MODEL REFERENCE

Brother PT-P715eBT

8 errors · 48 guides

Brother PT-P715eBT

The checks and guides below come from the official manuals for this model.

Errors and indicators

Messages and indicator states from the manual
Find the indicator lights
PT-P715eBT controls, indicator positions and tape path. All eight printed labels and their complete leader lines are retained.
PT-P715eBT controls, indicator positions and tape path. All eight printed labels and their complete leader lines are retained.
Red Power LED: two flashes per second, then off for 1 secondbattery failure
Red Power LED flashes twice per second, then stays off for 1 second. Lightly press the Power Button. If this does not resolve it, replace the battery.
Red Power LED: flashing at 1-second intervalsribbon or tape cassette missing, incorrect or incompatible
Red Power LED flashes at 1-second intervals. Lightly press the Power Button and insert the correct Ribbon/Tape Cassette.
Red Power LED: flashing at 1-second intervalsinsufficient charge
Red Power LED flashes at 1-second intervals. Restart the printer, ensure the protective sheet has been removed, and charge the battery.
Red Power LED: flashing at 1-second intervalshigh temperature error
Red Power LED flashes at 1-second intervals. Lightly press the Power Button. Wait briefly and retry after the Power LED turns green.
Red Power LED: flashing at 1-second intervalstransmission error
  1. Red Power LED flashes at 1-second intervals.
  2. Restart the printer.
  3. For a mobile device, establish Bluetooth communication.
  4. For a computer, reconnect the USB cable and try another USB port.
Red Power LED: flashing at 1-second intervalscutter error
Red Power LED flashes at 1-second intervals. Restart the label printer.
Red Power LED: litprogram transfer failure
Red Power LED remains lit. Transfer the program again. If this fails to resolve it, contact Brother customer service.
Red Power LED: flashing at 0.3-second intervalssystem error
Red Power LED flashes at 0.3-second intervals. Contact Brother customer service. Touching the Power Button may change the flashing pattern.

Guides

Led indications

Instructions from the manual
Power LED green and steadyView
A steady green Power LED indicates an established Bluetooth connection, feeding or cutting tape, or printing.
Power LED green flashing every 0.5 secondView
A green Power LED flashing at 0.5-second intervals indicates reception of data from a mobile device or computer, or a program transfer.
Power LED green on for 3 seconds and off for 1 secondView
This repeating green Power LED pattern indicates standby.
Power LED orange and steadyView
A steady orange Power LED indicates initialization.
Power LED orange flashing every 0.5 secondView
An orange Power LED flashing at 0.5-second intervals indicates cooling.
Battery LED offView
An unlit Battery LED indicates a fully charged battery.
Battery LED orange and steadyView
A lit orange Battery LED indicates charging.
Battery LED off for 3 seconds then on for 0.5 secondView
This orange Battery LED pattern indicates about half the charge remains.
Battery LED off for 2 seconds then flashing twiceView
This orange Battery LED pattern indicates low battery charge.
Battery LED orange flashing every 0.5 secondView
This pattern indicates insufficient charge or battery failure. Use the LED troubleshooting instructions to resolve it.

