BROTHER MFC-J6987DW (01) PDF Document

The following symbols and conventions are used throughout the user’s guide for your BROTHER MFC-J6987DW:

Before attempting any operation with your BROTHER MFC-J6987DW, confirm the following:

General Checks:

• Make sure you have installed the correct software and drivers for your machine.

• For USB or network cable users: Make sure the interface cable is physically secure.

Selecting the correct type of paper:

For high-quality printing, it is important to select the correct type of paper. Be sure to read the information about acceptable paper before buying paper, and to determine the printable area depending on the settings in the printer driver or in the application you use to print.

Simultaneous printing, scanning and faxing:

Your machine can print from your computer while sending or receiving a fax into memory or while scanning a document into the computer. Fax sending will not be stopped during printing from your computer. However, when the machine is copying or receiving a fax on paper, it pauses the printing operation, and then continues printing when copying or fax receiving has finished.

Firewall (Windows):

If your computer is protected by a firewall and you are unable to network print, network scan, or PC-FAX, you may need to configure the firewall settings. If you are using the Windows Firewall and you installed the drivers using the steps in the installer, the necessary firewall settings have been already set. If you are using any other personal firewall software, see the User’s Guide for your software or contact the software manufacturer.

The control panel of your BROTHER MFC-J6987DW has the following components and functions:

1. NFC (Near Field Communication) symbol: You can use card authentication by touching the IC card to the NFC symbol on the control panel.

2. Touchscreen Liquid Crystal Display (LCD): Access menus and options by pressing them on the touchscreen.

3. Menu Buttons:

• (Back): Press to go back to the previous menu.

• (Home): Press to return to the Home screen.

• (Cancel): Press to cancel an operation.

4. Dial Pad: Press the numbers to dial telephone or fax numbers and to enter the number of copies.

5. LED Power Indicator: The LED lights up depending on the machine’s power status. When the machine is in Sleep Mode, the LED blinks.

6. Power On/Off:

• Press to turn the machine on.

• Press and hold to turn the machine off. The touchscreen displays [Shutting Down] and stays on for a few seconds before turning itself off.

NOTE: If you turn the machine off using the Power On/Off button, it will still clean the print head periodically to maintain print quality. To prolong print head life, provide better ink efficiency, and maintain print quality, keep your machine connected to a power source at all times.

You can use your finger to press or swipe on the LCD to access the machine’s options. The Home Screen shows the machine’s status when it is idle and ready for a command.

Home Screen Icons and Features:

1. Date & Time: Displays the date and time set on the machine.

2. Quiet Mode Icon: Appears when [Quiet Mode] is set to [On]. This mode reduces printing noise but slows down the print speed.

3. Modes: Press to switch to each mode, such as [Fax], [Copy], [Scan], [Secure Print], [Web], [Apps], [USB], and more.

4. [Ink]: Displays the approximate ink volume. Press to access the [Ink] menu. An error icon will appear if an ink cartridge is low or has a problem.

5. [Settings]: Press to access the [Settings] menu.

6. Wireless Status Icon: Shows the wireless network status.

• A three-level indicator shows the current wireless signal strength.

• If the machine is not connected or wireless is disabled, a different icon will appear. Press this icon to configure wireless settings.

7. [Shortcuts]: Create shortcuts for frequently used operations like faxing, copying, or scanning. Three tabs are available with six shortcuts on each tab.

8. Information Icon (i): Appears when there is new information from Brother (requires an internet connection). Press it to view the details.

9. Warning Icon (!): Appears when there is an error or maintenance message. Press it to view details, then press the cancel button to return to the Home screen.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT press the LCD with a sharp object like a pen or stylus, as it may damage the machine. DO NOT touch the LCD immediately after powering on the machine, as this may cause an error.

When you need to enter text on your BROTHER MFC-J6987DW, a keyboard will appear on the touchscreen. Use the following keys and methods to enter text:

Character and Case Selection:

• Press the key showing “A 1 @” to cycle between letters, numbers, and special characters.

• Press the key showing “↑aA” to cycle between lowercase and uppercase letters.

Cursor Movement:

• To move the cursor to the left or right, press the left or right arrow keys.

Inserting Spaces:

• To enter a space, press [Space]. Alternatively, you can press the right arrow key to move the cursor.

