Brother TJ-4420TN troubleshooting guide: errors, faults and fixes

Short answer: According to Brother, a flashing red LED indicates a print error: paper empty, paper jam, ribbon empty or memory error. A solid red LED indicates an open printhead or a cutter error. Read the message on the display or the status shown by the BPM software, then open the matching entry.

Likely cause

The Brother guide describes five states of the TJ-4420TN LED indicator: solid green (printer on and ready), flashing green (receiving data from the computer, or printer paused), solid orange (clearing data from memory), solid red (printhead open or cutter error) and flashing red (print error: paper empty, paper jam, ribbon empty or memory error).

What to do

1. Note the message shown on the LCD display or, when the printer is connected to the computer, the status shown by the Brother Printer Management Tool (BPM) software.
2. “Plus de Papier” (out of paper): see the paper empty entry.
3. “Plus de Ruban” (out of ribbon) or “Err. Encoder Ruban/Err. Fin Ruban.”: see the ribbon empty entry.
4. “Paper Jam”: see the paper jam entry.
5. Solid red LED: check that the printhead is closed (head open) or, if the printer has a cutter, see the cutter entry.
6. Memory error: the documentation consulted does not detail the cause. The Gestionn. fich. (file manager) menu shows the available memory (DRAM, FLASH, card, USB).

The “Prendre l'étiquette” (take the label) message is not a fault: it indicates that peeler mode is active (see Prendre l'étiquette).

Sources: 2.3.1 LED indicators and buttons (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) · 7.5 File manager (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) · What do the indicator lights mean? (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Brother, the roll has run out or is incorrectly installed, or the gap or black mark sensor is not calibrated. Check that the media passes through the paper sensor, close the printhead, then calibrate the sensor.

Likely cause

The Brother FAQ cites three causes: there are not enough labels left on the roll, the roll is not installed correctly, or the gap (spacing) or black mark sensor is not calibrated. The indicator light FAQ gives the same causes for “Pas de papier” (no paper).

What to do

1. Check that there are labels left; if not, install a new roll.
2. Check the media path: it must pass through the damper, through the paper sensor, then through the front label guide (see loading labels).
3. Using the paper sensor position knob, align the gap sensor (triangle mark) or the black mark sensor (arrow mark) with the gap or mark on the roll.
4. Close the printhead by pressing on both sides until it locks.
5. Calibrate the sensor (see calibration).

The Brother guide recommends calibrating the sensor each time you change media.

Sources: The LED flashes red and the printer status in the BPM (Brother Printer Management) software shows “Plus de Papier” (out of paper). (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) · What do the indicator lights mean? (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) · 3.4 Loading the media (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Brother, the ribbon has run out or is incorrectly installed. Replace it with a new ribbon, or reinstall it, passing it under the guide bar and through the ribbon sensor slot.

Likely cause

The Brother FAQ cites two causes: there is not enough ribbon left, or the ribbon is not installed correctly. The indicator light FAQ gives the same causes for “Pas de ruban” (no ribbon).

What to do

1. Open the cover and check how much ribbon is left; the home screen also shows the ribbon capacity in metres.
2. If the ribbon has run out, cut the used ribbon along the dotted line, remove it from the rewind spindle by pressing the release button, then install a new ribbon (see loading the ribbon).
3. If there is ribbon left, reinstall it: under the guide bar and through the ribbon sensor slot, following the diagram printed on the cover.
4. Tension the ribbon with the rewind spindle, then close the printhead by pressing on both sides.

To print in direct thermal mode (without ribbon), the Brother guide says to set the Ribbon parameter to NO in BPM: this setting disables the ribbon sensor and the ribbon encoder sensor (see blank labels).

Sources: The LED flashes red and the printer status in the BPM (Brother Printer Management) software shows “Plus de Ruban” (out of ribbon)… (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) · What do the indicator lights mean? (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) · 3.2 Loading the ribbon (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) · 3.3 Removing the used ribbon (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) · 5.2 Direct thermal / thermal transfer methods (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) (official documentation).

