Brother MFC-8950DW(T) manual

The Brother MFC-8950DW(T) is a monochrome laser All-in-One printer featuring print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities. It offers high-speed printing up to 36ppm, automatic duplex printing, wireless and Ethernet connectivity, a large paper capacity, and a flatbed scanner. 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. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Control Panel with LCD display, Paper Trays, Flatbed Scanner, Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), Toner Cartridge, Network ports, USB port.

FeatureDescription
Print SpeedUp to 36 pages per minute (monochrome)
Automatic Duplex PrintingTwo-sided printing without manual flipping
ConnectivityWireless, Ethernet, USB 2.0
Paper CapacityUp to 350 sheets (standard)
Scanner TypeFlatbed + ADF (up to 50 sheets)
Fax CapabilitySuper G3, up to 33.6 Kbps
Control PanelLCD with navigation buttons, numeric keypad
Toner YieldApprox. 3,000 pages (standard cartridge)
Mobile PrintingBrother iPrint&Scan, AirPrint, Google Cloud Print
Power ConsumptionEnergy Star certified

Installation

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

  1. Remove all packaging materials and tapes from inside and outside the printer.
  2. Install the toner cartridge: Open front cover, remove cartridge from packaging, shake gently, insert until it clicks.
  3. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in tray, load paper print-side down.
  4. Connect power cord to printer and wall outlet.
  5. Turn on printer using power switch.

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 printer; follow initial setup wizard on LCD display.

  1. Set language: Use arrow keys to select language, press OK.
  2. Set date and time: Enter current date and time using numeric keypad.
  3. Install print driver: Insert installation CD or download from Brother website, follow on-screen instructions.
  4. Connect to network: For wireless, use WPS or manual setup via control panel menu.
  5. Perform initial alignment and cleaning: Printer will run automatic process.

CAUTION! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block vents on sides and rear.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access menus via LCD control panel. Front Panel: POWER, STOP/EXIT, numeric keypad, START (copy/scan), FAX START, navigation arrows, OK, MENU.

LCD Menu Structure: Machine Info, Network, Fax Settings, Print Settings, Scan Settings, Maintenance, Reset.

Print Settings: Density, Toner Save mode, Duplex, Paper Size. Network: TCP/IP, Wireless Setup, WPS. Fax: Station ID, Dial mode, Redial. Maintenance: Drum cleaning, Print head alignment, Report printing.

Connecting Devices

USB: Direct connection to computer. Network: Ethernet cable to router. Wireless: Connect via WPS or manual setup.

  1. Turn off printer before connecting cables.
  2. For USB: Connect USB cable to computer and printer USB port.
  3. For Ethernet: Connect cable to router LAN port and printer Ethernet port.
  4. For Wireless: Use control panel to select network and enter password.
  5. Install drivers on each computer that will use the printer.

Tip: Use Brother's software for easy network setup and configuration.

Printing & Copying

Supports various paper sizes and types.

  1. Printing from computer: Select Brother printer in print dialog, adjust settings as needed.
  2. Copying: Place document on scanner glass or in ADF, press START (set number of copies with numeric keypad).
  3. Adjust copy settings: Press MENU, select Copy Settings for density, zoom, duplex.
  4. Cancel job: Press STOP/EXIT during processing.
  5. Paper selection: Ensure correct paper size and type is selected in tray settings.
  6. Toner save mode: Enable in print driver or printer menu to extend toner life.

WARNING! Do not touch scanner glass with fingers; use clean, dry documents only.

Scanning & Faxing

Scan to computer, email, network folder, or USB. Fax with speed dial and memory.

  1. Scanning: Place document, press SCAN key, select destination (PC, Email, etc.).
  2. Faxing: Load document, dial number using keypad or speed dial, press FAX START.
  3. Program speed dial: MENU > Fax Settings > Speed Dial > program numbers and names.
  4. Receive fax: Set to Auto mode for automatic reception, or Manual for answering calls.
  5. Fax forward: Set to forward received faxes to another number or email.

Note: For scanning to PC, ensure Brother software is installed and PC is on same network.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning exterior. Use dry, lint-free cloth; avoid liquids.

  1. Clean scanner glass: Use soft cloth with glass cleaner if needed; wipe dry.
  2. Clean exterior: Dampen cloth with water if necessary; do not use alcohol or solvents.
  3. Clean paper feed rollers: Use approved cleaning sheet or damp cloth.
  4. Replace toner: When toner low message appears, replace with Brother TN-760 cartridge.
  5. Run maintenance utilities: From MENU > Maintenance > Drum Cleaning, Print Head Alignment.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive materials; keep toner cartridge away from children.

Regulatory Information

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

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Printer not printingConnection/paper/jamCheck cable/network; ensure paper loaded; clear any paper jam.
Poor print qualityToner/low densityReplace toner cartridge; run drum cleaning; adjust print density.
Paper jamPaper misloaded/damagedOpen covers, remove jammed paper carefully; reload paper correctly.
Scanner not workingDriver/connectionReinstall scanner driver; ensure USB/network connection stable.
Fax not sending/receivingPhone line/ settingsCheck phone line connection; verify fax settings and station ID.
Wireless connection lostRouter/ distanceRestart router and printer; move printer closer to router; re-run wireless setup.

Reset: MENU > Maintenance > Reset > Reset All Settings (caution: erases all configurations).

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

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