Brother MFC-890 Manual

The Brother MFC-890 is a multifunction center featuring printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. It supports laser printing technology, PC and Mac connectivity, automatic document feeder (ADF), flatbed scanning, and telephone line integration for fax operations. 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: Laser printer, scanner, copier, fax machine, control panel, paper trays, automatic document feeder (ADF), USB and parallel ports.

FeatureDescription
Print TechnologyLaser printing with up to 600 x 600 dpi resolution
Print SpeedUp to 20 pages per minute (ppm)
Scanner TypeFlatbed and ADF with CIS sensor
Copy SpeedUp to 20 cpm (black)
Fax Modem Speed33.6 kbps with 100-station memory
Paper Capacity250-sheet input tray
ConnectivityUSB 2.0, Parallel port, Telephone line
DisplayBacklit LCD with navigation buttons
CompatibilityWindows and Mac OS
Duty CycleUp to 10,000 pages per month

Installation

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

  1. Remove all packaging materials and tape from inside and outside the unit.
  2. Install toner cartridge: Open front cover, remove protective tape from cartridge, insert until it clicks.
  3. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in input tray, load up to 250 sheets of plain paper.
  4. Connect power cord to rear of device and plug into AC outlet.
  5. Connect to computer: Use USB cable (included) to connect to PC or Mac.
  6. For fax: Connect telephone line to LINE port on rear.

WARNING! Do not touch the green drum surface of the toner cartridge. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or high humidity.

First-Time Setup

Power on device; follow on-screen prompts from installation software.

  1. Install drivers: Insert CD or download latest drivers from Brother website, run setup wizard.
  2. Configure printer settings: Select as default printer in computer settings.
  3. Test print: Print a test page from printer properties to verify installation.
  4. Set fax parameters: Enter date, time, station name, and fax number via control panel.
  5. Adjust scanner settings: Install scanning software (Brother ControlCenter) for one-touch scanning.

CAUTION! Ensure proper ventilation; keep at least 4 inches clearance on all sides.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access functions via control panel buttons and LCD menu.

Control Panel: POWER, START (copy/scan), STOP/EXIT, numeric keypad, MENU, SET, arrows, FAX START, MONITOR, SPEED DIAL.

Print Settings: Density, toner save mode, paper type, duplex (if supported). Scan Settings: Resolution, file format (PDF, JPEG), destination. Copy Settings: Number of copies, zoom (25-400%), darkness, collage, poster. Fax Settings: Resolution (standard/fine), redial, fax/tel switch, distinctive ring detection. System Settings: Language (default ENGLISH), sleep timer, network settings (if applicable), report printing.

Connecting Devices

Computer: USB or Parallel cable. Telephone: LINE port for fax, EXT port for answering machine.

  1. Turn off device and computer before connecting cables.
  2. Connect USB cable to computer and device (square end to printer).
  3. For network: Connect Ethernet cable to router and optional network card (if installed).
  4. Connect telephone line from wall jack to LINE port on rear.
  5. Power on device and computer; install drivers if prompted.

Tip: Use surge protector for power and telephone lines to prevent damage.

Printing & Scanning

Supports printing from applications, copying, and scanning to file or email.

  1. Printing: Select File > Print in application, choose Brother MFC-890, adjust properties as needed.
  2. Copying: Place original on flatbed or in ADF, press START to copy; use numeric keypad for copies.
  3. Scanning: Place document, press SCAN button or use Brother ControlCenter software to scan to PDF/JPEG.
  4. Duplex printing: Enable in printer properties for two-sided printing (manual or automatic if supported).
  5. Toner save: Enable in printer properties to extend toner life.
  6. Maintenance printing: Print configuration report via MENU > Report > Config.

WARNING! Do not look directly at laser beam inside printer. Keep hands clear of paper path during operation.

Fax Operations

Send and receive faxes manually or automatically.

  1. Sending: Place document in ADF or on flatbed, dial number using keypad, press FAX START.
  2. Receiving: Set to AUTO mode to receive automatically, or TEL/FAX mode for manual answer.
  3. Speed dial: Store up to 100 numbers for quick dialing (program via MENU > Fax > Speed Dial).
  4. Fax memory: Stores up to 100 pages if paper or toner runs out.
  5. Reports: Print transmission confirmation and activity reports via MENU > Report.

Note: Ensure telephone line is connected to LINE port, not EXT port, for fax operation.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug device before cleaning. Use dry, lint-free cloth; avoid liquids or abrasive cleaners.

  1. Exterior: Wipe with damp cloth, then dry.
  2. Paper path: Remove paper jams gently; clean rollers with cloth if dirty.
  3. Scanner glass: Clean with glass cleaner and soft cloth; avoid scratching.
  4. Toner: Replace when print quality fades; recycle old cartridge per local regulations.
  5. Ventilation: Keep vents clear of dust using vacuum with brush attachment.

CAUTION! Do not use alcohol or ammonia on control panel or LCD. Allow device to cool before cleaning internal parts.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. All rights reserved. For support, visit www.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-267-8437.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower cord/outletEnsure power cord plugged in; try different outlet; check power switch.
Paper jamsPaper loaded incorrectlyOpen covers, remove jammed paper gently; reload paper properly.
Poor print qualityToner/low settingsReplace toner cartridge; clean corona wire; adjust print density.
Scanner not workingDriver/connectionsReinstall scanner driver; ensure USB cable secure; restart computer.
Fax not sending/receivingLine connectionCheck telephone line connection; listen for dial tone; verify number.
Device not recognizedUSB cable/driverTry different USB port; reinstall drivers; restart device and computer.

Reset: Turn off device, wait 30 seconds, turn back on. For factory reset: MENU > Initial Setup > Reset.

Service: 1-877-267-8437; www.brother.com

Brother MFC-890 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025