Brother MFC-L2980DW: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Brother MFC-L2980DW right for you?

The MFC-L2980DW sits at the top of the 2023 compact laser range, adding a 3.5-inch touchscreen and extra security and workflow features over the MFC-L2900DW. Print and scan hardware are the same 36 ppm engine and duplex ADF, so the extra money buys the screen and management tools. It suits a small office that wants Secure Function Lock and scan-to-network folders without moving to the larger L5000 series. Consumables are the TN-830XL and DR-830.

Best for: Small offices wanting security features in a compact laser all-in-one

Setting up the Brother MFC-L2980DW

Set up over Ethernet and configure an admin password and scan-to-SMB profiles in the web interface. Install the Full Driver & Software Package on Windows or use AirPrint and Mopria elsewhere. The larger touchscreen shows toner and drum levels directly on the home screen.

1. Unbox and prepare. Remove every piece of shipping tape and packing material, install the toner cartridge and drum unit, and load paper in the tray.
2. Join your Wi-Fi. Keep the printer close to the router for setup. Most printers only connect to the 2.4GHz band, so if your router broadcasts one merged network name you may need to split the bands temporarily. See our Wi-Fi guide if it will not join.
3. Install the setup app. Use Brother's official app rather than a driver you found on a search result — third-party driver sites are the most common source of printer malware.
4. Add the printer. On Windows 11: Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners › Add device. On macOS: System Settings › Printers & Scanners › Add Printer.
5. Print a test page and run a scan if this is an all-in-one, so you find any problem now rather than when you are in a hurry.

Ink, toner and supplies

The Brother MFC-L2980DW uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• TN-830 toner (1,200 pages)
• TN-830XL high-yield toner (3,000 pages)
• DR-830 drum unit (15,000 pages)

High-yield (XL) versions almost always cost less per page if you print regularly. On third-party ink and toner, read our honest assessment first, and note that some manufacturers push firmware that rejects non-original chips.

Full specifications