Brother MFC-4820C Manual

The Brother MFC-4820C is a multifunction color inkjet printer featuring printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. It supports color printing with individual ink cartridges, PC-Fax functionality, a flatbed scanner, and a 30-page automatic document feeder (ADF). Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Printing & Copying 8. Scanning & Faxing 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Color inkjet print engine, Flatbed scanner, 30-page ADF, Control panel with LCD, Paper trays, USB and phone line ports.

FeatureDescription
Print ResolutionUp to 6000 x 1200 dpi (color)
Print SpeedUp to 20 ppm (black), 15 ppm (color)
Scanner TypeFlatbed + ADF, 600 x 1200 dpi optical
Fax Modem Speed33.6 kbps
Paper Capacity150 sheets (input tray)
Ink CartridgesIndividual CMYK (black, cyan, magenta, yellow)
ConnectivityUSB 2.0, Phone line (RJ-11)
Display2-line LCD with navigation buttons
Copy FeaturesReduce/Enlarge, Photo mode, Multiple copies
Fax FeaturesPC-Fax, 100-speed dial memory, Delayed transmission

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface near power outlet and phone line.

  1. Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, remove protective tape from cartridges, insert into correct slots until they click.
  2. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in tray, load up to 150 sheets of plain paper.
  3. Connect power: Plug power cord into rear of printer and into AC outlet.
  4. Connect to computer: Use USB cable to connect printer to computer USB port.
  5. Connect phone line: For fax, connect phone line to LINE port on rear.

WARNING! Do not touch ink cartridge nozzles or copper contacts. Keep printer away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; follow on-screen prompts on computer.

  1. Install software: Insert driver CD or download from Brother website; follow installation wizard.
  2. Align print heads: Use printer control panel or software utility to align cartridges for best print quality.
  3. Test print: Print a test page via printer properties or control panel.
  4. Configure fax settings: Set date/time, station ID, and dial mode via control panel menu.

CAUTION! Do not unplug or turn off printer during software installation or firmware update.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access menus via control panel buttons and LCD. Front Panel: POWER, COPY, SCAN, FAX, MENU, SET, arrows, OK, STOP/EXIT.

LCD Display: Shows status, menu options, error messages. Navigate with arrow keys, select with OK.

Print Settings: Quality (Draft, Normal, Fine), Paper type, Color mode. Copy Settings: Number of copies, Reduce/Enlarge (25% to 400%), Darkness. Scan Settings: Resolution, File format (PDF, JPEG), Destination. Fax Settings: Station ID, Dial mode (Tone/Pulse), Redial, Delayed send. Maintenance: Clean print heads, Align cartridges, Nozzle check.

Connecting Devices

Computer: USB cable to PC/Mac. Phone line: RJ-11 cable to wall jack.

  1. Turn off printer and computer before connecting USB cable.
  2. For fax, ensure phone line is connected to LINE port, not PHONE port.
  3. For network sharing (optional), install printer on host computer and enable sharing.

Tip: Use shielded USB cable shorter than 10 feet for reliable communication.

Printing & Copying

Supports various paper sizes and types.

  1. Print from computer: Select document, choose Brother MFC-4820C as printer, adjust settings in print dialog.
  2. Copy: Place original on scanner glass or in ADF, press COPY, set copies and options via arrows, press START.
  3. Photo copy: Use photo mode for better quality on photo paper.
  4. Enlarge/Reduce: Use percentage settings or preset sizes (A4 to Letter).
  5. Multiple copies: Press COPY repeatedly or use numeric keypad (if equipped) to set quantity.

WARNING! Do not load wrinkled, curled, or damaged paper; may cause paper jam.

Scanning & Faxing

Scan to computer or memory card (if supported). Fax via printer or PC.

  1. Scan to PC: Place document, press SCAN, select destination (e.g., Image Capture), adjust settings in software.
  2. PC-Fax: Send fax directly from computer using installed driver and software.
  3. Fax from printer: Place document, dial number using keypad or speed dial, press START.
  4. Receive fax: Set to AUTO mode to receive automatically, or MANUAL to answer calls manually.
  5. Delayed fax: Program transmission for later time via menu.

Note: For scanning, ensure TWAIN or WIA driver is installed on computer.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Use dry, lint-free cloth; do not use alcohol or solvents on exterior.

  1. Clean scanner glass: Use soft cloth and glass cleaner; avoid spraying directly on glass.
  2. Clean print heads: Use printer software utility or control panel menu.
  3. Replace ink cartridges: When ink low message appears, open cover, press lever to release old cartridge, install new one.
  4. Clear paper jams: Follow guide in manual; turn power off before removing jammed paper.

CAUTION! Do not refill ink cartridges; may damage print head and void warranty.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with limits for residential use. Energy Star compliant. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-552-6255.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Printer not respondingUSB connection/powerCheck USB cable; ensure printer is on; reinstall driver.
Poor print qualityClogged nozzles/low inkRun head cleaning utility; replace low ink cartridges.
Paper jamMisloaded paperTurn off, open covers, remove jammed paper gently; reload correctly.
Scanner not workingDriver/connectionReinstall scanner driver; check USB cable; restart computer.
Fax not sending/receivingPhone line/ settingsCheck line connection; ensure correct dial mode; verify station ID.
Ink cartridge errorCartridge not installed correctlyRemove and reinstall cartridge; ensure protective tape removed.

Reset: Menu > Initial Setup > Reset All Settings (if needed).

Service: 1-877-552-6255; www.brother-usa.com

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