# **Brother Refutes Claims of Firmware Updates Compromising Printer Quality or Hindering Third-Party Toner**
Brother laser printers have been recognized as a dependable option for users seeking a seamless printing experience. Differing from certain competitors, Brother has historically permitted the use of third-party toner and ink without complications. Nonetheless, recent assertions from users and tech influencers indicate that Brother might be adopting practices akin to other printer brands by limiting third-party cartridges via firmware updates. In reaction, Brother has refuted these accusations, emphasizing that its updates do not compromise printer quality or obstruct non-Brother toner.
## **Accusations Against Brother Printers**
A recent debate regarding Brother printers ignited when YouTuber Louis Rossman shared a video titled *”Brother turns heel & becomes anti-consumer printer company.”* This video, which has amassed over 160,000 views, references a Reddit post from 2022 where a user claimed that a firmware update (W1.56) rendered the automatic color registration feature inoperative on their Brother MFC-3750 when utilizing third-party toner.
The Reddit user, 20Factorial, asserted that the printer became “effectively non-functional” due to misaligned colors. They also alleged that a Brother customer service representative affirmed that the printer would not operate without authentic Brother toner. Additional Reddit users have recounted similar incidents, with some mentioning that transferring the chip from a genuine Brother cartridge to a third-party toner temporarily rectified the issue—until another firmware update reportedly disabled this workaround.
Rossman elaborated on these assertions in a Wiki page, where he documented reports of diminished print quality while using third-party toner and noted that Brother printers automatically update when online. He also highlighted that Brother does not make older firmware versions available for users wishing to revert updates.
## **Brother’s Official Statement**
Brother has categorically denied these claims. In a statement to *Ars Technica*, the company remarked:
> *”We are aware of the recent unfounded claims suggesting that a Brother firmware update may have limited the use of third-party ink cartridges. Please be assured that Brother firmware updates do not prohibit the use of third-party ink in our machines.”*
Brother further mentioned that it is proactively working to investigate the origin of these claims to ensure customers are provided with accurate information. In addressing the reported concerns, the company reiterated:
> *”Brother printers do not intentionally impair print quality based on whether a Brother Genuine or non-genuine ink/toner cartridge is utilized. Brother cannot guarantee the quality of prints produced with third-party products compatible with a Brother printer.”*
The company also indicated that some of the confusion could arise from its troubleshooting procedures:
> *”Brother encourages the use of Brother Genuine ink and toner for optimal performance and reliability; it is standard practice for us to conduct a Brother Genuine check during troubleshooting. Compatible supplies may vary in quality, and to confirm that a printer is functioning correctly, we prefer to troubleshoot using Brother Genuine supplies. We believe this check in the process may have led to a misunderstanding, but as we have confirmed, the firmware update would not be accountable for quality degradation or removal of printer features.”*
## **Is Brother Complying with the Industry Norm?**
The printer market has observed a rising trend of manufacturers limiting the use of third-party ink and toner. Companies such as HP have faced criticism and legal challenges for obstructing non-OEM cartridges through firmware updates. Consumers have accused these entities of compelling them into costly proprietary ink and toner ecosystems.
Brother has consistently received accolades for steering clear of such anti-consumer practices, establishing itself as a preferred option for those in search of a more user-centric printer. Should Brother embark on a similar trajectory as its competitors, it could jeopardize its reputation and distance itself from its devoted customer base.
However, Brother’s remarks suggest the potential that third-party cartridges may not perform as effectively with its printers, even if the company is not overtly blocking them. In the absence of definitive evidence, it remains challenging to ascertain whether Brother is deliberately restricting third-party toner functionality or if these challenges arise from compatibility issues with non-Brother cartridges.
## **Recommendations for Brother Printer Owners**
At present, there is no conclusive evidence that Brother is preventing the use of third-party toner or diminishing print quality through firmware updates. Nevertheless, in light of the concerns raised by users, Brother printer owners may wish to consider the following precautions:
– **Disable Automatic Updates:** As Brother printers update automatically when online, turning off automatic updates may help safeguard against any potential firmware changes that could influence third-party toner compatibility.
– **Select Reliable Third-Party Toner Brands:** If opting for non-Brother toner, choose reputable third-party brands with favorable reviews to reduce potential compatibility issues.
– **Monitor Firmware Releases:** Keep track of firmware updates and user feedback to stay informed about any alterations that could affect printer performance.
## **Conclusion**
Though some users assert that Brother printers have begun restricting third-party toner via firmware updates, the company has firmly denied these claims. Brother maintains that its
