BROTHER Error Code 1686
MEDIUMCommon IssueInk Cartridge Not Detected or Low Ink
Error 1686 on Brother printers indicates that an ink cartridge is not recognized by the printer or is critically low on ink.
The Brother error code 1686 primarily signals an issue with one or more ink cartridges. This can happen for several reasons: the cartridge might not be seated correctly in its slot, it could be an unofficial or incompatible cartridge, or the printer's internal sensors might not be detecting it properly. In some cases, this error can also appear when an ink cartridge is completely empty or has reached a critically low ink level, preventing the printer from operating to avoid damage or poor print quality. This error essentially acts as a safeguard, ensuring that the printer only operates with functional and detected ink supplies. If the printer cannot confirm the presence and viability of an ink cartridge, it will halt all printing operations to prevent potential issues like printing with missing colors, air entering the printhead, or even damage to the printhead itself. Resolving this often involves a simple physical check and reset of the cartridges.
- 1
Turn off your Brother printer and unplug it from the power source for about 60 seconds to perform a hard reset.
- 2
Open the ink cartridge cover on your printer. Carefully remove all ink cartridges from their slots.
- 3
Inspect each cartridge for any protective tape or packaging that might still be attached, especially on the contact points. Remove any if found.
- 4
Gently wipe the metallic contact points on both the ink cartridges and inside the printer's cartridge slots with a clean, lint-free cloth or a cotton swab lightly dampened with distilled water. Ensure they are dry before proceeding.
- 5
Reinsert each ink cartridge firmly into its correct slot until it clicks into place. Make sure each cartridge is fully seated.
- 6
Close the ink cartridge cover. Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
- 7
Check the printer's display for the error message. If it persists, try replacing the suspected cartridge with a new, genuine Brother cartridge.
- 8
If you've recently refilled a cartridge or are using a third-party cartridge, try installing an original Brother cartridge to rule out compatibility issues.
You should consider calling a specialist if, after performing all the DIY troubleshooting steps, the error code 1686 persists, especially after trying new, genuine Brother ink cartridges. If the printer continues to not detect cartridges or displays the error even with properly installed, new cartridges, there might be an underlying hardware issue. This could include a faulty cartridge sensor, a problem with the printhead assembly's electrical contacts, or a main board malfunction, which typically requires professional diagnosis and repair.
Find a certified printer specialist near you →$80-$200 (if internal sensor or main board repair is needed)
Actual costs may vary based on location and specialist
- • Brother MFC-J491DW
- • Brother DCP-J1200W
- • Brother MFC-J895DW
- • Brother HL-J6000DW
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