Brother MFC-J280W Manual

The Brother MFC-J280W is a versatile All-in-One Inkjet Printer featuring print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities. It supports wireless connectivity, automatic duplex printing, a 100-sheet paper capacity, and individual ink cartridges. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Control Panel with LCD, Paper Tray, Scanner Glass, Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), Ink Cartridge Slots, USB Port, Ethernet Port.

Feature	Description
Print Resolution	Up to 1200 x 6000 dpi
Print Speed	Up to 12 ppm (black), 10 ppm (color)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, USB 2.0
Paper Capacity	100 sheets (main tray)
Automatic Duplex	Yes (2-sided printing)
Scanner Type	Flatbed + ADF (20 sheets)
Fax	Super G3, 33.6 Kbps modem
Ink System	Individual LC-221/227 cartridges
Display	1.8-inch color LCD
Mobile Printing	Brother iPrint&Scan, AirPrint, Google Cloud Print

Installation

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

1. Remove all packaging tape and protective materials.
2. Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, insert cartridges until they click.
3. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in tray, load up to 100 sheets.
4. Connect power cord and plug into AC outlet.
5. Turn on printer using power switch.

WARNING! Do not touch print head or ink contacts. Keep printer horizontal during setup.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; follow on-screen prompts on LCD.

1. Select language: Use arrow keys to choose language, press OK.
2. Align print head: Printer will automatically align; follow prompts.
3. Connect to network: For wireless, use WPS or manual setup via control panel.
4. Install software: Insert CD or download drivers from Brother website.
5. Test print: Print a test page to verify installation.

CAUTION! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block vents.

Specifications

• Type: All-in-One Inkjet Printer
• Functions: Print, Copy, Scan, Fax
• Print Technology: Inkjet (Piezo)
• Ink Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
• Scanner Resolution: Up to 1200 x 2400 dpi
• Copy Speed: Up to 12 cpm (black), 10 cpm (color)
• Fax Memory: Up to 200 pages
• Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Power Consumption: Approx. 13W (printing), 0.9W (standby)
• Dimensions: 17.5" x 12.6" x 7.9" (W x D x H)
• Weight: 13.2 lbs

Controls and Settings

Access menus via control panel buttons and LCD.

Control Panel: Power, Home, Back, OK, Arrow keys, Start (Black/Color), Stop/Exit, Fax buttons, # key, * key.

LCD Menu: Wireless, Fax, Copy, Scan, Setup, Maintenance.

Print Settings: Quality (Draft, Normal, Fine), Paper Type, Duplex, Grayscale. Copy Settings: Copies (1-99), Darkness, Reduce/Enlarge, 2-sided copy. Scan Settings: Resolution, File Format (PDF, JPEG), Destination. Fax Settings: Dial mode (Tone/Pulse), Redial, Fax Forward. Network: Wi-Fi setup, WPS, Network status. Maintenance: Print head cleaning, alignment, nozzle check.

Connecting Devices

Wireless: Use WPS or manual setup. Wired: Ethernet or USB.

1. Turn on printer and ensure network is available.
2. For WPS: Press WPS button on router, then select WPS on printer menu.
3. For manual: Select wireless setup, choose network, enter password.
4. For USB: Connect USB cable to computer, install drivers.
5. Verify connection by printing network configuration page.

Tip: Place printer within range of Wi-Fi router for stable connection.

Printing & Copying

Supports various paper sizes up to 8.5" x 14" (Legal).

1. Printing: Send print job from computer or mobile device.
2. Copying: Place document on glass or in ADF, press Start (Black/Color).
3. Adjust settings: Use control panel to change copies, darkness, size.
4. Duplex: Enable in print/copy settings for automatic 2-sided output.
5. Cancel job: Press Stop/Exit button.
6. Paper selection: Ensure correct paper type setting for best quality.

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

Scanning & Faxing

Scan to computer, email, USB, or cloud services. Fax with speed dial and memory.

Scanning: Place document, press Scan button, select destination (PC, USB, etc.). Adjust resolution and format in settings.

Faxing: Load document, dial number using keypad or speed dial, press Start. Receive faxes automatically; store in memory if out of paper.

Quick Dial: Store up to 200 numbers for one-touch faxing.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth; avoid liquids.

1. Clean exterior: Wipe with damp cloth, then dry.
2. Clean scanner glass: Use lint-free cloth and glass cleaner.
3. Replace ink: When low, open cover, remove old cartridge, insert new.
4. Print head maintenance: Run cleaning cycle via Maintenance menu if print quality declines.
5. Clear paper jams: Follow guide in manual; turn off printer first.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners; keep away from dust and humidity.

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

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Printer not printing	Connection/ink	Check wireless/USB connection; ensure ink cartridges installed.
Poor print quality	Clogged nozzles	Run print head cleaning from Maintenance menu.
Paper jam	Misloaded paper	Turn off, clear jam from rear or tray area; reload paper.
Scanner not working	Driver/connection	Reinstall scanner driver; check USB/Wi-Fi connection.
Fax not sending	Phone line	Ensure phone line connected to LINE port; check dial tone.
Wi-Fi disconnected	Router issues	Restart printer and router; re-run wireless setup.

Reset: Menu > Initial Setup > Reset Settings if needed.

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