Brother Replace Drum: Time to replace the drum unit
Brother says it is time to replace the drum unit. If the message appears after you already installed a new drum, the drum counter was not reset.
What to try
- With the machine on, open the front cover and remove the toner and drum assembly.
- Push down the green lock lever, take the toner cartridge out, and push it into the new drum until it locks.
- Reinstall the assembly and close the front cover.
- Reset the drum counter (on HL-L2350DW-type models: close the cover, press OK and Up together, choose Drum, then press Down).
- Only reset the counter when you install a new drum.
When it needs a technician
Brother suggests contacting Brother Customer Service only if the message continues after a new drum is installed and the counter is reset.
Which models show Replace Drum
Brother documents this code for models including HL-L2325DW, HL-L2350DW, HL-L2370DW, HL-L2379DW.
Varies by model: The drum counter reset button sequence differs by model; check your model's Reset the Drum Counter instructions.
First steps for any printer error
- Write down the exact code before you do anything else — similar-looking codes often mean completely different things.
- Power the printer off, unplug it for a couple of minutes, then power it back on. A surprising number of transient errors clear here.
- Open the covers and check for paper scraps, packaging material, or anything blocking the carriage.
- Check the cartridges or tanks are genuine, correctly seated, and not empty.
- Confirm the printer is plugged directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip or extension lead.
- Check your model’s own manual — codes are model-specific, and the manual is the authority for your machine.
Source: Brother Support FAQ - Replace Drum (HL-L2350DW). Codes are model-specific, so your own model's manual is the final word. Reviewed October 2026.
Still showing Replace Drum?
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Ask about my printer — $1Eric Paul Amora · Printer & Hardware Repair Technician