MFC-885CW

FAQs & Troubleshooting

FAQs & Troubleshooting

How do I remotely retrieve messages stored on my Brother machine's built-in Message Center (Digital TAD)?

You can retrieve voice and faxes messages stored in the Brother machine's built-in message center (digital TAD) by using the machine's remote access code and remote commands.


1. Setting a Remote Access Code:

You must first setup your remote access code. The remote access code lets you access the remote retrieval features when you are away from your machine. Before you use the remote access and retrieval features, you have to set up your own code. The factory default code is inactive (---*).
  1. Press Menu.
  2. Select Fax => Advanced Fax Operation or Remote Fax Opt => Remote Access.
  3. Enter a three-digit code using numbers 0 through 9, * or #.
    Press OK.(The * at the end of the code cannot be changed.)

    Do not use the same code as your fax receive code (*51(*91 for New Zealand)) or telephone answer code (#51(#91 for New Zealand)).

  4. Press Stop/Exit.

    You can change your code at any time by entering a new one. If you want to make your code inactive, press Clear/Back in Step c to restore the inactive setting (---*) and press OK.

2. Retrieving your messages using your Remote Access Code:

  1. Dial your fax number from a telephone or another fax machine using touch tone.
  2. When your machine answers, enter your remote access code (3 digits followed by *) at once.
  3. The machine signals if it has messages stored in the memory:
    • 1 long beep = Fax messages
    • 2 long beeps = Voice messages
    • 3 long beeps = Fax and Voice messages
    • No beeps = No messages
  4. When the machine gives two SHORT beeps, enter a command.
     *The machine will hang up if you wait longer than 30 seconds to enter a command.
     *The machine will beep three times if you enter an invalid command.

    To retrieve voice messages:
    Press 9, 1 to play Voice messages. After one long beep, the machine plays ICM(incoming message).

    After pressing 9, 1 to play Voice messages, you can also do the following:

    • Repeat or Skip Backward:
      Press 1 while listening to an ICM to repeat it. If you press 1 before a message, you will hear the previous message.
    • Skip Forward:
      Press 2 while playing the ICM, you can skip to the next message.
    • Stop Playing:
      Press 9, you can stop playing the ICM.
    Press 9, 0 to exit the retrieval when you have finished. Hang up after you hear your Brother machine beep.
    To retrieve fax messages:
    Press 9, 6, and 2. Wait for the long beep and then using the dial pad to enter the number (up to 20 digits) of the remote fax machine where you want your messages sent, followed by ##.

    You cannot use * or # as dial numbers. However, press # if you want to create a pause.

    Press 9, 0 to exit the retrieval when you have finished. Hang up after you hear the Brother machine beep. The Brother machine will call the other fax machine, which will then print your fax message.

If your machine is set to Manual mode and you want to use the remote retrieval features, wait about 2 minutes after it starts ringing, and then enter the remote access code within 30 seconds. This function may not be available in some countries.

If your question was not answered, have you checked other FAQs?

Have you checked the manuals?

If you need further assistance, please contact Brother customer service:

Related Models

MFC-665CW, MFC-685CW, MFC-885CW

Content Feedback

To help us improve our support, please provide your feedback below.

Step 1: How does the information on this page help you?

Step 2: Are there any comments you would like to add?

Please note this form is used for feedback only.