Brother MFC-J6920DW Printer Review

Printers remain central to efficient workflow in both home and office environments, but not all printers are created equal. For those seeking robust all-in-one functionality with the added convenience of wide-format printing, the Brother MFC-J6920DW is often considered a strong contender. This review delves into the common issues users face with the Brother MFC-J6920DW, provides step-by-step solutions, and offers concluding thoughts on its overall suitability.

Why Users Experience Problems with the Brother MFC-J6920DW

Despite its popularity and features, the Brother MFC-J6920DW is not immune to user challenges. Three main areas of concern emerge most frequently:

• Connectivity Challenges: The MFC-J6920DW offers multiple ways to connect, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and cloud-based printing. Nevertheless, users sometimes face trouble connecting the printer to their home network, or maintaining a stable Wi-Fi connection. Factors such as router compatibility, firmware updates, or interference from other wireless devices can lead to intermittent printing failures or constant reconnections.
• Print Quality Problems: Another common complaint involves print quality. Issues can include streaked prints, faded characters, color inaccuracies, or blotchy images. These problems often stem from clogged printheads, low-quality ink cartridges (or third-party replacements), or misalignments inside the printer.
• Paper Handling and Jams: Given that the MFC-J6920DW supports wide-format printing up to 11" x 17", its complex paper path sometimes leads to jams, particularly when switching between different paper sizes. Incorrect paper loading or slightly warped paper can trigger jams or cause the printer to display error messages.
• Maintenance and Cost Concerns: Like many inkjet printers, the Brother MFC-J6920DW utilizes four separate ink cartridges. This design helps with color fidelity but can become expensive over time, especially for users with heavy print volumes. Additionally, neglecting routine maintenance can reduce the printer's lifespan and increase the frequency of issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to Troubleshooting and Fixing Common Issues

A robust all-in-one like the Brother MFC-J6920DW generally serves well when set up and maintained properly. If you face any of the issues described above, try the following step-by-step solutions.

1. Resolving Connectivity Issues
   • Check your Wi-Fi Signal: Ensure the printer is within a reasonable range of your router, and check that there are no large physical barriers causing signal interference. Use the printer's control panel to check signal strength.
   • Update Firmware: Outdated firmware can cause connectivity problems. Visit Brother's official website, download the latest firmware for the MFC-J6920DW, and follow the installation prompts.
   • Restart Devices: Power off both your router and printer. Allow 30 seconds and then turn them back on. This clears potential network hiccups.
   • Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Use the WLAN setup wizard accessible from the printer’s touch screen. Follow prompts to re-enter network credentials. For added stability, assign your printer a static IP address via your router’s settings.
   • Try Wired Alternatives: If Wi-Fi proves too unstable, test if Ethernet or USB connections work more reliably in your environment.
2. Improving Print Quality
   • Run Cleaning Cycles: Most print quality problems stem from clogged printheads. Use the printer’s maintenance menu to initiate a “Clean” or “Deep Clean” cycle, which forces ink through the printheads and clears blockages.
   • Check Ink Levels and Cartridge Quality: If any cartridge is low or expired, replace it with a genuine Brother cartridge, as third-party ink can sometimes disrupt color accuracy and contribute to clogs. Post replacement, run a printhead alignment.
   • Perform Printhead Alignment: Access this function from the printer’s maintenance screen. Proper alignment ensures crisp, accurate prints and reduces color misregistration.
   • Use High-Quality Paper: Substandard or incompatible paper leads to muddied colors and ink bleed. Opt for manufacturer-recommended paper, especially for photo prints or wide-format projects.
3. Handling Paper Jams and Paper Loading
   • Check Paper Guides and Trays: Only load the approved number of sheets, making sure the guides are snug (not tight) around the paper stack. For wide-format jobs, double-check paper size settings on the touch screen.
   • Clear Jams Safely: If a jam occurs, refer to the printer’s display for specific instructions. Open the front cover and remove the ink cartridges if required. Carefully remove jammed paper to avoid damaging sensors or feeders. Check for torn remnants before resuming printing.
   • Switch Paper Sizes Thoughtfully: When transitioning between size types, always update the paper settings in the printer menu. This step prevents confusion that can cause jams or misfeeds.
4. Reducing Maintenance Costs and Frequency
   • Print Regularly: Regular printing prevents ink from drying in nozzles and maintains optimal function. Schedule a small print every week if you mainly use the printer sporadically.
   • Perform Scheduled Maintenance: Routinely clean the printhead nozzles, rollers, and scanner glass following prompts from the printer or user manual.
   • Consider Ink Subscription or Bulk Programs: Brother, like many manufacturers, offers ink-saving and auto-refill plans which can reduce cartridge costs and ensure you never run dry.

Conclusion

The Brother MFC-J6920DW is a feature-rich all-in-one printer that delivers excellent value for users seeking versatile document handling, robust scanning, and wide-format printing. Its large print capacity and flexible connectivity options make it a strong fit for small businesses, home offices, and creative professionals who require more than basic A4 printing.

Nevertheless, users should be proactive in setup, regular maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure smooth performance. As with many inkjet models, common challenges like connectivity hiccups, print quality drops, and paper handling issues are typically the result of overlooked maintenance or improper setup, not inherent hardware flaws.

Investing a little time in understanding your MFC-J6920DW’s menus and best practices can pay dividends in reliability and print excellence. For those willing to keep the device maintained and use recommended consumables, the Brother MFC-J6920DW remains an outstanding choice in the competitive all-in-one printer landscape.