Short answer: Brother cites three causes: a label stuck inside the printer, an uncalibrated gap or black mark sensor, or a paper size that does not match the roll. Remove the stuck label, check the paper width and height in BPM, then calibrate the sensor.

Likely cause

According to the Brother FAQ, the error appears when a label has stuck inside the printer, when the gap and black mark sensor is not calibrated, or when the paper size set does not match the roll installed. The indicator light FAQ adds that selecting the wrong label size can cause a jam.

What to do

1. Open the cover and the printhead, then carefully remove any label stuck inside, without damaging the printer.
2. Connect the printer to the computer, switch it on, launch BPM and click Configuration Imprimante (printer configuration).
3. In the FBPL tab, check that the paper width and height match the roll installed.
4. Calibrate the sensor (see calibration).

Sources: The LED flashes red and the printer status in the BPM (Brother Printer Management Tool) shows “Paper Jam”. (opens in a new window) · What do the indicator lights mean? (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Brother, a solid red LED indicates an open printhead or a cutter error. Close the printhead by pressing on both sides until it locks, then close the roll compartment cover properly.

Likely cause

The Brother guide associates the solid red LED with an open printhead or a cutter error. The indicator light FAQ describes the “Chariot ouvert” (carriage open) case and says to check that the roll compartment cover is properly closed.

What to do

1. Open the media cover and see whether the printhead is raised (printhead release lever).
2. Close the printhead by pressing down on both sides until it locks.
3. Close the roll compartment cover.
4. If the printer is fitted with the cutter and the LED stays solid red, see the cutter entry.

Sources: 2.3.1 LED indicators and buttons (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) · 3.2 Loading the ribbon (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) · What do the indicator lights mean? (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) (official documentation).

Short answer: On the display, open the menu, then Capteur (sensor) > Auto Calibration, and choose the type of consumable. Brother recommends calibrating on a new printer, each time you change media and after an initialisation.

Likely cause

The TJ-4420TN detects labels with a gap sensor (transmissive), which finds the start of each label, or with a black mark sensor (reflective). According to Brother, automatic calibration determines the sensor type and feeds up to three labels to adjust the sensitivity.

Official calibration procedure

1. Load the media (and the ribbon for thermal transfer), pass it through the paper sensor, then close the printhead.
2. Method 1, on the display: tap the Menu icon, choose Capteur (sensor), then Auto Calibration, and select the type of consumable.
3. Method 2, with BPM (Windows only): with the printer on, launch BPM, click Fonction imprimante (printer function), then Étalonner (calibrate), choose the sensor type and click Étalonner.
4. Method 3, at power-on: with the printer off, hold down the right select button, switch the printer on and release the button when Calibrage cellule (sensor calibration) appears (the Brother FAQ also says to release it when the LED has flashed red five times).
5. To target a specific sensor, the Calibrage marq.noire (black mark calibration) and Calibrage échenil. (die-cut label calibration) utilities are started in the same way at power-on.
6. If automatic calibration is not suitable, the Capteur (sensor) menu offers a manual configuration: paper length and gap size (or black mark size), then reading of the media.

During method 3, the LED turns orange, then flashes red five times, orange five times, green five times, green/orange five times and red/orange five times, before staying solid green. For thermal transfer, calibrate with the ribbon in place (see gradual drift).

Sources: 7.2 Sensor settings (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) · 8.2 Automatic paper sensor calibration (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) · 6.1 Power-on utilities (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) · How to calibrate the gap or black mark sensor by operating the printer directly (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Brother, the label size set is incorrect, the sensor sensitivity is incorrectly set, or the sensors are dusty. Check the width and height in BPM, clean the sensors, then calibrate again.

Likely cause

The Brother FAQ “The label is skipped when printing” cites three causes: an incorrectly set label size, unsuitable sensor sensitivity, and dust on the gap or black mark detector.