Making Corrections:

• To change an incorrect character, use the arrow keys to highlight it. Press the backspace key (X) and then enter the correct character.

• To insert a character, use the arrow keys to move the cursor to the correct place, and then enter the character.

• To erase characters, press the backspace key (X) for each character you want to erase. To erase all characters, press and hold the backspace key (X).

Follow these steps to load A4, Letter, or Executive size paper into Tray #1, Tray #2, or Tray #3 of your BROTHER MFC-J6987DW. The steps are similar for all trays.

1. If the paper support flap is open, close it, and then close the paper support.

2. Pull the paper tray completely out of the machine. For Tray #2 or Tray #3, remove the tray top cover first.

3. Gently press and slide the paper width guides and the paper length guide to fit the paper size. Ensure the triangular marks on the guides line up with the marks for the paper you are using.

4. Fan the stack of paper well to avoid paper jams and misfeeds. Ensure the paper is not curled or wrinkled.

5. Gently load the paper in the paper tray with the printing surface face down in landscape orientation.

IMPORTANT: Be careful not to push the paper in too far; it may lift at the back of the tray and cause paper feed problems.

6. Gently adjust the paper width guides to touch the edges of the paper.

7. Make sure the paper is flat in the tray and below the maximum paper mark. Overfilling the tray may cause paper jams.

8. For Tray #2 or Tray #3, replace the tray top cover.

9. Slowly push the paper tray completely into the machine.

10. Pull out the paper support until it locks into place.

11. If you loaded a different paper size, change the paper size setting in the machine’s menu when prompted.

To load large paper sizes like A3, Ledger, or Legal into the paper trays of your BROTHER MFC-J6987DW, you must first extend the tray. Follow these steps:

1. If the paper support flap is open, close it, and then close the paper support.

2. Pull the paper tray completely out of the machine. For Tray #2 or Tray #3, remove the tray top cover.

3. Rest the tray on a flat surface. Push the green slider to the left and then extend the tray until it locks into place.

4. Gently press and slide the paper width and length guides to fit the paper size, aligning the triangular marks with the paper size indicators.

5. Fan the stack of paper well.

6. Gently load the paper in the paper tray with the printing surface face down in portrait orientation.

IMPORTANT: Do not push the paper in too far, as this can cause feed problems.

7. Gently adjust the paper width guides to fit the paper.

8. Ensure the paper is flat and below the maximum paper mark.

9. For Tray #2 or Tray #3, replace the tray top cover.

10. Slowly push the paper tray completely into the machine.

11. Pull out the paper support until it locks into place, and then unfold the paper support flap.

12. Change the paper size setting in the machine’s menu if prompted.

CAUTION: Position the machine so the extended tray will not protrude past the edge of the table or desk where someone may bump into it.

To collapse the tray, first take out the paper. Push the green slider to the left and then push in the front of the tray to collapse it until it locks.

The Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) can hold multiple pages and feeds each sheet individually. Use paper that is within the supported sizes and weights. Your 2-sided documents can be faxed, copied, or scanned up to A3 size using the ADF.

Supported Document Sizes and Weights:

• Length: 148 to 431.8 mm (up to 900 mm for long paper function)

• Width: 105 to 297 mm

• Paper Weight: 64 to 120 g/m²

IMPORTANT:

• DO NOT pull on the document while it is feeding.

• DO NOT use paper that is curled, wrinkled, folded, ripped, stapled, paper-clipped, pasted, or taped.

• DO NOT use cardboard, newspaper, or fabric.

• Make sure documents with correction fluid or written in ink are completely dry.

• DO NOT leave any documents on the scanner glass, as this may cause the ADF to jam.

Loading Procedure:

1. Fan the pages well.

2. Adjust the paper guides to fit the document size.

3. Place your document face up in the ADF until you feel the document touch the feed stoppers and the machine beeps.

Use the scanner glass to fax, copy, or scan one page at a time. The ADF must be empty to use the scanner glass.

Supported Document Sizes:

• Length: Up to 431.8 mm

• Width: Up to 297 mm

• Weight: Up to 2 kg

Loading Procedure:

1. Lift the document cover.

2. Place the document face down in the upper left corner of the scanner glass, aligning it with the guides.

3. Close the document cover.

IMPORTANT: If you are scanning a book or thick document, DO NOT forcefully close or press on the document cover.

