Brother MFC-6490CW Manual

The Brother MFC-6490CW is a multifunction color inkjet printer featuring printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. It supports wireless and wired network connectivity, automatic document feeder (ADF), color LCD display, duplex printing, and high-resolution scanning. 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 & Scanning 8. Fax Operations 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Color inkjet print engine, Flatbed scanner, Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), Color LCD control panel, Network interfaces (Ethernet, Wi-Fi), USB port, Telephone line ports.

Feature	Description
Print Resolution	Up to 6000 x 1200 dpi
Print Speed	Up to 33 ppm black, 27 ppm color
Scanner Resolution	Up to 1200 x 2400 dpi
Paper Capacity	250 sheets (standard), 20 sheets ADF
Connectivity	USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n
Display	3.7-inch color LCD touch screen
Fax Capability	Super G3, 33.6 Kbps modem
Duplex Printing	Automatic two-sided printing
Ink Cartridges	4 individual color tanks (CMYK)
Memory Card Slots	SD, SDHC, Memory Stick

Installation

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

Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, insert cartridges in correct slots.
Load paper: Adjust paper guides in tray, load up to 250 sheets.
Connect power: Plug power cord into printer and wall outlet.
Connect to computer: Use USB cable or set up network connection.
Install software: Insert CD or download drivers from Brother website.

WARNING! Do not touch print head or ink contacts. Keep printer away from heat sources.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; follow on-screen prompts.

Language selection: Choose language on LCD display.
Network setup: Select wired or wireless, enter network credentials.
Align print head: Run automatic alignment from maintenance menu.
Test print: Print configuration page to verify operation.
Install software on computer: Follow driver installation wizard.

CAUTION! Ensure protective tapes and materials are removed before operation.

Specifications

Printer Type: Color inkjet multifunction.
Print Technology: Inkjet drop-on-demand.
Paper Sizes: Letter, Legal, A4, envelopes, photo sizes.
Scanner Type: Flatbed + ADF, CIS sensor.
Fax Memory: Up to 300 pages.
Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux.
Power Consumption: Approx. 30W operating, 2W standby.
Dimensions: 18.5" W x 16.5" D x 12.2" H.
Weight: 22.5 lbs.

Controls and Settings

Access functions via LCD touch screen or control panel buttons.

Control Panel: Power, Home, Copy, Scan, Fax, Menu, Navigation arrows, OK, Stop/Exit.

LCD Menu: Copy settings (quantity, darkness, paper size), Scan settings (format, destination), Fax settings (speed dial, broadcast), Network settings (Wi-Fi setup, IP address), Maintenance (clean print head, align cartridges), Reports (print configuration, supplies status).

Connecting Devices

USB: Direct connection to computer. Network: Ethernet cable to router. Wireless: Wi-Fi setup via LCD menu.

Turn off printer before connecting cables.
For network: Connect Ethernet cable or select wireless network from menu.
For USB: Connect to computer USB port.
Install drivers on all computers that will use the printer.

Tip: Use WPS button on router for easy wireless setup if supported.

Printing & Scanning

Supports documents, photos, envelopes, labels.

Printing: Select document on computer, choose MFC-6490CW as printer.
Copying: Place document on glass or in ADF, press Copy, adjust settings.
Scanning: Place document, press Scan, choose destination (computer, email, memory card).
Photo printing: Insert memory card, select photos on LCD, choose print options.
Duplex printing: Enable in printer properties for automatic two-sided printing.

WARNING! Do not open covers during printing. Use recommended paper types.

Fax Operations

Send and receive faxes using phone line connection.

Connect phone line to LINE port on back of printer.
Set fax header with your name/number in fax settings.
Send fax: Place document, dial number, press Start.
Receive fax: Set to automatic or manual answer mode.
Speed dial: Store frequently used numbers for quick access.

Note: Use analog phone line; not compatible with digital/VoIP without adapter.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Clean exterior: Unplug, use soft dry cloth.
Clean print head: Use maintenance menu for automatic cleaning.
Replace ink: When low ink warning appears, replace individual cartridges.
Clean scanner glass: Use lint-free cloth and glass cleaner.
Clear paper jams: Follow guided instructions on LCD.

CAUTION! Use only Brother genuine ink cartridges. Do not refill cartridges.

Regulatory Information

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

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Printer not printing	Connection/ink	Check cables/network; ensure ink cartridges installed; run print head cleaning.
Poor print quality	Clogged nozzles/paper	Run automatic print head cleaning; use recommended paper; align print head.
Paper jams	Paper loaded incorrectly	Clear jam following LCD instructions; reload paper properly.
Scanner not working	Driver/connection	Reinstall scanner driver; check USB/network connection.
Fax transmission fails	Phone line/numbers	Check phone line connection; verify recipient number; resend.
Wireless connection lost	Router/settings	Restart printer and router; reconfigure wireless settings.

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

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