Brother printers do not rely on one universal numbered error-code system. Depending on the model, a problem may appear as a plain-language message such as Jam Inside, Replace Toner or Cannot Detect, or as a message followed by letters and numbers, such as Print Unable 4F, Cannot Print 0A or Machine Error 46.

This guide explains common Brother printer error messages and codes found on UK inkjet, mono laser, colour laser and LED printers. It covers what each message usually means, which checks are safe to perform and when a printer is likely to need professional service.

Important: Brother uses model-specific instructions. Always confirm the complete message and printer model on the official Brother support page before resetting a counter, removing an internal component or ordering a replacement part.

Brother Printer Error Codes

Quick Answer: How Do I Identify a Brother Printer Error?

Record everything shown on the printer display or computer, including:

• The full wording of the message
• Any two-character suffix, such as 4F, 46, 0A or 50
• The colour named in the message
• The stated paper-jam location
• Any flashing LEDs
• The complete printer model

For example, Print Unable 4F is more specific than “printer error”, and Jam Rear requires different access from Jam Inside.

Brother’s UK support system is organised by product model. Search using the complete name—for example, DCP-L2620DW, MFC-L2710DN, HL-L2445DW or DCP-J1140DW—and then open its error-message or troubleshooting section.

Brother Printer Error-Message Lookup Chart

Message or code	Printer type	Usual meaning	First safe action
No Paper / No Paper Fed	Inkjet or laser	Paper is absent or cannot be picked up	Reload supported paper and adjust the guides
Paper Size Mismatch	Inkjet or laser	Loaded paper and print settings disagree	Match the tray, printer and document settings
Jam Inside	Mostly laser; some inkjets	Paper is trapped inside the machine	Follow the exact internal jam procedure
Jam Rear	Mostly laser	Paper is trapped near the rear cover or fuser	Let the machine cool and remove paper carefully
Jam Tray / Jam 2-sided	Laser	Paper is trapped near a tray or duplex unit	Remove the tray or duplex assembly as instructed
Document Jam	All-in-one models	Original is stuck in the ADF	Remove it slowly and check for scraps
Cover Is Open	Inkjet or laser	A cover, scanner unit or fuser cover is not closed	Close every indicated cover securely
Cannot Detect / No Ink Cartridge	Inkjet	Cartridge is absent, wrong or not recognised	Check its number, position and installation
Wrong Ink Colour	Inkjet	Cartridge is fitted in the wrong colour position	Move it to the correctly labelled slot
Cannot Detect Ink Volume	Inkjet	Remaining ink cannot be monitored	Check the cartridge and model-specific guidance
Ink Low	Inkjet	An ink cartridge is approaching empty	Prepare the correct replacement
Replace Ink	Inkjet	One or more cartridges are empty	Replace the indicated cartridge
Ink Absorber Near Full / InkBox NearFull	Inkjet	Waste-ink system is approaching its limit	Arrange service soon
Ink Absorber Full / InkBox Full	Inkjet	Waste-ink system has reached its service limit	Stop and arrange service
Machine Error 46 / Clean Unable 46	Older inkjet	Ink absorber needs service	Do not merely reset the counter; arrange repair
Print Unable 4F	Inkjet	Internal print-system or printhead-related fault	Restart once; service if it returns
Cannot Print XX / Print Unable XX	Inkjet or laser	Internal mechanical or electronic fault	Record XX, restart once and check model support
Cannot Scan XX / Scan Unable XX	Multifunction	Scanner or internal mechanism fault	Remove obstructions and restart once
Toner Low	Laser or LED	Toner is nearing replacement	Prepare the correct toner cartridge
Replace Toner / Toner Ended	Laser or LED	Toner has reached its replacement point	Replace the specified toner
No Toner	Laser or LED	Toner is missing or not detected	Reinstall toner into the drum assembly correctly
Drum End Soon / Drum Near End	Laser or LED	Drum is nearing the end of its rated life	Obtain the correct drum unit
Replace Drum / Drum Stop	Laser or LED	Drum requires replacement	Replace the drum and reset only its drum counter
Drum Error	Laser or LED	Corona wire or drum system needs attention	Clean the corona wire; replace drum if unresolved
Replace Belt / Belt End Soon	Colour laser or LED	Transfer belt is due for replacement	Replace or service the correct belt unit
Replace WT Box	Colour laser or LED	Waste-toner box is full	Fit the correct waste-toner box
Cooling Down	Laser or LED	Machine temperature is temporarily high	Leave it switched on and allow it to cool
Self-Diagnostic / Fuser Error	Laser or LED	Fuser temperature or internal hardware fault	Restart once after cooling; service if persistent
Out of Memory	Multifunction or printer	The job exceeds available memory	Cancel, reduce complexity or split the job
Offline	Any networked model	Computer cannot communicate with the printer	Check selection, queue and connection

This chart is a starting point. The access panels, button sequences and replaceable units vary between Brother families.

