automatically. Check the printer menu or settings for a "Reset Toner Counter" or "Maintenance" option. Some Brother models require you to manually reset the counter after installing a new cartridge. Consult your printer manual for the exact steps for your model.