To print on both sides of the paper automatically with your BROTHER MFC-J6987DW from a Windows computer, follow these steps:

1. Before you start, make sure the jam clear cover is closed. If the paper is curled, straighten it. Use regular paper; do not use bond paper.

2. Select the print command in your application.

3. Select Brother XXX-XXXX Printer (where XXX-XXXX is the name of your model), and then click the printing properties or preferences button.

4. In the printer driver window, click the Basic tab.

5. In the Orientation field, select Portrait or Landscape.

6. Click the 2-sided / Booklet drop-down list, and then select 2-sided.

7. Click the 2-sided Settings button.

8. Select one of the options from the 2-sided Type menu. Four types of 2-sided binding are available for each orientation (Long Edge Left/Right, Short Edge Top/Bottom).

9. To add a binding offset, select the Binding Offset checkbox and specify the offset in inches or millimetres.

10. Click OK to return to the printer driver window.

11. Change any other printer settings if needed.

12. Click OK again, and then complete your print operation.

Note: The Borderless feature is not available when using this option.

The Secure Print feature on your BROTHER MFC-J6987DW ensures that confidential documents do not print until you enter a password on the machine’s control panel. The secure data is deleted from the machine’s memory after printing or when you turn off the machine.

On Your Computer (Windows):

1. Select the print command in your application.

2. Select Brother XXX-XXXX Printer (where XXX-XXXX is your model name) and click the printing properties or preferences button.

3. Click the Advanced tab.

4. Click the Settings button in the Secure Print field.

5. Select the Secure Print checkbox.

6. Type your four-digit password in the Password field.

7. Type the User Name and Job Name in the text field, if needed.

8. Click OK to close the Secure Print Settings window.

9. Click OK and complete your print operation.

On Your BROTHER MFC-J6987DW:

1. On the machine’s control panel, press the left or right arrow to display the [Secure Print] option, and then press it.

2. Press the up or down arrow to display user names, and then press your user name.

3. Enter your four-digit password, and then press [OK].

4. Press the up or down arrow to display the print job, and then press it.

5. Enter the number of copies you want.

6. Press [Start]. The machine prints the data.

Here are common messages and solutions for your BROTHER MFC-J6987DW:

If the LCD on your BROTHER MFC-J6987DW displays a “Jam Front” or “Jam Front/Rear” message, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the machine from the electrical socket.

2. Pull Tray #1 completely out of the machine.

3. Slowly remove the jammed paper.

4. Using both hands, lift the scanner cover into the open position.

5. Slowly pull any jammed paper out of the machine. If paper is jammed under the print head, carefully move the print head to access and remove the paper. Ensure no small pieces of paper are left in the corners.

IMPORTANT: If the print head is in the right corner, you cannot move it. Close the scanner cover, reconnect the power cord, and once the machine is on, open the cover again. Hold down the Cancel button until the print head moves to the centre, then unplug the machine to remove the paper.

6. Gently close the scanner cover.

7. If the message was “Jam Front/Rear,” open the Jam Clear Cover at the back of the machine. Look carefully inside for jammed paper and slowly pull it out. Close the cover completely.

8. Slowly push Tray #1 completely into the machine.

9. Reconnect the power cord.

Here are some common paper handling and print quality problems and their solutions for the BROTHER MFC-J6987DW:

Print Quality Difficulties:

Paper Handling Difficulties:

If you are experiencing issues with telephone or fax functions on your BROTHER MFC-J6987DW, consult the following table for solutions:

Telephone Line or Connections:

Receiving Faxes:

Sending Faxes:

When the LCD on your BROTHER MFC-J6987DW displays a message that an ink cartridge needs replacing, follow these steps:

CAUTION: If ink gets into your eye, rinse it with water immediately and consult a doctor if any abnormality occurs.

IMPORTANT: Use genuine Brother supplies for best results. Damage from non-genuine supplies may not be covered by the warranty.

1. Open the ink cartridge cover located on the front of the machine.

2. The LCD will indicate which color needs replacing. Press the lock release lever for that specific cartridge to release it, then remove the cartridge from the machine.

3. Open the new ink cartridge bag for the indicated color. Before inserting, quickly shake only the black ink cartridge horizontally 15 times.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT touch the chip on the ink cartridge, as this can prevent the machine from detecting it.

