Brother MFC-5200C Manual

The Brother MFC-5200C is a multifunction color inkjet printer featuring printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. It supports color printing with up to 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution, PC-Fax functionality, a 30-page automatic document feeder (ADF), and a 100-sheet paper capacity. 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 printhead, Scanner glass & ADF, Control Panel, Paper trays, Phone line connectors, USB port.

FeatureDescription
Print ResolutionUp to 4800 x 1200 dpi (color)
FunctionsPrint, Scan, Copy, Fax
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)30-page capacity for multi-page copying/faxing
Paper Capacity100 sheets (main tray)
ConnectivityUSB 2.0, Phone line (RJ11)
DisplayMonochrome LCD with navigation buttons
Ink Cartridges4-color individual (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
Copy FeaturesReduce/Enlarge, Photo mode, Multiple copies
Fax FeaturesPC-Fax, 100-speed dial memory, Delayed transmission
Power Source120V AC, 60Hz

Installation

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

  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 100 sheets of plain paper.
  3. Connect power: Plug power cord into rear of printer and into wall outlet.
  4. Connect to computer: Use USB cable to connect printer to computer USB port.
  5. Connect phone line: For fax, connect telephone line to LINE port on rear.

WARNING! Do not touch printhead or ink contacts. Keep printer upright during installation.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; install software from included CD or download from Brother website.

  1. Install drivers: Run setup program, follow on-screen instructions for USB connection.
  2. Align printhead: Printer will prompt for alignment after ink installation; follow on-screen steps.
  3. Test print: Print a test page from printer properties or control panel.
  4. Configure fax settings: Enter date/time, station ID (name/number) via control panel menu.

CAUTION! Do not disconnect power during software installation or printhead alignment.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access menus via control panel buttons and LCD display.

Control Panel: POWER, COPY, FAX, SCAN, Menu, Set, arrows, Stop/Exit, Black/Color Start.

LCD Display: Shows status, menu options, fax numbers.

Copy Settings: Number of copies (1-99), Reduce/Enlarge (25%-400%), Darkness, Photo mode.

Fax Settings: Station ID, Ring delay, Fax reception mode (Fax/Tel/Fax/Tel auto), Dial mode (Tone/Pulse).

Printer Settings: Print quality (Draft/Normal/Fine), Paper type, Maintenance (Head cleaning, Nozzle check).

Connecting Devices

USB: Connect to computer for printing/scanning. Phone Line: Connect to wall jack for fax.

  1. Turn off printer and computer before connecting USB cable.
  2. Use standard RJ11 telephone cable for fax line connection.
  3. For answering machine, connect between printer's TEL port and answering machine.

Tip: Use surge protector for power and phone line connections.

Printing & Copying

Supports various paper types and sizes.

  1. Printing from PC: Select Brother MFC-5200C as printer in application, choose settings, click Print.
  2. Copying: Place original on scanner glass or in ADF, press COPY, adjust settings, press Black or Color Start.
  3. Multiple copies: Use numeric keypad to enter number (1-99) before starting.
  4. Enlarge/Reduce: Press Menu during copy setup, select Zoom, enter percentage.
  5. Photo copying: Use Photo mode for better image quality on photo paper.

WARNING! Do not touch scanner glass; use ADF for multiple pages. Ensure paper guides are properly adjusted.

Scanning & Faxing

Scan to PC or memory device; send/receive faxes.

Scanning: Place document, press SCAN button, select destination (PC, Memory device), adjust settings in PC software.

Faxing: Dial number using keypad or speed dial, press Black Start to send. For reception, set mode (Fax, Tel, or Auto).

PC-Fax: Send fax directly from computer using Brother software.

Delayed Fax: Program faxes to send at specified time.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Clean exterior with dry, soft cloth; clean scanner glass with lint-free cloth and glass cleaner.

Ink Cartridge Replacement: Replace when low or empty. Open front cover, press cartridge release lever, remove old cartridge, install new one.

Printhead Cleaning: Use printer software utility or control panel menu (Menu > Maintenance > Head Cleaning).

Nozzle Check: Print test pattern to verify print quality.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners or alcohol on scanner glass. Store ink cartridges in original packaging until use.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Printer not respondingUSB connection/powerCheck USB cable connections; ensure printer is powered on; reinstall drivers.
Poor print qualityClogged nozzles/low inkRun head cleaning utility; check ink levels; align printhead.
Paper jamsPaper loaded incorrectlyTurn off printer, remove paper from all paths, reload correctly.
Scanner not workingSoftware/driver issuesReinstall scanner drivers; ensure software is properly configured.
Fax transmission failsPhone line connectionCheck phone line connection; verify dial tone; ensure correct dial mode.

Reset: Menu > Initial Setup > Reset Settings to restore defaults.

Service: 1-877-276-8437; www.brother.com

Brother MFC-5200C Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025