Brother MFC-8950DW Manual

The Brother MFC-8950DW 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 network connectivity, a 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF), a large paper capacity, and support for various mobile printing solutions. Below are key sections for setup, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. Installation and Configuration 4. Specifications 5. Control Panel and Settings 6. Connecting to Networks 7. Printing and Copying 8. Scanning and Faxing 9. Maintenance & Care 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

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

FeatureDescription
Print SpeedUp to 36 pages per minute (monochrome)
Automatic Duplex PrintingTwo-sided printing standard
Paper CapacityUp to 350 sheets standard
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)50-sheet capacity for multi-page copy/scan/fax
ConnectivityWireless, Ethernet, USB 2.0
Mobile PrintingBrother iPrint&Scan, Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print
LCD Display2-line backlit display for menu navigation
Fax CapabilitySuper G3 with 33.6 Kbps modem, 200-page memory
Toner YieldHigh-yield TN-760 cartridge (approx. 3,000 pages)
Energy Star CertifiedMeets energy efficiency guidelines

Unpacking and Setup

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

  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 plain paper (face down).
  4. Connect power cord and turn on the printer using the power switch.

WARNING! Do not touch the green underside of the toner cartridge. Keep toner away from children and pets.

Installation and Configuration

Power on printer; follow initial setup prompts on LCD.

  1. Install drivers: Use the included CD or download from Brother website. Follow on-screen instructions.
  2. Set language, date, and time: Use the control panel menus (Menu > General Setup).
  3. Connect to network: For wireless, use WPS or manual setup via control panel. For wired, connect Ethernet cable.
  4. Configure fax settings (if used): Connect phone line, set fax header (name/number).

CAUTION! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block vents. Use a surge protector.

Specifications

Control Panel and Settings

Access menus via LCD and buttons. Key Buttons: POWER, COPY, SCAN, FAX, MENU, UP/DOWN arrows, OK, BACK, STOP/EXIT.

LCD Display: Shows status, menu options, error messages.

Print Menu: Density, Paper Type, Duplex, Eco Mode. Copy Menu: Copies, Darkness, Reduce/Enlarge, 2-sided Copy. Scan Menu: Scan To (PC, Email, Network), File Format (PDF, JPEG), Resolution. Fax Menu: Dialing (Speed Dial, Manual), Resolution, Contrast. Setup Menu: Network, General Setup (Language, Date/Time), Reports, Maintenance.

Connecting to Networks

Wireless: Use WPS button on router or manual setup via control panel. Wired: Connect Ethernet cable to network port and router.

  1. Ensure printer is on and in ready state.
  2. For wireless: Press Menu > Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard. Follow prompts to select SSID and enter password.
  3. For wired: Connect cable; IP address is typically assigned automatically via DHCP.
  4. Print a Network Configuration Report (Menu > Network > Print Reports) to verify settings.

Tip: Place printer within range of your wireless router for stable connection.

Printing and Copying

Supports printing from computers, mobile devices, and USB flash drives.

  1. Printing: Send print job from computer or mobile app. For USB, insert drive into front port, select file via LCD.
  2. Copying: Place original on scanner glass or in ADF. Press COPY, set number of copies and settings, press START.
  3. Duplex Printing/Copying: Enable in print driver settings or via copy menu for automatic two-sided output.
  4. Adjust darkness: Use DARKNESS button on control panel for lighter or darker copies.
  5. Reduce/Enlarge: Select percentage (50% to 200%) in copy menu.

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

Scanning and Faxing

Scan to PC, email, network folder, or USB. Send/receive faxes.

Scanning: Place document. Press SCAN. Select destination (PC, Email, etc.). Adjust settings (format, resolution). Press START.

Faxing: Connect phone line to LINE port. Set fax header. To send: Place document, dial number (or use speed dial), press START. To receive: Set mode (Auto, Manual, Answering Machine).

Fax Memory: Stores up to 200 pages if toner or paper runs out.

Maintenance & Care

Unplug before cleaning exterior. Use soft, dry cloth. Clean scanner glass with lint-free cloth and glass cleaner if needed.

  1. Replace toner when low or empty message appears. Use genuine Brother TN-760 cartridge.
  2. Clean paper feed rollers if paper jams occur frequently (use damp cloth, dry thoroughly).
  3. Update firmware periodically from Brother website for performance improvements.

CAUTION! Do not use alcohol or abrasive cleaners. Do not touch the drum unit inside the toner cartridge.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Energy Star® partner. Copyright and trademarks owned by 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, driver, paper jamCheck network/USB connection; reinstall driver; clear any paper jam.
Poor print qualityLow toner, dirty drumReplace toner cartridge; clean corona wire inside cartridge (if accessible).
Paper jamsPaper loaded incorrectly, worn rollersOpen covers, remove jammed paper carefully; reload paper properly; clean rollers.
Scanner not workingDriver, connectionEnsure scan driver is installed; check USB/network connection; restart printer.
Fax not sending/receivingPhone line, settingsCheck phone line connection; verify fax header and settings; listen for dial tone.
Wireless connection lostRouter, distance, interferenceRestart printer and router; move closer to router; check for interference.

Reset: Menu > General Setup > Reset > Reset All Settings (use with caution).

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

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