What to do

1. In BPM, click Configuration Imprimante (printer configuration) and, in the FBPL tab, check the paper width and height.
2. Calibrate the sensor with the Auto Gap or Manual Gap option (see calibration).
3. If necessary, change the Détection de seuil (threshold detection) parameter in the Avancé (advanced) tab of the BPM configuration, then click Définir (set).
4. With the printer off, remove dust from the gap sensor and the black mark sensor with compressed air or a vacuum cleaner (see maintenance).

Sources: The label is skipped during printing. (opens in a new window) · How do I clean / maintain my printer? (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Brother, this drift occurs when the media sensor was calibrated without ribbon loaded. Load the ribbon, then calibrate the sensor again.

Likely cause

The Brother FAQ states that the problem occurs in thermal transfer printing when the media sensor was calibrated without ribbon in the printer.

What to do

1. Check that the ribbon is loaded (see loading the ribbon).
2. Calibrate the media sensor again with the ribbon in place (see calibration).

Source: When printing by thermal transfer, the print or cut position gradually shifts. (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) (official documentation).

Short answer: Place the ribbon on the supply spindle with the ink side the right way round, open the printhead, then pass the ribbon under the guide bar and through the ribbon sensor slot. Turn the rewind spindle 3 to 5 turns, until the ribbon is smooth and free of wrinkles.

Likely cause

The Brother guide describes a precise ribbon path, shown in a diagram printed on the cover. A ribbon fitted with the ink side the wrong way round or outside the ribbon sensor slot causes ribbon errors or blank labels.

Brother ribbon loading procedure

1. Open the media cover.
2. Install the ribbon on the supply spindle, taking the ink side into account (inside or outside depending on the ribbon).
3. Push the printhead release lever to open it.
4. Pass the ribbon under the guide bar and through the ribbon sensor slot, following the diagram printed on the cover.
5. Turn the rewind spindle anticlockwise, about 3 to 5 turns, until the ribbon is smooth, flat and free of wrinkles.
6. Close the printhead by pressing down on both sides of the lever.

To remove a used ribbon, the guide says to cut it with scissors along the dotted line, then press the ribbon release button to remove it from the rewind spindle. Brother recommends destroying the used ribbon if it retains visible prints.

Sources: 3.2 Loading the ribbon (opens in a new window) · 3.3 Removing the used ribbon (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) (official documentation).

Short answer: Place the roll on the spindle, printed side up, open the printhead and pass the labels through the damper, the paper sensor and the front guide. Align the sensor with the gap or the black mark, close the printhead, then calibrate the sensor.

Likely cause

According to the Brother guide, the media must pass through the paper sensor, and the sensor position must match the gap between labels or the black mark. The gap sensor is marked by a triangle and the black mark sensor by an arrow on its housing.

Brother media loading procedure

1. Open the cover, slide the roll guard to the end of the spindle, then fold it down.
2. Place the roll on the supply spindle, printed side up, then raise the guard to hold it in place.
3. Push the printhead release lever and pass the label through the damper, the paper sensor and the front label guide.
4. Using the paper sensor position knob, align the gap or black mark sensor with the gap or mark on the roll.
5. Adjust the front label guide to hold the media in position.
6. Close the printhead on both sides until it locks, set the sensor type and calibrate it (see calibration).

For external media (fanfold), feed it in through the external label entry slot, then follow the same path. The guide recommends calibrating the sensor each time you change media.

Sources: 3.4.1 Loading the label roll (opens in a new window) · 3.4.2 Loading external media (opens in a new window) · 2.2.2 Interior view (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) (official documentation).

Short answer: Brother cites incorrectly loaded ribbon or media, unsuitable darkness, an incorrectly adjusted label guide and incorrect head or ribbon tension. Reload the ribbon and the media, then adjust the ribbon tension screw one notch at a time, reprinting after each adjustment.

Likely cause

The Brother FAQ “The printed label is wrinkled” cites five causes: ribbon and media incorrectly loaded, incorrect print darkness, a label guide not set to the media width, incorrectly adjusted head tension and incorrectly adjusted ribbon tension. The guide specifies that the ribbon tension screw and the head tension knob each have five levels.

