Brother Replace Toner: Toner cartridge at end of life
Brother says the toner cartridge is at the end of its life and must be replaced.
What to try
- Replace the toner cartridge with a new one (only the toner, not the drum).
- Use a brand-new, unused cartridge; a partly used or swapped cartridge will not reset the toner status.
- If the message stays after replacement, reseat the cartridge in the drum and clean the corona wire.
- Update the machine's firmware if a newer version is listed for your model.
When it needs a technician
If the message continues after a new cartridge, cleaning and a firmware update, Brother says to contact Brother Customer Service.
Which models show Replace Toner
Brother documents this code for models including HL-L2400D, HL-L2405W, HL-L2420DW, HL-L2460DW, HL-L2865DW.
Varies by model: The steps for a message that persists after replacement come from Brother FAQ faq00002517_003, which covers HL-L2350DW, MFC-L2710DW and many other mono lasers.
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 Online User's Guide - Error and Maintenance Messages (HL-L2400D/HL-L2405W/HL-L2460DW/HL-L2865DW). Codes are model-specific, so your own model's manual is the final word. Reviewed October 2026.
Still showing Replace Toner?
Tell our printer technician your model and what you've tried. You'll find out whether it's fixable at home or worth repairing at all.
Ask about my printer — $1Eric Paul Amora · Printer & Hardware Repair Technician