Troubleshooting

Instructions from the manual
The label printer does not print15 checks
The label printer does not print
Check that the Ribbon/Tape Cassette is installed correctly.
The label printer does not print
Replace an empty Ribbon/Tape Cassette.
The label printer does not print
Securely close the Cassette Cover.
The label printer does not print
Check that the battery charge is not low.
The label printer does not print
Check that the printer is on.
The label printer does not print
Check that the mobile device is not asleep.
The label printer does not print
Enable Bluetooth on the mobile device.
The label printer does not print
Check the Bluetooth connection between the printer and mobile device.
The label printer does not print
Select the label printer in the P-touch app.
The label printer does not print
Check that the printer is not paired with a different device.
The label printer does not print
Keep the printer and mobile device close enough to communicate.
The label printer does not print
Check for nearby radio-wave sources such as microwave ovens.
The label printer does not print
For computer printing, verify the correct printer driver is installed.
The label printer does not print
For computer printing, connect using the supplied USB cable.
The label printer does not print
Check that the ribbon or label is not blank.
Ribbon or tape feeds incorrectly or gets stuck5 checks
Ribbon or tape feeds incorrectly or gets stuck
If tape is bent, cut away the bent section.
Ribbon or tape feeds incorrectly or gets stuck
For a jam, remove the cassette, pull out the jammed ribbon or tape, and cut it.
Ribbon or tape feeds incorrectly or gets stuck
Check that the end of the tape extends out of the Tape Guide.
Ribbon or tape feeds incorrectly or gets stuck
Confirm the ribbon or tape points toward the Tape Exit Slot.
Ribbon or tape feeds incorrectly or gets stuck
Remove the cassette and reinstall it.
Tape jam remains after the troubleshooting steps1 check
Tape jam remains after the troubleshooting steps
Contact Brother customer service.
A horizontal gap crosses the printed label1 check
A horizontal gap crosses the printed label
Streaks or poor-quality printing generally indicate a dirty Print Head. Follow the reviewed Print Head cleaning instructions.
An error occurs in a mobile app1 check
An error occurs in a mobile app
In the app settings, open Support, then FAQs & Troubleshooting.
Cancel the current printing job1 check
Cancel the current printing job
With the printer on, lightly press its Power Button.
Ink ribbon separates from the ink roller2 checks
Ink ribbon separates from the ink roller
If the ink ribbon is broken, replace the cassette.
Ink ribbon separates from the ink roller
Otherwise leave the tape uncut, remove the cassette, and wind the loose ink ribbon onto its spool.
The printer stops during a ribbon or label1 check
The printer stops during a ribbon or label
If striped tape is visible, replace the cassette because it has reached the tape end.
Striped tape appears during printing1 check
Striped tape appears during printing
The cassette is empty; install a new Ribbon/Tape Cassette.
Ribbon or tape is not cut automatically2 checks
Ribbon or tape is not cut automatically
Choose Auto Cut for tape labels.
Ribbon or tape is not cut automatically
Cut ribbon or special tapes manually.
Printed barcodes or QR codes cannot be read4 checks
Printed barcodes or QR codes cannot be read
Try a different barcode scanner.
Printed barcodes or QR codes cannot be read
Try a different QR-code reader app.
Printed barcodes or QR codes cannot be read
Try another tape; black on white is recommended.
Printed barcodes or QR codes cannot be read
If possible, enlarge the barcode or QR code in the app.
About 25 mm of blank leader tape appears at the left3 checks
About 25 mm of blank leader tape appears at the left
With Auto Cut enabled, laminate construction requires about 25 mm (1 inch) of leader before each new ribbon or label.
About 25 mm of blank leader tape appears at the left
To save tape in P-touch Design&Print, turn Cut the last label OFF, print the labels, and leave the last one in the printer until the next label is needed.
About 25 mm of blank leader tape appears at the left
  1. For TZe-R*** ribbon, manual cutting is recommended.
  2. For tape labels, press Power twice quickly after the final print to eject and cut it; this method adds about 25 mm (1 inch) of leader before the next new label.
Printer will not turn on or powers off when printing2 checks
Printer will not turn on or powers off when printing
Charge the battery.
Printer will not turn on or powers off when printing
Ensure the protective battery sheet has been removed; follow Charge the Battery.
Battery cannot be charged2 checks
Battery cannot be charged
Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable.
Battery cannot be charged
Ensure the protective sheet has been removed.
Battery life is short after a full charge1 check
Battery life is short after a full charge
The battery may have reached its service-life limit; use a new battery.
Check whether the software is current1 check
Check whether the software is current
On Windows, use P-touch Update Software; see the reviewed Windows update instructions. On Mac, visit support.brother.com.

Insert the ribbon cassette or tape cassette

Instructions from the manual
Install a ribbon or tape cassette6 steps
  1. Place your fingers on the Tape Exit Slot as shown in the manual.
  2. Pull that slot to the left to open the Cassette Cover.
  3. Orient the cassette using the drawing inside the case, with the ribbon or tape tip toward the Tape Exit Slot.
  4. After the ribbon or tape passes under the Tape Guide, pull its tip to remove slack.
  5. Do not catch ribbon or tape in the unit while inserting or removing a cassette.
  6. Press the cassette until it locks, then close the cover.

Charge the battery

Instructions from the manual
Charge the battery and store it between uses7 steps
  1. Remove the protective battery sheet before first use.
  2. Use the supplied USB cable to connect the printer to a powered-on computer, or to a suitable USB AC adapter (not supplied) plugged into a power source.
  3. The source must provide 5 V DC at 0.5–2 A.
  4. Charge until the Battery LED switches off.
  5. Charge at 10–35 °C (50–95 °F); outside this range charging does not occur and the Battery LED stays lit.
  6. Printing, feeding or other operation may pause charging; it resumes after that operation.
  7. For long storage, charge every six months and keep the printer in a cool, dry place out of sunlight at 10–35 °C (50–95 °F).