What to do

1. Reload the ribbon and the media (see ribbon and labels).
2. In BPM (Configuration Imprimante, FBPL tab), check and correct the darkness.
3. Set the label guide to the width of your labels.
4. Adjust the head tension knob according to the media width; for a label narrower than 50.8 mm (2 inches), place the tension position slider as close as possible to the edge of the label.
5. If the creases appear on one side, turn the ribbon tension screw one notch in the direction shown by the diagram in the guide (clockwise or anticlockwise), then reprint to check.
6. If the screw is at its stop and the creases persist, move the head tension position slider one level at a time, reprinting each time.
7. Finally, check that you are using the correct media and that its thickness and width are within the specifications in the guide.

When to call a technician: if the creases persist after the tension adjustments and after trying another media, Brother asks you to contact its customer service or your reseller.

Sources: The printed label is wrinkled. (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) · 4.2 Ribbon tension (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) · 4.2.3 Trying different media (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Brother, first check that the ribbon and labels are compatible and correctly loaded, then clean the printhead and the platen roller. If necessary, adjust the darkness and speed in BPM, as well as the head tension.

Likely cause

The Brother FAQ “The print quality is poor” cites unsuitable or incorrectly loaded ribbon or media, dust or adhesive on the printhead or platen roller, unsuitable darkness and speed settings, and incorrectly adjusted head or ribbon tension.

Caution: Brother asks you to always switch off the printer before cleaning the printhead and to let the printhead cool for at least one minute.

What to do (with the Brother printhead cleaning procedure)

1. Check that the correct ribbon and media are installed and correctly loaded.
2. Switch off the printer and let the printhead cool for at least one minute.
3. Open the media cover, then the printhead with the release lever.
4. Wipe the printhead with a lint-free cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol or ethanol.
5. If adhesive or dust covers the platen roller, clean it too (see platen roller).
6. Close the printhead by pressing on both sides until it locks, then close the roll compartment cover.
7. In BPM, Configuration Imprimante, FBPL tab: check the darkness and the speed.
8. Print a self-test and examine the printhead test pattern at the bottom of the printout to spot any missing dots (see printhead test).
9. Adjust the head tension knob (five levels) according to the media width.

When to call a technician: if the quality remains poor after these checks, Brother refers you to your Brother reseller or its customer service.

Sources: The print quality is poor. (opens in a new window) · How do I clean the printhead? (opens in a new window) · How do I clean the platen roller? (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Brother, a horizontal line comes from dirt built up on the printhead or on the platen roller. Clean both, then check the head tension and the ribbon tension.

Likely cause

The Brother FAQ “The printed label contains grey lines” attributes the horizontal line to dirt on the surface of the printhead or on the platen roller.

Caution: Brother asks you to always switch off the printer before cleaning the printhead and to let the printhead cool for at least one minute.

What to do

1. Clean the printhead (procedure in the faded print entry).
2. Clean the platen roller (see platen roller).
3. Check that the head tension and the ribbon tension are correctly adjusted (see wrinkled labels).

Sources: The printed label has grey lines. (opens in a new window) · How do I clean the printhead? (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) (official documentation).

Short answer: Brother cites two causes: an incorrectly set label size or incorrect head tension. Check the paper width and height in BPM, then adjust the head tension knob according to the media width.

Likely cause

The Brother FAQ “The left or right side of the label is not printed correctly” cites an incorrect label size setting and incorrect printhead tension.

What to do

1. Connect the printer to the computer, launch BPM, click Configuration Imprimante (printer configuration) and check the paper width and height in the FBPL tab.
2. Set the head tension knob to one of the five levels, according to the media width.
3. For a label narrower than 50.8 mm (2 inches), place the tension position slider as close as possible to the edge of the label, to avoid unnecessary friction between the printhead and the platen roller.

Source: The left or right side of the label is not printed correctly. (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Brother, the ribbon or media is incorrectly loaded or incompatible, or the print darkness is incorrectly set. Check the direction of the ribbon's ink side, the print method selected (direct thermal or thermal transfer) and the darkness.

