Brother MFC-L2710DW Drum Error: How to Reset and Fix

Quick Fix

Brother MFC-L2710DW drum error means the printer thinks the drum unit needs replacement. To reset it: Open the front cover, press and hold the OK button for 2 seconds, press the up arrow until the display shows “Drum”, press OK, then close the cover. This resets the drum counter and clears the error. If you replaced the drum, always reset the counter afterward.

What Is Brother MFC-L2710DW Drum Error?

The Brother MFC-L2710DW displays “Replace Drum” or “Drum End Soon” when the drum unit reaches its estimated life cycle (about 12,000 pages). However, the drum often has more life left. This error also appears if the drum counter wasn’t reset after replacement, or if there’s actual drum damage.

The drum unit and toner cartridge are separate components in Brother laser printers. The drum doesn’t need replacement as often as toner. This guide covers how to reset the counter, troubleshoot drum issues, and determine if replacement is actually needed.

Method 1: Reset the Drum Counter

This clears the “Replace Drum” message after installing a new drum or if you want to continue using the current drum.

Make sure the printer is ON
Open the front cover
Press and hold the OK button for about 2 seconds
The display will show reset options
Press the Up arrow (▲) to scroll to “Drum”
Press OK
Press the Up arrow (▲) to select “Reset”
Press OK
Close the front cover
The drum counter is now reset

Note: The front cover must be open for the reset menu to appear.

Method 2: Alternative Reset Method

Some firmware versions have a slightly different reset process.

Turn off the printer
Open the front cover
Turn the printer ON while holding the OK button
Keep holding OK until all display segments light up
Release OK
Press OK once
Use arrows to find the drum reset option
Press OK to reset
Close the front cover

Method 3: Check the Drum Unit

Before resetting, inspect the drum for actual issues.

Open the front cover
Remove the toner cartridge and drum unit together
Push down the green lock lever and remove the toner from the drum
Examine the green drum roller:
- Look for scratches or marks
- Check for stuck paper or debris
- Look for any physical damage
Rotate the drum gently to inspect the entire surface
If damaged, replacement is recommended

Important: Don’t touch the green drum surface with your fingers – oils cause print quality issues.

Method 4: Clean the Drum Unit

Dirty drums can trigger errors and cause print quality problems.

Remove the drum unit from the printer
Remove the toner cartridge from the drum
Use a dry, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the drum roller
Clean the corona wire by sliding the green tab left and right several times, then return it to home position
Use compressed air to remove loose toner and dust
Clean the drum contacts (gold/copper strips)
Reinstall and test

Method 5: Clean the Corona Wire

A dirty corona wire causes print quality issues and can trigger drum errors.

Remove the drum unit
Find the green cleaning tab on the drum unit
Slide the tab from left to right several times
Return the tab to the home position (arrow mark)
Reinstall the drum unit
Print a test page

Important: Always return the green tab to home position, or you’ll get a vertical line on prints.

Method 6: Reinstall the Drum Unit

A loose drum unit can cause detection errors.

Open the front cover
Remove the drum unit completely
Check for any paper pieces or debris inside the printer
Reinstall the drum unit firmly until it clicks
Make sure the toner cartridge is also properly seated in the drum
Close the front cover
The error should clear if it was a seating issue

Method 7: Update Printer Firmware

Firmware updates can fix false drum error detection.

Go to support.brother.com
Enter your model: MFC-L2710DW
Go to Downloads
Find Firmware Update Tool
Download and run it
Follow the on-screen instructions
The printer will restart after updating

Via Printer Menu:

Press Menu
Go to Network > WLAN > TCP/IP
Ensure printer is connected to network
Go to Machine Info > Firmware Version
Check Brother website for latest version

Method 8: Replace the Drum Unit

If the drum is actually worn out, replacement is necessary.

Signs you need a new drum:

Repeated drum errors after reset
Black spots or lines on prints
Faded or streaky prints
Visible scratches on the drum surface
Over 12,000 pages printed on current drum

Replacement steps:

Purchase Brother DR-730 or compatible drum unit
Open the front cover
Remove old drum unit (with toner inside)
Press the green lever to release toner from old drum
Insert toner into new drum unit
Install new drum unit into printer
Close front cover
Reset the drum counter (Method 1)

Method 9: Check Print Quality

Print quality issues indicate whether the drum actually needs replacement.

Press Menu
Go to Print Reports
Select Print Quality or Test Print
Examine the output

What different issues mean:

Black spots/dots: Drum may be damaged
Vertical lines: Corona wire needs cleaning or is damaged
Faded prints: Low toner or worn drum
Gray background: Drum or corona wire issue
Good print quality: Drum is fine, just reset counter

Method 10: Factory Reset the Printer

If drum errors persist after replacement and reset, try a factory reset.

Press Menu
Go to Initial Setup
Select Reset
Choose All Settings or Factory Reset
Confirm the reset
The printer will restart
Reconfigure your network settings

Warning: This erases all custom settings including WiFi configuration.

Using Compatible Drum Units

You don’t have to use Brother brand drums.

Compatible options:

Brother DR-730 (OEM) – Most reliable, ~$90
Compatible/Generic DR-730 – ~$25-40
Remanufactured drums – ~$30-50

Tips for compatible drums:

Check reviews before purchasing
Look for drums with similar page yield (12,000+)
Compatible drums work fine but may have slightly shorter life
Always reset the counter after installing any drum

Drum vs. Toner: Understanding the Difference

Drum Unit (DR-730)	Toner Cartridge (TN-730/760)
Lasts ~12,000 pages	Lasts 1,200-3,000 pages
Contains the imaging drum	Contains the black powder
Replaced every 3-4 toner changes	Replaced more frequently
More expensive (~$90)	Less expensive (~$50-70)

The “Replace Drum” message is separate from “Replace Toner” – they’re different components.

FAQ

Can I ignore the “Replace Drum” message?

Yes, you can continue printing after the message appears. Reset the counter if print quality is still good. The drum often lasts beyond its estimated life. Only replace when you notice actual print quality problems like spots, lines, or fading.

Why does the drum error appear after I just replaced it?

You forgot to reset the drum counter. After installing a new drum, you must reset the counter (Method 1). The printer doesn’t automatically detect a new drum – it relies on the counter.

How do I know if I need a new drum or just a reset?

Print a test page. If print quality is good (no spots, lines, or fading), just reset the counter. If print quality is poor, the drum may actually need replacement. A drum typically lasts through 3-4 toner cartridges.

What is the difference between DR-730 and TN-730?

DR-730 is the drum unit (imaging component). TN-730 and TN-760 are toner cartridges (the black powder). They’re separate parts. You replace toner more often than drum. They have different “Replace” messages.

Can I use a non-Brother drum in my MFC-L2710DW?

Yes, compatible and remanufactured DR-730 drum units work. They’re cheaper but may have slightly shorter lifespan. Quality varies by brand. The printer will accept them, and you can reset the counter the same way.

How often should I replace the drum unit?

Brother estimates 12,000 pages, but actual life depends on usage. Printing mostly text extends drum life. Printing heavy graphics or photos wears it faster. Replace when print quality degrades, not just when the message appears.