Brother MFC-J480DW Manual

The Brother MFC-J480DW 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 flatbed scanner, a 30-page Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), and mobile printing options. Compatible with Windows and Mac, it uses individual ink cartridges (LC301 series) for cost-effective color management. 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 Functions 6. Connecting to Network 7. Printing and Copying 8. Scanning and Faxing 9. Maintenance & Ink Replacement 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Control Panel with LCD, Paper Tray, Output Tray, Scanner Unit (Flatbed + ADF), Ink Cartridge Slots, Network Ports, USB Port.

FeatureDescription
Print ResolutionUp to 1200 x 6000 dpi (color)
Print SpeedUp to 12 ppm (black), 10 ppm (color)
Automatic DuplexTwo-sided printing without manual flipping
Paper CapacityUp to 150 sheets (main tray)
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Ethernet, USB 2.0
Mobile PrintingBrother iPrint&Scan, AirPrint, Google Cloud Print
Scanner TypeFlatbed + 30-sheet ADF
Fax CapabilitySuper G3, up to 33.6 kbps
Ink SystemIndividual LC301 cartridges (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
Display1.8-inch color LCD

Unpacking and Setup

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

  1. Remove all tape and packaging materials from printer exterior and interior.
  2. Install ink cartridges: Open front cover, insert cartridges into respective slots until they click.
  3. Load paper: Adjust paper guides in tray, load up to 150 sheets of plain paper.
  4. Connect power cord and turn on printer using POWER button.
  5. Run initial setup: Follow LCD prompts to align print head and initialize system.

WARNING! Do not touch print head or ink nozzles. Handle cartridges carefully to avoid leaks.

Installation and Configuration

Install drivers and software for full functionality.

  1. For wired connection: Connect USB cable to computer, insert installation CD or download drivers from Brother website.
  2. For network setup: Connect Ethernet cable or use Wi-Fi setup wizard from control panel.
  3. Follow on-screen instructions to install printer software on your computer (Windows/Mac).
  4. Configure preferences: Set default paper size, print quality, and eco-mode settings.
  5. Register product online for support and updates.

CAUTION! Ensure stable internet connection for network setup. Keep printer firmware updated.

Specifications

Control Panel and Functions

Access functions via control panel buttons and 1.8-inch LCD.

Buttons: POWER, HOME, BACK, OK, Arrow Keys, COPY, SCAN, FAX, MENU, ECO.

LCD Menu Navigation: Use arrow keys to select, OK to confirm.

Copy Settings: Copies (1-99), darkness, paper size, reduce/enlarge, 2-sided copy.

Scan Settings: Scan to PC, email, cloud; resolution, file format (PDF/JPEG).

Fax Settings: Speed dial, fax resolution, redial, fax report.

Maintenance: Print head cleaning, alignment, nozzle check, ink levels.

Network: Wi-Fi setup, WPS, network status, TCP/IP settings.

Connecting to Network

Connect via Ethernet or Wi-Fi for network printing and scanning.

  1. Ethernet: Connect cable from router to printer's LAN port.
  2. Wi-Fi (Standard): Use control panel: MENU > Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard > select your SSID > enter password.
  3. Wi-Fi (WPS): Press WPS button on router, then on printer within 2 minutes.
  4. Verify connection: Print network configuration report from MENU > Network.
  5. Install network drivers on computers to add printer.

Tip: Place printer within range of Wi-Fi router. Avoid interference from other devices.

Printing and Copying

Supports various paper types and printing modes.

  1. Print from computer: Select Brother MFC-J480DW as printer, adjust settings in print dialog.
  2. Copy: Place original on scanner glass or in ADF, press COPY, set options, press START.
  3. Duplex printing: Enable in printer properties or via control panel for automatic two-sided prints.
  4. Photo printing: Use photo paper in tray, select "Photo" mode for best quality.
  5. Eco mode: Press ECO button to reduce ink usage for draft documents.
  6. Cancel job: Press STOP/EXIT during processing.

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

Scanning and Faxing

Scan to multiple destinations; send/receive faxes.

Scanning: - To PC: Install Brother software, press SCAN button, select destination. - To Email/Cloud: Configure via control panel or iPrint&Scan app. - ADF scanning: Load multiple pages for batch scanning.

Faxing: - Send fax: Place document, dial number using keypad or speed dial, press START. - Receive fax: Set to auto or manual receive mode in FAX settings. - Fax memory: Stores received faxes if out of paper.

Note: For scanning, ensure drivers are installed. For fax, connect phone line to LINE port.

Maintenance & Ink Replacement

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Replace ink: When LCD shows low ink, open front cover, press cartridge latch, replace with new LC301 cartridge.
  2. Clean print head: Use MENU > Maintenance > Print Head Cleaning.
  3. Nozzle check: Print test pattern to verify print quality.
  4. Align print head: Follow on-screen instructions after cartridge change.
  5. Clean exterior: Unplug, use dry soft cloth. Do not use alcohol or solvents.
  6. Clear paper jams: Open rear cover or scanner unit, gently remove jammed paper.

CAUTION! Use only genuine Brother ink cartridges. Do not refill cartridges.

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. Trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Printer not printingConnection/inkCheck USB/network cable; verify ink levels; restart printer.
Poor print qualityClogged nozzlesRun print head cleaning and nozzle check from maintenance menu.
Paper jamMisloaded paperTurn off, open covers, remove jammed paper carefully; reload paper correctly.
Scanner not workingDriver/connectionReinstall scanner drivers; ensure USB/network connection is active.
Fax not sendingPhone line/ settingsCheck phone line connection; verify recipient number and fax settings.
Wi-Fi connection lostSignal/routerRe-run Wi-Fi setup; move printer closer to router; restart router.

Reset: MENU > General Settings > Reset > Reset All Settings (if needed).

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

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