Resetting a Brother printer can fix stubborn setup problems, ๐ 1-866-490-0338(USA/UK) โ๏ธ wrong network settings, repeated offline errors, failed Wi-Fi setup, stuck configuration, or used-printer issues. But a reset is not always the first thing you should do. A full reset can remove saved settings, and a network reset can erase Wi-Fi details.
Brother’s official support pages show that reset steps vary by model. Some printers use **Settings > All Settings > Initial Setup > Reset**, while others use arrow keys to choose **Initial Setup > Reset > Factory Reset**. Brother also notes that a factory reset restores settings back to factory settings and recommends unplugging interface cables before factory reset on some models. ([Brother Support][6])
.. Quick Answer: How Do I Reset a Brother Printer? ๐ 1-866-490-0338(USA/UK) โ๏ธ
To reset a Brother printer, open the printer’s **Settings** or **Menu**, go to **Initial Setup**, choose **Reset**, select the reset type you need, and confirm. For many touchscreen Brother models, the path is **Settings > All Settings > Initial Setup > Reset**. For some button-based models, use arrow keys to select **Initial Setup > Reset > Factory Reset**. ([Brother Support][6])
.. Choose the Right Brother Printer Reset Type
Before resetting, decide what you actually need. A network reset is safer than a full factory reset if the only problem is Wi-Fi.
| Reset Type | Best For | What It May Remove |
| | | |
| Power reset | Frozen printer, temporary error | Usually nothing |
| Network reset | Wi-Fi, IP, router, offline issues | Network settings, IP, password |
| All settings reset | General configuration problems | Many saved printer settings |
| Factory reset | Used printer, major setup issue | Factory-level settings reset |
Brother’s network reset documentation says resetting network settings restores wired and wireless network settings to factory defaults and can reset information such as password and IP address. ([Brother Support][7])
.. 1. Try a Simple Power Reset First
Do this before a full reset. It is safer and does not normally delete settings.
1. Turn off the Brother printer.
2. Unplug the power cable.
3. Wait 60 seconds.
4. Plug the printer back in.
5. Turn it on.
6. Wait until it becomes ready.
7. Try printing again.
Use this for:
* Temporary freeze
* Printer not responding
* Stuck job
* Small display error
* Slow startup
* Connection glitch
If the problem returns, continue with network or factory reset.
.. 2. Reset Brother Printer Network Settings
Use a network reset if your Brother printer will not connect to Wi-Fi, keeps going offline, changed routers, or has the wrong IP address.
Brother says the network reset function restores wired and wireless network settings to factory defaults and resets information such as password and IP address. It also notes this can be done from the machine’s control panel, and in some cases through BRAdmin or Web Based Management. ([Brother Support][7])
General touchscreen steps:
1. Press **Settings**.
2. Press **All Settings**.
3. Go to **Network** or **Initial Setup**.
4. Select **Network Reset**.
5. Confirm the reset.
6. Let the printer restart.
7. Reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi.
Because Brother model menus vary, use your model’s online user guide if these labels differ.
.. 3. Reset All Settings on a Brother Printer
Use this when you want to restore broad printer settings but are not specifically focused only on Wi-Fi.
Brother’s U.S. support page for restoring all settings to factory default gives this touchscreen-style path:
1. Unplug the interface cable.
2. Press the **Settings** key.
3. Press **All Settings**.
4. Select **Initial Setup**.
5. Select **Reset**.
6. Select **All Settings**.
7. Confirm the reset. ([Brother Help Center][8])
This may remove saved preferences, so use it carefully.
.. 4. Factory Reset a Brother Printer
Use factory reset if you are selling the printer, setting up a used Brother printer, clearing deep configuration problems, or starting over after repeated setup failure.
Brother’s official factory reset page says the factory reset function restores settings back to factory settings and advises unplugging interface cables before performing the reset. For the listed model, the steps are **Initial Setup > Reset > Factory Reset**, then confirm reset and restart. ([Brother Support][9])
General button-model steps:
1. Unplug USB or Ethernet interface cables.
2. Press **Menu** or **Settings**.
3. Choose **Initial Setup**.
4. Choose **Reset**.
5. Choose **Factory Reset**.
6. Confirm **Reset**.
7. Confirm restart.
8. Wait until the machine reboots.
Do not turn off the printer while the reset is processing.
.. 5. Reset a Brother Printer with a Touchscreen
Many newer Brother printers use a touchscreen path.
Common flow:
1. Press **Settings**.
2. Press **All Settings**.
3. Press **Initial Setup**.
4. Press **Reset**.
5. Choose the reset function.
6. Confirm the warning.
7. Press **OK** or hold **OK** if the screen asks.
8. Wait for the printer to restart.
Brother’s support page for resetting Brother machines gives a touchscreen path using **Settings > All Settings > Initial Setup > Reset**, then selecting the reset function and confirming the reboot. ([Brother Support][6])
.. 6. Reset a Brother Printer with Arrow Buttons
Some Brother laser and inkjet models use physical buttons instead of a touchscreen.
