Brother MFC-J285DW Manual

The Brother MFC-J285DW is a versatile all-in-one inkjet printer featuring print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities. It supports wireless and wired network connectivity, automatic duplex printing, a 100-sheet paper capacity, and a 1.8-inch color display. Compatible with various paper sizes and types, it includes mobile printing support, energy-saving modes, and user-friendly maintenance features. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, 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. Maintenance 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Inkjet printhead, Scanner unit, Control panel with display, Paper trays, Network interfaces, Fax modem.

FeatureDescription
Print ResolutionUp to 1200 x 6000 dpi
Print SpeedUp to 12 ppm (black), 10 ppm (color)
Paper Capacity100 sheets (standard)
Display1.8-inch color LCD
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
Duplex PrintingAutomatic two-sided printing
Mobile PrintingApple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Brother iPrint&Scan
Fax33.6 kbps super fine modem
Ink Cartridges4 individual LC221 series cartridges
Energy StarCertified for energy efficiency

Installation

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

  1. Remove all packaging tapes and protective materials from inside and outside the printer.
  2. Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, insert cartridges into their respective slots until they click.
  3. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in tray, load up to 100 sheets of plain paper.
  4. Connect power cord to printer and plug into AC outlet.
  5. Power on the printer using the power switch.

WARNING! Do not touch ink cartridges or printhead contacts. Keep printer away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

First-Time Setup

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

  1. Initial ink charging: Printer will prepare ink system (may take several minutes).
  2. Align printhead: Print alignment page when prompted.
  3. Connect to network: Use control panel to select Wi-Fi network and enter password, or connect Ethernet cable.
  4. Install software: Insert installation CD or download drivers from Brother website, follow on-screen instructions.
  5. Test print: Print a test page to verify installation.

CAUTION! Do not unplug printer during initial setup. Ensure stable power supply.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access menus via control panel buttons and display. Control Panel: Power, Home, Back, Navigation arrows, OK, Stop/Exit, Copy, Scan, Fax, Black Start, Color Start.

Display: 1.8-inch color LCD for menu navigation and status messages.

Print Settings: Quality (Draft, Normal, Fine), Paper Type, Color/B&W, Duplex. Copy Settings: Number of copies, Darkness, Reduce/Enlarge, 2-sided copying. Scan Settings: Resolution, File Format (PDF, JPEG), Scan Destination. Fax Settings: Resolution, Dial mode, Redial. Network: Wi-Fi setup, WPS, Network status. Maintenance: Printhead cleaning, alignment, nozzle check, ink levels.

Connecting Devices

Network: Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Direct: USB 2.0. Mobile: Wireless direct or via network.

  1. Turn on printer and ensure it is in ready state.
  2. Wi-Fi: Use control panel to select network and enter password.
  3. Ethernet: Connect cable from router to printer Ethernet port.
  4. USB: Connect USB cable to computer and printer, install drivers if needed.
  5. Verify connection: Print network configuration page from menu.

Tip: For stable wireless connection, place printer within range of router without obstructions.

Printing & Copying

Supports documents, photos, envelopes, labels.

  1. Printing: Send print job from computer or mobile device, select printer, adjust settings as needed.
  2. Copying: Place original on scanner glass or in ADF, use control panel to set copies and options, press Black or Color Start.
  3. Duplex: Enable in print driver or copy settings for automatic two-sided output.
  4. Photo Printing: Use photo paper, select appropriate paper type in settings for best quality.
  5. Faxing: Place document, dial number using keypad or speed dial, press Start.
  6. Scanning: Place document, select scan destination (computer, USB, email), press Start.

WARNING! Do not open covers during printing. Use recommended paper to avoid jams.

Maintenance

Ink Replacement: Replace when low or empty. Open front cover, press cartridge latch, remove old cartridge, insert new one until click.

Printhead Cleaning: Use maintenance menu to clean printhead if print quality declines.

Nozzle Check: Print test pattern to verify all nozzles are firing.

Alignment: Perform when print quality shows misalignment.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Exterior: Use soft, dry cloth. Scanner glass: Use lint-free cloth with glass cleaner if needed. Do not use alcohol or abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Never spray liquids directly onto printer. Avoid getting moisture into openings.

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 powering onPower connectionCheck power cord connections; ensure outlet is working.
Poor print qualityInk/printheadReplace low ink cartridges; run printhead cleaning and nozzle check.
Paper jamPaper misloadedOpen covers, remove jammed paper carefully, reload paper correctly.
Not connecting to networkSettings/interferenceVerify Wi-Fi password; restart printer and router; check for interference.
Scanner not workingDriver/connectionReinstall scanner driver; check USB or network connection.
Fax not sendingPhone line/ settingsCheck phone line connection; verify recipient number and settings.

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

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

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