Likely cause

The Brother indicator light FAQ cites incorrectly loaded or incompatible ribbon or media, and incorrectly set print darkness. The guide points out that the print method must match the consumable: direct thermal paper without ribbon, or thermal transfer paper with ribbon.

What to do

1. Reload the media and the ribbon, checking that the ink side of the ribbon faces the right way.
2. Install consumables suited to the print method.
3. In the driver's printing preferences (Support (media) tab), choose the method: direct thermal or thermal transfer, then Appliquer (apply).
4. Or, in BPM (Configuration imprimante, Avancé (advanced) tab), set Ribbon to NO for direct thermal or to YES for thermal transfer, then click Définir (set).
5. Adjust the print darkness (BPM, FBPL tab).

According to the guide, setting Ribbon to NO disables the ribbon sensor and the ribbon encoder sensor, even if their lists show YES.

Sources: What do the indicator lights mean? (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) · 5.2 Direct thermal / thermal transfer methods (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) (official documentation).

Short answer: The Brother guide lists a “Printhead cleaning” status icon and, in the Avancé (advanced) menu, a printhead maintenance warning based on the distance printed. Clean the printhead, then reset the counter with RAZ Compteur (reset counter).

Likely cause

The Avancé (advanced) > Print Head Maintn menu triggers a warning after an adjustable print distance (Intervalle (interval), 1 km by default, enabled by Alerte (alert)). The RAZ Compteur (reset counter) option resets this warning after the printhead has been cleaned.

Caution: Brother asks you to always switch off the printer before cleaning the printhead and to let the printhead cool for at least one minute.

What to do

1. Clean the printhead following the Brother procedure (see faded print).
2. In the Avancé (advanced) menu, open Print Head Maintn and choose RAZ Compteur (reset counter).
3. To change how often the warning appears, set Alerte (alert) and Intervalle (interval) in the same menu.

Sources: 2.3.2 Home screen icons (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) · 7.4 Advanced settings (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) · How do I clean the printhead? (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) (official documentation).

Short answer: Print the configuration (self-test): a test pattern at the bottom of the printout lets you spot missing dots. The Diagnostique (diagnostics) menu also offers a check of the printhead dots and temperature.

Likely cause

The Brother guide provides two tools: the configuration printout, which includes a test pattern for spotting damaged printhead dots, and the Tête d'impression (printhead) diagnostic function, which checks the printhead dots and its temperature.

What to do

1. In the Diagnostique (diagnostics) menu, choose Imprimer configuration (print configuration), or use the power-on method described in the self-test entry.
2. Examine the test pattern at the bottom of the printout and look for missing dots.
3. In the same menu, the Tête d'impression (printhead) function checks the printhead dots and its temperature.
4. If print quality is poor, Brother says to start by cleaning the printhead and the roller (see faded print).

Sources: 7.6 Diagnostic functions (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) · The print quality is poor. (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) (official documentation).

Short answer: Brother advises cleaning the platen roller each time you change the label roll. With the printer off, open the printhead, turn the roller and wipe it with a lint-free cloth or a cotton bud moistened with isopropyl alcohol or ethanol.

Likely cause

According to the Brother FAQs, dirt and label adhesive built up on the platen roller can cause a grey line on the print or make the label wrap around the roller in cutter mode. Brother advises cleaning this roller each time the label roll is replaced.

Caution: Brother asks you to switch off the printer before cleaning.

Brother procedure

1. Switch the printer off.
2. Open the media cover.
3. Push the printhead release lever to open it.
4. Turn the platen roller and wipe it carefully with a lint-free cloth or a cotton bud moistened with isopropyl alcohol or ethanol.
5. Close the printhead by pressing on both sides until it locks.
6. Close the roll compartment cover.

Brother reminds you to calibrate the gap and black mark sensor each time you change media (see calibration).