Remove battery for replacement or disposal

Instructions from the manual
Remove or replace the battery9 steps
  1. Turn the printer off.
  2. Open the Cassette Cover.
  3. Use a flat-bladed screwdriver to remove the two Battery Cover screws.
  4. Remove the battery.
  5. For storage or disposal, cover its contacts with cellophane tape to prevent short-circuiting.
  6. Take used batteries to an appropriate collection point and observe local rules; do not put them in household waste because of fire, explosion and environmental risks.
  7. If reinserting the battery, align its contacts with the contacts in the battery compartment.
  8. Refit the Battery Cover, insert and tighten both screws with the flat-bladed screwdriver.
  9. Close the Cassette Cover.

Turn power on or off

Instructions from the manual
Turn the printer on or offView
Press the Power Button to turn the printer on. To turn it off, hold the Power Button until the Power LED goes out.

Print from your mobile device

Instructions from the manual
Print ribbon or labels from a mobile device6 steps
  1. Download P-touch Design&Print from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. For TZe-R*** ribbon, press Print and select Special Tape in Cut Options.
  3. Adhesive from previous labels may stick to the cutter and make satin-ribbon cuts uneven, so manual ribbon cutting is recommended.
  4. For tape labels, press Power twice quickly after the final print to eject and cut the last label; this adds about 25 mm (1 inch) of leader before the next new label.
  5. With Auto Cut on, laminate construction feeds about 25 mm (1 inch) of leader before every new label.
  6. To save ribbon or tape, turn Cut the last label OFF in the app, print the labels and leave the last label in the printer until the next label is needed.

Pair the label printer with your mobile device

Instructions from the manual
Pair a mobile device over Bluetooth6 steps
  1. Enable Bluetooth in the mobile device settings.
  2. Select PT-P715eBT****, where the four trailing digits are the final four digits of the serial number inside the Cassette Cover beneath the TZe cassette.
  3. If a PIN is requested, enter 0000.
  4. Pairing steps can vary by device.
  5. If the printer is not discovered, disconnect Bluetooth on any other connected mobile device or restart the printer, check it is not asleep, move the devices close together, and remove intervening obstacles or radio sources such as a microwave oven.
  6. This printer does not support Wi-Fi.

Print from your computer

Instructions from the manual
Install computer printing software4 steps
  1. Visit install.brother and follow the installation instructions for the printer driver and P-touch Editor.
  2. The driver enables printer output; P-touch Editor creates layouts with text, frames, images and barcodes.
  3. P-touch Update Software updates applications; for Mac P-touch Editor updates use support.brother.com.
  4. Printer Setting Tool configures printer settings.

Create ribbon/labels with p-touch editor

Instructions from the manual
Create and print labels in P-touch Editor on Windows12 steps
  1. Connect the printer and computer with the supplied USB cable.
  2. Open P-touch Editor from the desktop.
  3. Create a layout or open an existing one, then choose Express, Professional or Snap.
  4. In Express, use the print icon followed by Print, or File > Print > Print.
  5. In Professional, the direct print icon prints without changing settings; File > Print > Print or print icon > Print opens adjustable print settings.
  6. Snap prints from its print icon without changing settings and offers screen capture, drag-and-drop and print-text functions.
  7. Auto Cut cuts each label; Chain Printing saves tape by retaining the final label; Special Tape feeds ribbon, fabric or Extra Strength Adhesive Tape for manual cutting; Mirror Printing reverses the output.
  8. For special tape select Special Tape in Cut Options; manual ribbon cutting is recommended because adhesive on the cutter can cause uneven cuts.
  9. After the final tape label, press Power twice quickly to feed and cut.
  10. The initial print feeds about 25 mm (1 inch) of blank tape.
  11. The Cable Labeling Wizard creates electrical-equipment layouts.
  12. Computer printing uses USB, with neither Bluetooth nor Wi-Fi support.
Choose a layout and set Windows Editor startup behavior2 steps
  1. Choose a layout by double-clicking its icon, or selecting the icon and clicking its arrow.
  2. To change startup behavior, open Tools > Options, select General, then select the required startup setting under Operations.

