How to Print a Test Page on Brother Printers

Brother printers are known for their reliability, low running costs, and straightforward setup, making them a favorite in both home offices and small businesses. Whether you have a newer model with an LCD screen or an older unit with just a few buttons, printing a test page is a painless process. Here is how to do it with two different approaches.

Method 1: Using the Printer Buttons

Brother printers have slightly different procedures depending on whether your model has an LCD display or a simpler control panel.

Newer models with an LCD screen

1. Make sure the printer is powered on and loaded with paper.
2. Press the Menu button on the control panel.
3. Use the arrow keys to navigate to Machine Info (or Machine Information) and press OK.
4. Select Print Test and press OK.
5. The printer will immediately produce a test page showing print quality, alignment, and basic device information.

Older models without an LCD screen

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press and hold the Go button while turning the printer back on.
3. Continue holding until the LEDs on the front panel cycle through their patterns.
4. Release the Go button, then press it one more time.
5. The printer will output a configuration or test page with device settings and print quality information.

Method 2: Using Brother Software

If you prefer a software-based approach, you can print a test page through Windows without any extra downloads.

Windows Control Panel method

1. Open the Control Panel on your computer (search for it in the Start menu if needed).
2. Click Devices and Printers (or Printers & scanners in Windows 10/11 Settings).
3. Find your Brother printer in the list, right-click it, and select Printer Properties (not just "Properties").
4. In the Properties window, click Print Test Page on the General tab.
5. A Windows test page will print, confirming that your computer can communicate with the printer and that output quality is good.

Why Print a Test Page?

• Verify drum and toner condition. Brother laser printers use a separate drum unit and toner cartridge. A test page reveals whether either component needs replacing.
• Spot print quality problems early. Faded patches, streaks, or ghost images on a test page warn you about developing issues before they affect a real document.
• Confirm network connectivity. If the test page prints successfully, you know the connection between your PC and the printer is working.
• Check alignment after setup. Moving a printer or swapping cartridges can shift internal components. A test page confirms everything is lined up correctly.

Tips for Best Results

• Print a test page after every toner or drum change. This ensures the new supply is seated properly and gives you a baseline for future comparison.
• Use the Brother iPrint&Scan app. Available on iOS, Android, and desktop, this free app lets you check ink or toner levels and trigger maintenance tasks wirelessly.
• Reset the drum counter when prompted. After replacing the drum unit, Brother printers ask you to reset the page counter. Do not skip this step, or the printer will keep showing a replacement warning.
• Store toner cartridges properly. Keep spare cartridges sealed in their packaging and away from direct sunlight until you are ready to install them. This extends shelf life and prevents quality degradation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Faded or light printout

Remove the toner cartridge and gently rock it from side to side five or six times to redistribute the remaining toner. If the problem continues, the cartridge is likely near empty and should be replaced. Also check that the print density setting in the printer driver is not set unusually low.

Black lines or streaks running down the page

This usually points to a damaged or worn drum unit. Open the front cover, remove the drum assembly, and inspect the green drum surface for scratches or marks. If you see any damage, replace the drum. Avoid touching the drum surface with your fingers, as oils can cause print defects.

Test page does not print at all

Make sure the printer is not stuck in an error state. Check for paper jams by opening all covers and removing any stuck sheets. If the printer shows a "Replace Toner" or "Replace Drum" message, installing fresh supplies may be required before it will print.

Ghost images or repeated shadows on the page

Ghost printing is a telltale sign of a worn drum unit. If the drum page counter is near or past its rated life, replacing the drum should eliminate the issue. In the meantime, try printing a few blank pages to see if the ghosting fades on its own.

Final Thoughts

Brother printers are built to be low-maintenance, and a quick test page is all it takes to make sure everything is in working order. Whether you use the printer's own buttons or the Windows control panel, regular test prints help you stay ahead of toner and drum issues so your Brother printer keeps delivering clean, sharp output every time.