Fix Brother Error Replace Drum: Drum Unit End of Life
warning Severity: warning
If your Brother printer is displaying error Replace Drum, do not worry – this is a known issue with a proven fix. This error typically indicates drum unit end of life that can usually be resolved without a service call. Follow the steps below to clear this error.
What Causes Brother Error Replace Drum?
This error can be triggered by one or more of the following issues:
- Drum unit has exceeded its rated page count
- Drum surface worn causing print quality degradation
- Drum counter has reached the replacement threshold
How to Fix Brother Error Replace Drum
Follow these steps in order. After each step, check whether the error has cleared before proceeding to the next one.
- Step 1: Check print quality — if acceptable, you can continue printing temporarily
- Step 2: To reset the counter: open the front cover, press and hold OK for 2 seconds, press the up arrow to select the drum, press OK to reset
- Step 3: Replace the drum unit with a new DR-series drum compatible with your model
- Step 4: When replacing, handle the new drum carefully and avoid touching the green drum surface
- Step 5: After installation, the counter resets automatically on most models
Affected Brother Printer Models
The following Brother printer models are known to display error Replace Drum:
- Brother HL-L2350DW
- Brother MFC-L2710DW
- Brother HL-L3270CDW
- Brother MFC-L8900CDW
- Brother HL-L2370DW
- Brother HL-L6200DW
- Brother MFC-L2750DW
- Brother HL-L3280CDW
Related Brother Error Codes
If you are troubleshooting error Replace Drum, these related error codes may also be relevant:
- Drum Error – Drum Unit Malfunction
- Toner Low – Toner Cartridge Low
- Machine Error 46 – Unable to Print – Waste Toner
- Unable to Clean 46 – Purge Unit Error
- Unable to Print 50 – Print Head Error
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep printing after the Replace Drum message?
Yes, the Replace Drum message is based on a page counter, not actual drum condition. You can often print hundreds or thousands more pages. Monitor print quality and replace when you see defects like streaks or spots repeating at regular intervals.
How do I reset the Brother drum counter?
Open the front cover, press and hold OK or Go for about 2 seconds until the display changes, then press the up arrow key and confirm. The exact sequence varies by model — check your manual for specific steps.
Error still not resolved?
If the steps above did not fix the error, the issue may require professional service. Contact the manufacturer support line or visit an authorized service center near you.