Brother printers are known for their reliability, but like any electronic device, they can occasionally develop issues such as network connection problems, printing errors, forgotten administrator passwords, or incorrect settings. In many cases, performing a Brother printer factory reset is one of the quickest ways to restore the printer to its default configuration and resolve persistent problems.

This guide explains everything you need to know about resetting a Brother printer, including the different reset options, when you should use them, step-by-step instructions for various Brother printer models, and important precautions before performing a reset.

What You’ll Learn

• What a Brother printer factory reset does
• Different types of Brother printer resets
• When you should perform a factory reset
• How to reset Brother printers with and without a touchscreen
• How to reconnect your printer after resetting
• Troubleshooting if the reset doesn’t solve the issue
• Frequently asked questions

What Is a Brother Printer Factory Reset?

A factory reset restores your Brother printer to its original factory settings by removing user-configured settings.

Depending on your printer model, a factory reset may erase:

• Wireless network settings
• Administrator passwords
• Custom printer preferences
• Saved fax settings
• Network configurations
• Security settings
• Address book entries (on supported models)

It does not typically erase the following:

• Printer firmware
• Installed hardware
• Total page count
• Drum or toner life information

A factory reset is useful when software or configuration issues prevent the printer from working correctly.

When Should You Perform a Brother Printer Factory Reset?

A factory reset should generally be considered after basic troubleshooting has failed.

Common situations include:

• Printer remains offline
• Unable to connect to Wi-Fi
• Forgotten administrator password
• Printing errors continue after reinstalling drivers
• Network configuration is corrupted
• Printer is being sold or transferred
• Multiple users have changed printer settings
• Persistent communication errors

Before resetting, try restarting both the printer and your computer, updating the printer driver, and checking your network connection.

Types of Brother Printer Reset Options

Brother printers usually offer several reset options depending on the model.

Partial Reset

This reset restores selected settings without affecting the entire printer.

Common uses include:

• Resetting network settings
• Clearing fax settings
• Restoring print preferences

Network Reset

A network reset removes all Wi-Fi and Ethernet settings.

Use this option when:

• The printer won’t connect to Wi-Fi
• You’ve changed your router
• The printer is connected to the wrong network

Factory Reset

A factory reset restores nearly all configurable settings to their original defaults.

This is recommended for persistent software issues or when preparing the printer for a new owner.

How to Perform a Brother Printer Factory Reset Using a Touchscreen

Many modern Brother printers include a touchscreen interface.

Follow these steps:

1. Turn on the printer.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Open All Settings.
4. Select Initial Setup.
5. Tap Reset.
6. Choose Factory Reset or All Settings Reset.
7. Confirm the reset.
8. Wait for the printer to restart automatically.

The reset process may take several minutes.

Do not disconnect the power during the reset.

How to Reset a Brother Printer Without a Touchscreen

Older Brother printers use physical buttons instead of a touchscreen.

Although menu names vary slightly by model, the general process is similar.

1. Turn on the printer.
2. Press Menu.
3. Navigate to Initial Setup.
4. Select Reset.
5. Choose Factory Reset.
6. Confirm your selection.
7. Allow the printer to restart.

If your printer uses navigation arrows, use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to move through the menu.

How to Reset Brother Printer Network Settings

Sometimes only the network configuration needs to be reset.

To perform a network reset:

1. Open Menu or Settings.
2. Select Network.
3. Choose Network Reset.
4. Confirm the action.
5. Restart the printer.

After resetting, reconnect the printer to your wireless network using the Wi-Fi Setup Wizard or WPS.

Reconnecting Your Brother Printer After a Factory Reset

Once the factory reset is complete, you’ll need to configure the printer again.

This typically includes:

• Selecting your language
• Setting the date and time
• Connecting to Wi-Fi
• Installing printer drivers
• Re-adding the printer to your computer
• Configuring scanning features
• Restoring administrator settings if required

If you use the printer on multiple devices, reconnect each computer or mobile device individually.

Common Problems After Resetting a Brother Printer

Occasionally, users experience minor issues after performing a factory reset.

Printer Cannot Find Wi-Fi

Possible causes include the following:

• Weak wireless signal
• Incorrect Wi-Fi password
• Unsupported network frequency
• Router configuration issues

Move the printer closer to the router and verify your wireless credentials.

Printer Still Shows Offline

Try these solutions:

• Restart the printer.
• Restart your computer.
• Remove and reinstall the printer.
• Update the printer driver.
• Set the printer as the default printer.

Printing Is Slow

After a reset, the printer may need to complete initialization.

Wait a few minutes before printing large jobs.

Also verify that the correct print quality settings are selected.

Tips to Avoid Needing Frequent Factory Resets

Factory resets should not become part of regular printer maintenance.

Instead, follow these best practices:

• Keep printer firmware updated.
• Install the latest Brother drivers.
• Use a stable Wi-Fi connection.
• Avoid sudden power interruptions.
• Clean the printer regularly.
• Restart the printer occasionally.
• Use genuine or high-quality toner cartridges.
• Store printer settings securely.

Preventive maintenance reduces the likelihood of software and configuration problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Brother printer factory reset delete firmware?

No. A factory reset restores user-configurable settings but does not remove or downgrade the printer firmware.

Will I lose my Wi-Fi settings?

Yes. A factory reset typically removes all saved wireless network settings, requiring you to reconnect the printer.

Can a factory reset fix printing problems?

Yes. It often resolves issues caused by incorrect settings, network conflicts, or software configuration errors. However, hardware problems such as damaged rollers or faulty print heads require separate repairs.

Is a factory reset safe?

Yes. Performing a factory reset using the printer’s built-in reset menu is safe and supported by Brother.

How long does a Brother printer factory reset take?

Most factory resets are completed within two to five minutes, depending on the printer model.

Conclusion

A Brother printer factory reset is an effective troubleshooting method for resolving persistent network, configuration, and software-related problems. Whether you’re fixing Wi-Fi connectivity issues, clearing incorrect settings, or preparing the printer for a new user, following the correct reset procedure can restore normal operation quickly. After completing the reset, reconnect the printer to your network, reinstall any required drivers, and verify your settings to ensure reliable performance.