Sources: How do I clean the platen roller? (opens in a new window) · The printed label has grey lines. (opens in a new window) · The label wraps around the platen roller when using the cutter. (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) (official documentation).

Short answer: Brother cites a USB or serial cable that is incorrectly connected or damaged, an incorrectly configured wireless device, the wrong port in the Windows driver, a dirty printhead or a program that does not send the PRINT command. Reconnect the cable, check the driver port, then clean the printhead.

Likely cause

The Brother indicator light FAQ cites five causes: loose or damaged serial or USB cable, wireless device incorrectly configured with the printer, incorrect port in the Windows driver, dirty printhead, or custom program that does not send the necessary commands.

What to do

1. Reconnect the serial or USB cable, or replace it if it is damaged.
2. For wireless, reset the wireless device settings so that they match those of the printer.
3. In the Windows driver, select the correct port.
4. Clean the printhead (see faded print).
5. If you use your own program, check that it sends the PRINT command and a carriage return with line feed (CRLF) at the end of each command line.

The guide points out that the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and Ethernet interfaces cannot be active at the same time.

Sources: What do the indicator lights mean? (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) · 5.1 Installing the driver (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) (official documentation).

Short answer: Connect the printer to the router or access point with a LAN cable: it obtains an IP address, which it shows on the display. Then install the driver with Seagull Driver Wizard (network option), creating a standard TCP/IP port with that address if necessary.

Likely cause

According to the Brother guide, the printer receives a default IP address once it is connected to the network, and the Windows driver must use a TCP/IP port pointing to that address.

Brother procedure (Windows)

1. Connect the printer and the computer to the router or access point with LAN cables; the printer shows its IP address on the display.
2. Download the latest drivers from your model's page on support.brother.com.
3. Launch Seagull Driver Wizard, choose to install printer drivers, then the network option.
4. Select the printer; if the TCP/IP port does not appear, click Create port, then Standard TCP/IP port > New Port, and enter a port name and the printer's IP address.
5. Select this port in the Specify Port window and follow the instructions until the installation is complete.
6. If this fails, remove the drivers with Seagull Driver Wizard, then reset the printer in BPM (Fonction imprimante (printer function) > Défaut usine (factory default)).

Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and Ethernet cannot be active at the same time; the guide refers to the Interface menu (section 7.3) or to the FBPL manual for changing interface.

Source: 5.1.4 Wired network connection (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) (official documentation).

Short answer: Wi-Fi requires the optional PA-WB-001 WLAN/Bluetooth interface. Enter your network's SSID, security and password in Interface > WiFi (or in BPM via USB), then check the Wi-Fi icon and the IP address displayed.

Likely cause

According to the Brother guide, the Wi-Fi icon appears only if the Wi-Fi interface is installed, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth cannot operate at the same time as Ethernet, and the printer's network settings must match those of the router.

Brother procedure

1. Check that the PA-WB-001 WLAN/BT interface is installed.
2. On the display: Interface > WiFi, enter your network's SSID, security and password.
3. Or with BPM, with the printer connected via USB: Configuration imprimante (printer configuration) > Wi-Fi, enter the SSID, encryption and key, click Définir (set) then Obtenir (get), and check the IP address with Fonction imprimante (printer function) > Page de config (configuration page).
4. Check the Wi-Fi icon and the IP address shown by the printer.
5. Install the driver with Seagull Driver Wizard (network option), creating a standard TCP/IP port with the printer's IP address (see Ethernet).
6. If this fails, remove the drivers with Seagull Driver Wizard, then reset the printer in BPM (Fonction imprimante (printer function) > Défaut usine (factory default)).

Sources: 5.1.3 Wi-Fi connection (opens in a new window) · 2.3.2 Home screen icons (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) (official documentation).

Short answer: Bluetooth also requires the optional PA-WB-001 interface. Note the printer's Bluetooth name in Interface > Bluetooth, pair it from the Windows Bluetooth settings, then install the driver with the Bluetooth option.

Likely cause

According to the Brother guide, the Bluetooth icon on the home screen appears only if the Bluetooth interface is installed, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth cannot be active at the same time as Ethernet.