Configure settings using the printer setting tool

Instructions from the manual
Configure printer settings on Windows7 steps
  1. Connect using the supplied USB cable.
  2. Start Printer Setting Tool: on Windows 7 use Start > All Programs > Brother > Label & Mobile Printer > Printer Setting Tool; on Windows 8.1 use Apps > Printer Setting Tool; on Windows 10 use Start > Brother > Printer Setting Tool.
  3. Select Device Settings.
  4. Check that Printer identifies the intended printer and select it if necessary.
  5. Do not run another job while changing settings.
  6. Configure Auto Power On, Auto Power Off with USB adapter or computer, Auto Power Off (Li-ion), the Contents of printer information, and Length Adjustment as required.
  7. Select Apply > Exit, then Exit in the main window.
Configure printer settings on Mac6 steps
  1. Connect with the supplied USB cable.
  2. Open Macintosh HD > Applications > Brother > Printer Setting Tool > Printer Setting Tool.
  3. Verify the intended printer is selected; choose it from the list if necessary.
  4. Do not run another job while changing settings.
  5. Choose a Settings tab and configure Auto Power On, Auto Power Off with USB adapter or computer, Auto Power Off (Li-ion), or Length Adjustment as required.
  6. Click Apply Settings to the Printer, then Exit.

Apply settings changes to multiple label printers

Instructions from the manual
Apply Windows settings to multiple printers5 steps
  1. After applying settings to the first printer, disconnect it from the computer.
  2. Connect the second printer.
  3. Select it in the Printer list and click Apply.
  4. Repeat for each printer.
  5. File > Export saves the settings to a file; File > Import selects a saved file to apply the same settings to other printers.
Apply Mac settings to multiple printers4 steps
  1. After applying settings to the first printer, disconnect it.
  2. Connect the second printer, select it from Printer and click Apply Settings to the Printer.
  3. Repeat for each printer.
  4. Export saves current settings to a file; Import selects a saved settings file for other printers.

Update software

Instructions from the manual
Update Windows software4 steps
  1. Close every other Brother application.
  2. Open P-touch Update Software from the desktop.
  3. Choose Computer Software Update.
  4. Select Printer and Language, tick the required software and click Install.

Update firmware

Instructions from the manual
Update Windows firmware7 steps
  1. Close every other Brother application.
  2. Turn the label printer on and connect it with the supplied USB cable.
  3. Open P-touch Update Software, then Machine Update.
  4. Select the printer and confirm The machine is connected correctly., then click OK.
  5. Choose the language, tick the required firmware and click Transfer.
  6. Click Start.
  7. Do not switch off or unplug USB during the update.
Related instructions: Update Mac firmware
Update Mac firmware7 steps
  1. Close every other Brother application.
  2. Turn on the label printer and connect it with the supplied USB cable.
  3. Open Macintosh HD > Applications > P-touch Update Software.
  4. Click Machine update.
  5. Select the printer, confirm The machine is connected correctly., and click OK.
  6. Choose Language, tick the required firmware and click Transfer, then Start.
  7. Do not turn off the printer or disconnect USB during the update.
Related instructions: Update Windows firmware

Create ribbons/labels with p-touch editor

Instructions from the manual
Create labels with P-touch Editor on Mac7 steps
  1. Connect the printer and Mac using the supplied USB cable.
  2. Open Macintosh HD > Applications > P-touch Editor.
  3. Choose a new template or template category.
  4. For ribbon and other special tape choose Special Tape in Cut Options and cut ribbon manually; adhesive on the cutter may cause uneven satin-ribbon cuts.
  5. After the final tape label, press Power twice quickly to feed and cut.
  6. Each initial print feeds about 25 mm (1 inch) of blank tape.
  7. Computer printing supports USB, without Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Clean the label printer exterior

Instructions from the manual
Clean the printer exterior4 steps
  1. Before maintenance, disconnect the USB cable and switch the printer off.
  2. Wipe exterior dirt and dust away with a soft, dry cloth.
  3. For heavy dirt, use a cloth dampened with water.
  4. Do not apply benzene, paint thinner, alcohol or other solvents to the exterior; these may damage its surface.

Clean the print head

Instructions from the manual
Clean the Print Head5 steps
  1. Before maintenance, disconnect USB and turn the printer off.
  2. For streaked or poor-quality print, gently clean the Print Head using a cotton swab or the optional TZe-CL4 Head Cleaning Tape Cassette.
  3. For the cassette method, insert the cleaning cassette and press Power twice quickly; each cleaning cycle feeds about 25 mm (1 inch).
  4. If the problem remains after three repetitions, contact Brother customer service.
  5. Do not touch the Print Head because it may burn you.
PT-P715eBT Print Head location and the complete enlarged cleaning view. Disconnect USB and power off before maintenance; never touch the hot Print Head.
PT-P715eBT Print Head location and the complete enlarged cleaning view. Disconnect USB and power off before maintenance; never touch the hot Print Head.

