Sharp BP-30M31: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Sharp BP-30M31 right for you?

A compact 31 ppm A3 mono copier for small offices, schools and clinics, the BP-30M31 gives you copier-grade paper handling and colour scanning at a price close to a large A4 MFP. The 7-inch touchscreen is simpler than the 10-inch panels on the BP-50 range but covers everything most users need. It is a good fit where A3 output is occasional but essential, such as plans, spreadsheets and exam papers.

Best for: Schools and clinics needing occasional A3 mono copying

Setting up the Sharp BP-30M31

Join the network by Ethernet, note the IP shown on the panel's status bar, and complete SMTP and scan-to-folder setup in the web page. On Windows, install the Sharp PCL6 driver and enable the second cassette in the driver Configuration tab if fitted, otherwise the tray will not appear in applications. Set A3 as an available paper size in the tray settings; the machine only offers it in the driver when the physical tray is configured for it.

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 Sharp'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 Sharp BP-30M31 uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• Sharp BP-AT30 series black toner
• Drum unit
• Waste toner container

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