Brother procedure (Windows)

1. Check that the PA-WB-001 WLAN/BT interface is installed and that Ethernet is not the active interface.
2. Note the Bluetooth local name: on the display Interface > Bluetooth, or in BPM (USB) Configuration imprimante (printer configuration) > Bluetooth.
3. Turn on Bluetooth on the computer and add the printer from the Windows Bluetooth settings.
4. Launch Seagull Driver Wizard and choose to install the drivers with Bluetooth.
5. If this fails, remove the drivers, then reset the printer in BPM (Fonction imprimante (printer function) > Défaut usine (factory default)).

Sources: 5.1.2 Bluetooth connection (opens in a new window) · 2.3.2 Home screen icons (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Brother, label adhesive has probably built up on the platen roller. Clean the platen roller, then check the loading in cutter mode and the cut position.

Likely cause

The Brother FAQ attributes the label wrapping around the roller, in cutter mode, to adhesive built up on the platen roller. The guide also states that a solid red LED can indicate a cutter error.

What to do

1. Clean the platen roller (see platen roller).
2. Check the loading in cutter mode: the media passes through the damper, the sensor and the guide, then through the slot in the cutter cover.
3. Check that the print mode is set to Cutter (printer menu, or BPM: FBPL tab, post-print action CUTTER, then Définir (set)), and that the sensor has been calibrated.
4. To adjust the cut position in Windows: printing preferences, Support (media) tab, Décalage d'alimentation (feed offset) field (positive or negative value, for example 1.0 mm), or BPM, Décalage (offset) field in dots, from -999 to 999.
5. Print a label to check.

According to the guide, 1 mm corresponds to 8 dots at 203 dpi (TJ-4420TN) and to 12 dots at 300 dpi (TJ-4520TN).

Sources: The label wraps around the platen roller when using the cutter. (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) · 3.4.4 Cutter mode (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) · 2.3.1 LED indicators and buttons (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Brother, this message indicates that peeler mode is enabled: remove the peeled label. The print mode is set in the Réglages (settings) menu or in BPM.

Likely cause

The Brother indicator light FAQ associates “Prendre l'étiquette” with peeler mode (option): the peeled label must be removed.

What to do

1. Remove the label presented at the exit.
2. To use the peeler, load the roll normally and calibrate the sensor before switching to peeler mode: Brother states this to avoid jams.
3. Pull about 650 mm of labels through the exit slot, remove a few labels so that only the liner remains, pass it through the separator slot and attach it to the rewind spindle, pulled taut.
4. The mode is set in Réglages (settings) > Mode impression (print mode) (Prédécollage, peeler), or in BPM (FBPL tab, post-print action DÉCOLLER (peel), then Définir (set)).

Sources: What do the indicator lights mean? (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) · 3.4.3 Peel-off mode (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) (official documentation).

Short answer: Brother uses the BPM tool (Brother Printer Management Tool): with the printer connected to the computer, open Outil Commande (command tool), choose the firmware file (*.NEW) with Parcourir (browse), then click Envoyer Fichier (send file). Then check the version number.

Likely cause

According to the Brother FAQ, the firmware is updated from a computer, with BPM downloaded from the Downloads section of the Brother support website.

Brother procedure

1. Download BPM from the Downloads section of the Brother support website.
2. Connect the printer to the computer.
3. Open BPM and click Outil Commande (command tool).
4. Click Parcourir (browse), select the firmware file (*.NEW), then click Ouvrir (open).
5. Click Envoyer Fichier (send file) to start the update.
6. Check the Version item to confirm that the firmware has been updated.

Source: How do I update the firmware? (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) (official documentation).

Short answer: With the printer off, hold down the right select button, switch it on and release the button when Parametres usine (factory settings) appears. Initialisation clears the DRAM and restores the factory settings; then calibrate the sensor.

Likely cause

According to the Brother guide, initialisation clears the printer's DRAM memory and restores its factory settings. Brother recommends calibrating the sensor after an initialisation.

