Brother printers are widely used across homes and offices worldwide. According to International Data Corporation, Brother held 9.8% of the global hardcopy peripherals market in Q4 2024, underscoring the widespread use of these printers in daily life.
Because these printers are relied on for daily tasks, many users look for practical ways to keep their printers operating efficiently when toner runs low. Refilling your Brother toner cartridge can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly option to get your printer back up and running. However, the process must be done carefully to ensure optimal performance and avoid any potential damage to your printer.
This guide explains how to refill a Brother toner cartridge in a clear and practical way for home and office users.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it right.
What You’ll Need
- A Brother toner cartridge
- Toner refill kit (compatible with your cartridge model)
- A flat surface to work on
- Latex gloves
- Paper towels
- A small screwdriver or something similar
- A funnel (usually comes with the refill kit)
Steps to Refill Your Brother Toner Cartridge
Step 1: Preparation
Put on your latex gloves to avoid toner stains on your hands. For extra safety, you can also lay out paper towels on a flat surface where you’ll be working to catch any accidental spills.
Step 2: Locate the Filling Hole on Your Cartridge
Find the filling hole on your Brother toner cartridge. The hole is usually covered by a plastic plug that you’ll need to remove. Use your screwdriver to carefully remove this plug.
Step 3: Empty Out the Old Toner
Gently shake the cartridge to empty out any remaining old toner. Be sure to do this over a waste bin to avoid a mess.
Step 4: Fill the Cartridge with New Toner
Open your toner refill kit and attach the funnel to the toner bottle. Carefully pour the new toner into the cartridge through the filling hole. Do not overfill; stop when the bottle is empty, or the cartridge appears full.
Step 5: Reseal the Cartridge
Once the cartridge is filled, place the plastic plug back into the filling hole. Make sure it’s secure to prevent any leakage.
Step 6: Shake and Clean
Gently shake the refilled cartridge to distribute the new toner evenly. Wipe away any spills or excess toner from the cartridge surface.
Step 7: Reset the Cartridge (if necessary)
Some Brother printers require a cartridge reset after a refill. Refer to your printer’s manual to learn how to reset a Brother toner cartridge for your specific model.
Step 8: Reinstall and Test
Place the refilled cartridge back into the printer and run a test print to ensure that the cartridge is functioning properly.
A Few Important Points to Remember
- Always refer to your printer and cartridge model for any specific instructions.
- Using non-compatible toner can harm your printer, so make sure you’re using the correct type of toner.
- Refilled cartridges may not always show accurate toner levels. Keep an eye on the print quality to judge when a refill is needed.
Keep your Brother Printer Ready for Everyday Use
Knowing how to refill a Brother toner cartridge can help manage printing costs, but having a reliable replacement is just as important when print quality drops. TonerCity offers compatible ink and toner for various Brother printer cartridges to help keep your printer running without unnecessary delays.