Brother Printer Error Codes

Complete List with Solutions

By TestMyPrinter Team | Updated December 2026

Unable to Print XX

Common

Meaning: General printing error. The XX number indicates specific cause.

Unable to Print 0A / 0B

Paper tray empty or paper not detected. Reload paper, ensure guides are aligned.

Unable to Print 30-3F

Paper feed or jam issue. Clear jammed paper from all areas including back.

Unable to Print 46

Waste ink box full (inkjet models). Replace the waste ink absorber.

Unable to Print 50-5F

Print head or mechanical issue. Turn off, wait 10 seconds, turn on. If persists, service needed.

Paper Jam / Jam Inside

Paper

How to Clear:

  1. Turn off the printer
  2. Open the front cover
  3. Remove toner cartridge and drum unit together
  4. Pull out jammed paper slowly
  5. Check rear cover and remove any paper there
  6. Check paper tray for crumpled paper
  7. Reinstall drum unit and toner
  8. Close cover and turn on

Tip: Always pull paper in the direction it was traveling. Pulling backwards can damage rollers.

Drum Error / Replace Drum

Drum

Meaning: The drum unit needs attention or replacement.

How to Fix:

  1. Open the front cover
  2. Remove drum unit and toner cartridge together
  3. Press the green lock lever and remove toner from drum
  4. Clean corona wire: Slide the green/blue tab from left to right several times
  5. Return tab to home position
  6. Check drum surface for damage or marks
  7. Reinstall toner into drum unit
  8. Reinstall drum unit into printer
  9. Close cover

Drum Life: Brother drums typically last 12,000-15,000 pages. The counter can be reset if drum still produces good prints.

Reset Drum Counter:

  1. Open front cover (leave open)
  2. Press and hold OK for 2 seconds
  3. Press 1 to reset
  4. Close front cover

Replace Toner / Toner Low

Toner

Toner Low

Warning only - you can continue printing. Order replacement soon.

Replace Toner

Printer may stop printing. Try these steps first:

  1. Remove toner cartridge
  2. Rock it gently side to side 5-6 times
  3. Reinstall and try printing

Toner Ended

Must replace toner to continue. No workaround available.

Continue Printing with "Replace Toner":

  1. Open front cover
  2. Press OK or Clear/Back
  3. Close cover
  4. Printer may allow continued printing temporarily

Offline / Not Connected

Connection

How to Fix:

  1. Check printer is turned on
  2. Verify USB cable or WiFi connection
  3. Windows: Devices > Printers > Right-click > See what's printing > Printer menu > Uncheck "Use Printer Offline"
  4. Set as default printer
  5. Restart Print Spooler service
  6. Reinstall printer driver if needed

Quick Fix: Turn printer off and on. Then restart your computer. Works in most cases.

Ink Errors (Inkjet Models)

"Cannot Detect Ink"

Remove cartridge, clean contacts with dry cloth, reinsert firmly until it clicks.

"Wrong Ink" or "Cannot Use"

Cartridge not compatible with your model. Verify correct cartridge number for your printer.

"No Ink Cartridge"

Cartridge not installed properly. Open cover, remove and reinstall all cartridges.

"B&W Print Only"

Color ink depleted. Replace color cartridge or select grayscale printing in settings.

2-Sided Disabled

Settings

Meaning: Paper type or size doesn't support automatic duplex printing.

Solutions:

  • Use standard paper (not photo or card stock)
  • Ensure paper size is A4, Letter, Legal, or Executive
  • Don't use envelopes for duplex
  • Select correct paper type in print settings
  • Print single-sided as alternative

Machine Error Messages

Machine Error: Contact Service

Serious internal error. Try: unplug for 5 minutes, plug back in. If persists, service needed.

Print Unable [##]

Note the error number. Power cycle printer. Check Brother support website for specific code meaning.

Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If errors persist, try a factory reset:

  1. Press Menu
  2. Navigate to Initial Setup or General Setup
  3. Select Reset
  4. Choose Factory Reset or All Settings
  5. Confirm reset
  6. Re-configure WiFi and preferences

Note: This erases all settings including WiFi. Write down settings first.

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