Official procedure

1. Switch the printer off.
2. Hold down the right select button and switch the printer on.
3. Release the button when Parametres usine (factory settings) appears on the display.
4. Other methods provided by Brother: Initialisation in the Avancé (advanced) menu, or BPM, Fonction imprimante (printer function) > Défaut usine (factory default).
5. Re-enter your settings (label size, sensor type) and calibrate the sensor (see calibration).

Values restored according to the guide include: speed 152.4 mm/s (6 ips) at 203 dpi, darkness 8, label width and height 101.5 mm, gap sensor with a 3 mm gap, peeler, cutter and rewinder modes disabled, code page 850.

Sources: 6.1.3 Printer initialisation (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) · 7.4 Advanced settings (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) · How to calibrate the gap or black mark sensor by operating the printer directly (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) (official documentation).

Short answer: With the printer off, hold down the right select button, switch it on and release the button when Auto test appears. The printer calibrates the sensor, measures the label length, prints its configuration, then switches to Dump mode.

Likely cause

The Brother guide presents the self-test as the basic diagnostic tool: it prints the internal configuration and a printhead test pattern.

Official procedure

1. Switch the printer off.
2. Hold down the right select button and switch the printer on; release it when Auto test appears.
3. The report shows, among other things, the model, the firmware version, the serial number, the speed and darkness, the label size, the sensor settings, the network settings (IP, DHCP, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), the memory and a printhead test pattern.
4. The printer then switches to Dump mode: the data received is printed in ASCII on the left and in hexadecimal on the right. Switch the printer off and on again to return to normal printing.
5. Without restarting, the configuration printout is also available in the Diagnostique (diagnostics) menu (Imprimer configuration, print configuration).

Dump mode requires paper 4 inches (about 101.5 mm) wide.

Sources: 6.1.2 Calibration, self-test and Dump mode (opens in a new window) · 7.6 Diagnostic functions (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) (official documentation).

Short answer: An AUTO.BAS program stored in flash memory runs at every start-up. To skip it once, switch off the printer, hold down the right select button, switch it on and release the button when PRÊT (ignorer AUTO.BAS) (ready, skip AUTO.BAS) appears.

Likely cause

According to the Brother guide, an AUTO.BAS program can be stored in flash memory to run automatically at start-up.

Official procedure

1. Switch the printer off.
2. Hold down the right select button and switch the printer on.
3. Release the button when PRÊT (ignorer AUTO.BAS) (ready, skip AUTO.BAS) appears: the printer starts without running AUTO.BAS.

Stored files (DRAM, FLASH, card, USB) can be viewed in the Gestionn. fich. (file manager) menu.

Sources: 6.1.6 Ignorer AUTO.BAS (opens in a new window) · 7.5 File manager (opens in a new window) – Brother TJ-4420TN/TJ-4520TN/TJ-4620TN/TJ-4422TN/TJ-4522TN user guide (version 05, PDF) (official documentation).

Short answer: Brother recommends removing dust from the gap and black mark sensors once a month, with compressed air or a vacuum cleaner, with the printer off. The tear-off and peel bars are wiped with a lint-free cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol or ethanol.

Likely cause

The Brother FAQ “How do I clean / maintain my printer?” covers the sensors, the tear-off and peel bars, and the interior and exterior; the printhead and the platen roller have their own procedures.

Caution: Brother asks you to switch off the printer before cleaning the sensors and the bars.

Brother procedure

1. Switch off the printer, open the media cover, then the printhead with the release lever.
2. Gap and black mark sensors: compressed air or vacuum cleaner, once a month.
3. Tear-off bar and peel bar: lint-free cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol or ethanol, as needed.
4. Interior: brush or vacuum cleaner if necessary. Exterior: lint-free cloth moistened with water.
5. Printhead and platen roller: see faded print and platen roller.

Source: How do I clean / maintain my printer? (opens in a new window) – Brother France support FAQ (TJ-4420TN) (official documentation).