Ink Replacement Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Ink on Brother MFC-J491DW

Changing the ink in your Brother MFC-J491DW printer may seem like a daunting task, but with a little guidance, it can be a quick and easy process. This step-by-step guide will provide you with all the necessary instructions to ensure a smooth and successful ink replacement.

Materials You’ll Need

• Brother MFC-J491DW printer
• New ink cartridges (LC3031, LC3033, LC3035, LC3037)
• Clean cloth or paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Access the Ink Cartridges

• Turn on your printer and wait for it to become idle.
• Open the front cover by pressing the lever on the right side of the printer.
• The ink cartridges will move to the center of the printer.

2. Remove the Empty Cartridges

• Pinch the blue lever on the top of the empty cartridge and pull it straight up to remove it from the printer.

3. Unpack the New Cartridges

• Remove the new ink cartridge from its packaging.
• Do not touch the green chip or the nozzles on the bottom of the cartridge.

4. Insert the New Cartridges

• Align the new cartridge with its corresponding slot in the printer.
• Gently push the cartridge into place until it clicks.

5. Repeat for Remaining Cartridges

• Repeat steps 2-4 for any remaining empty cartridges.

6. Close the Front Cover

• Once all the new cartridges are installed, close the front cover of the printer.

7. Print a Test Page

• Press the “Menu” button on the printer’s control panel.
• Navigate to “Device Settings” > “Print Reports” > “Test Print”.
• The printer will print a test page to verify that the new ink cartridges are working properly.

Tips for Success

• Use genuine Brother ink cartridges for optimal performance.
• If you accidentally touch the green chip or nozzles on the cartridge, wipe them gently with a clean cloth.
• If an ink cartridge is not recognized by the printer, try reseating it by removing and reinserting it.
• If you encounter any error messages, consult the printer’s user manual for troubleshooting instructions.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while changing the ink in your Brother MFC-J491DW printer, try the following troubleshooting steps:

• Make sure that the new ink cartridges are compatible with your printer model.
• Check if the cartridges are properly seated in their slots.
• Clean the electrical contacts on the cartridges and the printer with a clean cloth.
• Reset the printer by unplugging it for a few minutes and then plugging it back in.

Key Points: Ink Replacement Done Right

Congratulations! You have successfully changed the ink in your Brother MFC-J491DW printer. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can ensure that your printer continues to produce high-quality prints for all your printing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How often should I change the ink cartridges in my Brother MFC-J491DW printer?
A1. The frequency of ink cartridge replacement depends on your printing volume. However, it is generally recommended to replace the cartridges when the printer indicates that they are low or empty.

Q2. Can I refill the ink cartridges in my Brother MFC-J491DW printer?
A2. No, the ink cartridges in the Brother MFC-J491DW printer are not refillable. Attempting to refill them may damage the printer.

Q3. What is the difference between the LC3031 and LC3033 ink cartridges?
A3. The LC3031 ink cartridges are standard yield cartridges, while the LC3033 cartridges are high yield cartridges. High yield cartridges contain more ink and can print more pages before needing to be replaced.