Diagram key

  • Print Head: The labelled Print Head is the part cleaned using the optional TZe-CL4 cassette or a cotton swab. Do not touch it; it may be hot.
  • Enlarged cleaning view: The complete callout joins the open printer to the enlarged Print Head area and shows a cotton swab gently wiping it.

Clean the tape cutter

Instructions from the manual
Clean the Tape Cutter4 steps
  1. Before maintenance, disconnect the USB cable and power the printer off.
  2. Adhesive buildup can dull the cutter and jam tape.
  3. Wipe the cutter blades with a cotton swab moistened with ethanol or isopropyl alcohol.
  4. Do not touch the blade or place your fingers inside it.
PT-P715eBT cutter-cleaning view. Use a cotton swab moistened with ethanol or isopropyl alcohol; keep fingers away from the blades.
PT-P715eBT cutter-cleaning view. Use a cotton swab moistened with ethanol or isopropyl alcohol; keep fingers away from the blades.

Diagram key

  • Cotton swab at cutter: With USB disconnected and the printer off, wipe the adhesive-coated cutter blades with an ethanol- or isopropyl-alcohol-moistened cotton swab. Never touch or insert fingers into the blade.

Safety precautions

Instructions from the manual
Observe battery and USB safety precautions11 steps
  1. Keep the battery away from liquids, heat and fire; do not charge, use or leave it above 60 °C (140 °F).
  2. Charge with the supplied USB cable and use the battery only for its intended purpose.
  3. Keep metal objects away from the terminals and do not store or carry the battery with metal objects.
  4. Do not throw, strike, damage, solder, dismantle or modify it, or put it in household waste.
  5. Keep it away from infants; ingestion requires immediate medical advice.
  6. Stop using an abnormal battery.
  7. If battery fluid enters the eyes, rinse with clean water and seek a doctor immediately.
  8. Use the supplied USB cable; do not use it or the printer during a thunderstorm.
  9. Do not damage, overload, forcibly bend, pull, dismantle, modify, drop, strike or wet the printer or cable.
  10. If unusual smell, heat, discoloration or deformation occurs in use or storage, stop use, disconnect USB and remove the battery.
  11. Store the unused printer out of children’s reach; do not let them put printer parts, ribbons or labels in their mouths, and seek immediate medical advice after ingestion.

General precautions

Instructions from the manual
Handle the printer and label materials safely14 steps
  1. Use the dedicated PA-BT-005 battery.
  2. Rinse battery fluid off skin or clothing immediately with water.
  3. Avoid trapping fingers in the Cassette Cover.
  4. Do not touch the Print Head or cutter blade, or insert fingers into the Tape Exit Slot.
  5. Use the printer only as this guide describes and use Brother TZe ribbon or tape cassettes.
  6. Keep foreign objects out of the exit slot, USB port and battery compartment.
  7. Do not use, charge or store the product near liquids, condensation, dust, flames, heaters, sunlight, or extreme temperatures or humidity.
  8. Do not print with an empty cassette or pull ribbon or tape during printing or feeding.
  9. Printed length may differ from the software display, and small text or white/gold printing may be less clear than the screen preview.
  10. Multiple-copy printing does not detect the end of the cassette.
  11. Before attaching labels, check the surface and environment: labels may peel, discolor, transfer color, or be difficult to remove.
  12. Wet, dirty or uneven surfaces may not hold labels; Extra Strength Adhesive Tape is recommended for rough or textured surfaces.
  13. For split backing, fold the label lengthwise with text inward, then peel each backing piece.
  14. Read and follow the supplied instructions for ribbon, fabric, extra-strength and other special tapes.

Model details

Model and compatibility

Ribbon and tape
TZe ribbon: 12 or 24 mm. TZe label tape: 3.5, 6, 9, 12, 18 or 24 mm. Supplies vary by country or region. [1]
Battery and cleaning cassette
PA-BT-005 rechargeable Li-ion battery; TZe-CL4 Head Cleaning Tape Cassette. [1]
Operating environment
10–35 °C (50–95 °F); 20–80% relative humidity without condensation. [1]
Connections
USB 2.0 Full Speed for Windows/Mac; Bluetooth 2.1+EDR Class 2 for mobile devices. No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth computer printing. [1]

Manuals and sources

  1. Brother PT-P715eBT User’s Guide, Version 03
  2. Brother model support and details
  3. Brother manual download listing
  4. Official US/Canada Quick Setup Guide
  5. Manufacturer-linked MFi compatible-device list (2018)
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