4. Insert the new ink cartridge in the direction of the arrow on the label. Each color has its own correct position.

5. Gently push the area marked “PUSH” until the ink cartridge locks securely into place.

6. Close the ink cartridge cover. The machine will reset the ink dot counter for the replaced cartridge.

NOTE: Do not remove ink cartridges unless you need to replace them. If the machine does not detect the cartridge, remove and reinstall it slowly and firmly until it clicks into place.

If you notice a print quality problem, such as a horizontal line or blank space in text or graphics, you can clean the print head manually. Note that cleaning consumes ink.

IMPORTANT: Do not touch the print head, as it may cause permanent damage and void the warranty.

Standard Cleaning via Control Panel:

1. Press [Ink] > [Print Head Cleaning].

2. Press [Start].

3. The machine cleans the print head.

Special Cleaning Method (if standard cleaning does not help):

This method is more powerful but uses more ink. Use it only if you have cleaned the print head several times and the print quality has not improved.

1. Press [Ink] > [Print Head Cleaning].

2. Press and hold the Cancel button (X) for five seconds.

3. The machine starts the special cleaning process.

After cleaning, print a Print Quality Check Sheet to see if the issue is resolved.

If you are getting vertical lines or streaks on your copies or scans, the scanner glass or glass strip may be dirty.

1. Unplug the machine from the electrical socket.

2. Lift the document cover.

3. Clean the large scanner glass and the white plastic area next to it with a soft, lint-free cloth moistened with water.

4. In the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) unit, clean the white bar and the thin glass strip with a soft, lint-free cloth moistened with water.

5. Open the scanner glass cover and clean the white bar and glass strip located there as well.

If you feel dirt or debris, clean the glass again. You may need to repeat the process a few times. To test, make a copy after each cleaning attempt.

When you need to transport your BROTHER MFC-J6987DW, use the original packing materials to prevent damage.

IMPORTANT: Before unplugging, allow the machine to “park” the print head. Listen to ensure all mechanical noises have stopped to avoid damage.

1. Unplug the machine from the electrical socket.

2. Lift the scanner cover and unplug the telephone line cord and any interface cables.

3. Remove the orange protective part from its storage place inside the machine and set it aside.

4. Gently close the scanner cover.

5. Open the ink cartridge cover.

6. Press the ink release levers to release the ink cartridges and take them out.

7. Install the orange protective part you removed earlier.

IMPORTANT: Ensure the plastic tab on the left side of the orange protective part clicks securely into place. If you cannot find the protective part, ship the machine without it, but DO NOT leave the ink cartridges in the machine.

8. Close the ink cartridge cover.

9. Wrap the machine in the plastic bag it came in.

10. Pack the machine in the original carton with the original packing material. Do not pack the used ink cartridges in the carton.

11. Close the carton and tape it shut.

In the event of a power failure, the memory storage of your BROTHER MFC-J6987DW behaves as follows:

• Permanent Settings: Your main menu settings are stored permanently and will not be lost.

• Temporary Settings: Settings like Contrast and Overseas Mode are temporary and will be lost.

• Date, Time, and Timed Faxes: The date and time, along with programmed fax timer jobs (such as Delayed Fax), are retained for approximately 24 hours.

• Faxes in Memory: Other fax jobs stored in the machine’s memory will not be lost.

You can save frequently used settings for Fax, Copy, Scan, Web Connect, and Apps as Shortcuts to apply them quickly without re-entering them manually. The following instructions describe how to add a Copy Shortcut, but the steps are similar for other functions.

1. If the Home screen is displayed, press the [+] [Shortcuts] button.

2. Press a tab from [1] to [3] to select a shortcut page.

3. Press a plus icon [+] where you have not yet added a Shortcut.

4. Press the up or down arrow to display [Copy], then press it.

5. Press [Options].

6. Press the up or down arrow to display the available settings (e.g., Quality, Document Size, Enlarge/Reduce) and press the setting you want to change.

7. Press the up or down arrow to display the available options for that setting, and then press the option you want.

8. Repeat the previous two steps until you have selected all the settings for this Shortcut. When finished, press [OK].

9. Press [OK] again.

10. Read and confirm the displayed list of settings you have selected, and then press [OK].

11. Enter a name for the Shortcut using the on-screen keyboard, and then press [OK].