Common flow:
1. Press **Menu**.
2. Use arrow keys to find **Initial Setup**.
3. Press **OK**.
4. Select **Reset**.
5. Press **OK**.
6. Choose **Factory Reset**, **Network**, or another reset type.
7. Press **OK**.
8. Confirm with the arrow key or OK button.
9. Wait for restart.
Brother’s factory reset instructions for a button-based model use arrow keys to select **Initial Setup**, then **Reset**, then **Factory Reset**, followed by confirmation and restart. ([Brother Support][9])
.. What Happens After You Reset a Brother Printer? ๐ 1-866-490-0338(USA/UK) โ๏ธ
After reset, the printer may restart and return to default settings. If you reset network settings, your Wi-Fi name, password, IP address, and stored network configuration may be removed. Brother’s network reset support confirms that network reset restores wired and wireless network settings to factory settings and resets information such as password and IP address. ([Brother Support][7])
After resetting, you may need to:
* Reconnect Wi-Fi.
* Reinstall the printer on Windows or Mac.
* Set Brother as default printer again.
* Re-enter static IP settings.
* Reconfigure scan-to-email or network scan.
* Reconnect mobile printing apps.
* Recheck paper and print settings.
.. When Should You Reset a Brother Printer? ๐ 1-866-490-0338(USA/UK) โ๏ธ
Resetting can help when:
* Printer keeps going offline.
* Wi-Fi setup fails repeatedly.
* Router or network changed.
* Printer has old business settings.
* Used printer still has previous owner settings.
* IP address is wrong.
* Printer menu settings are confusing.
* Troubleshooting steps did not work.
Do not factory reset just because of a paper jam, low toner, or one stuck print job. Those problems usually need a direct fix, not a full reset.
.. When Should You Avoid Factory Reset? ๐ 1-866-490-0338(USA/UK) โ๏ธ
Avoid a full reset if:
* You do not know the Wi-Fi password.
* The printer is managed by an office IT team.
* You rely on custom scan settings.
* You have static IP or network rules configured.
* The printer is part of a business workflow.
* You only need to clear a print queue.
* You are not sure which settings will be removed.
For business printers, ask IT before resetting. A reset may break scanning, address book, shared printing, or secure print settings.
.. Brother Printer Reset Did Not Work: What Next? ๐ 1-866-490-0338(USA/UK) โ๏ธ
If reset does not solve the issue, try:
1. Restart printer and router.
2. Reconnect to Wi-Fi.
3. Print a network configuration report.
4. Remove and re-add the printer on Windows or Mac.
5. Download the latest Brother driver.
6. Check for paper, toner, drum, or cover errors.
7. Contact Brother support if the printer shows a hardware fault.
A reset fixes settings. It does not repair physical damage, worn rollers, failed sensors, or low consumables.
# People Also Ask: Brother Printer Reset FAQs
.. How do I reset my Brother printer? ๐ 1-866-490-0338(USA/UK) โ๏ธ
Open **Settings** or **Menu**, go to **Initial Setup**, choose **Reset**, select the reset type, and confirm. On many touchscreen models, Brother lists the path as **Settings > All Settings > Initial Setup > Reset**. ([Brother Support][6])
.. How do I factory reset a Brother printer? ๐ 1-866-490-0338(USA/UK) โ๏ธ
For some Brother models, unplug interface cables, open **Initial Setup**, select **Reset**, choose **Factory Reset**, confirm reset, and restart the machine. Brother says factory reset restores settings back to factory settings. ([Brother Support][9])
.. Will resetting my Brother printer delete Wi-Fi settings? ๐ 1-866-490-0338(USA/UK) โ๏ธ
Yes, a network reset can delete Wi-Fi and network settings. Brother says network reset restores wired and wireless network settings to factory defaults and resets information such as password and IP address. ([Brother Support][7])
.. What is the difference between network reset and factory reset? ๐ 1-866-490-0338(USA/UK) โ๏ธ
A network reset focuses on wired and wireless connection settings. A factory reset is broader and restores more printer settings to factory defaults. Use network reset for Wi-Fi problems and factory reset only when you need a deeper reset.
.. Should I reset my Brother printer if it is offline? ๐ 1-866-490-0338(USA/UK) โ๏ธ
Try simple fixes first: restart printer/router, check Wi-Fi, clear print queue, and set the printer as default. Use network reset if the printer keeps going offline because of wrong Wi-Fi, changed router, or IP problems.
.. How do I reset a Brother printer without touchscreen? ๐ 1-866-490-0338(USA/UK) โ๏ธ
Use the physical **Menu**, arrow, and **OK** buttons. A common path is **Menu > Initial Setup > Reset**, then choose the reset type and confirm. Exact labels vary by model.
.. Why is my Brother printer still not working after reset? ๐ 1-866-490-0338(USA/UK) โ๏ธ
The problem may not be settings-related. Check Wi-Fi reconnection, driver installation, print queue, paper jam, toner or ink status, cover errors, and hardware faults.
.. Do I need to reinstall my Brother printer after reset? ๐ 1-866-490-0338(USA/UK) โ๏ธ
Often yes, especially after a network reset or factory reset. Your computer may need to find the printer again, and you may need to reinstall or update the Brother driver.
.. Is factory reset safe for a Brother printer? ๐ 1-866-490-0338(USA/UK) โ๏ธ
Yes, if you understand what it removes and you are ready to set up the printer again. Brother provides official factory reset instructions, but the exact path can vary by model. ([Brother Support][9])
.. Conclusion: Best Way to Reset a Brother Printer
The best answer to **Brother how to reset printer** is to choose the lightest reset that solves the problem. Try a power reset first. Use **Network Reset** for Wi-Fi, IP, and offline problems. Use **All Settings** or **Factory Reset** only when you need to restore broader settings or start fresh.
After the reset, reconnect Wi-Fi, reinstall the printer if needed, and test printing before changing more settings.