Before Troubleshooting a Brother Printer

Use this order to avoid replacing the wrong supply or making a jam worse:

1. Record the complete message and any suffix.
2. Find the full printer model and serial number.
3. Allow the current movement or cleaning cycle to stop.
4. Check the display for the named tray, cover or colour.
5. Cancel failed jobs where possible.
6. Follow the official instructions for that model.
7. Perform only one controlled power restart if appropriate.

Laser printers contain a fuser that becomes very hot. If the message points to the rear or inside of a laser printer, switch off when instructed and allow the machine to cool before touching user-accessible areas marked with a heat warning.

Brother Paper and Paper-Jam Messages

No Paper or No Paper Fed

This does not always mean the tray is empty. It means the machine could not feed paper when expected.

Check that:

• Paper is loaded in the tray selected by the software.
• The stack is below the maximum mark.
• The paper guides touch the stack without bending it.
• Sheets are dry, flat and within the supported weight.
• The tray is inserted fully.
• The manual feed slot is not selected accidentally.
• Small scraps or foreign objects are not blocking an accessible feed area.

Fan a fresh stack once, straighten it and reload it. Do not spray cleaner or apply liquid directly to pickup rollers.

Paper Size Mismatch

This message appears when the physical paper does not agree with the selected or registered size.

Check three settings:

1. The paper actually loaded
2. The size and type registered on the printer
3. The page size selected in the application and printer driver

For example, loading A4 while the document or tray remains set to Letter can trigger a mismatch. UK users should normally confirm that A4—not US Letter—is selected throughout.

Jam Inside

Jam Inside means paper has stopped within the normal internal path. The exact procedure differs between inkjet and laser printers.

General precautions:

• Remove paper slowly using both hands.
• Pull in the direction recommended in the manual.
• Check for torn corners and labels that may have separated.
• Do not touch an inkjet encoder strip.
• Do not touch a laser drum surface.
• Do not expose a drum unit to strong light for an extended period.
• Reinstall the toner and drum assembly fully before closing the cover.

If the message remains, repeat the official inspection because a small scrap may still be covering a sensor.

Jam Rear

On a laser printer, this usually points to the rear output area or fuser path. Allow hot components to cool before opening the rear cover.

Release only the levers identified in the model guide. Pull the sheet evenly and avoid tearing it around the hot roller. Return any green or blue fuser levers to their normal position before printing.

Jam Tray, Jam 2-sided or Jam Duplex

Remove the named paper tray or duplex unit using the handle intended for users. Check both the removed assembly and the empty slot for folded paper.

Repeated duplex jams may be caused by:

• Curled paper
• Unsupported thickness or media type
• Damp paper
• A tray set to the wrong size
• Worn feed rollers
• A scrap left from an earlier jam

Document Jam

This refers to an original document in the automatic document feeder rather than print paper.

Remove loose pages, open the ADF cover and withdraw the jammed original without twisting it. Check the narrow paper path for scraps, staples or paper clips. Reload a smaller, neatly aligned stack.

Brother Inkjet Cartridge Messages

Cannot Detect or No Ink Cartridge

The machine cannot identify a cartridge or does not detect one in the required position.

Check the following:

• The cartridge number is correct for the exact UK model.
• Every required colour is installed.
• The cartridge is in the correct colour slot.
• Protective seals were removed as instructed.
• The cartridge has been pressed into place fully.
• The cartridge casing or detection area is not damaged.

Remove and reinstall only the cartridge named on the display. If a new, correct cartridge produces the same message, try another known-good cartridge where practical. A persistent error in one position can indicate a printer-side sensor or contact problem.

See why a printer is not recognising an ink cartridge for broader diagnosis.

Wrong Ink Colour or Wrong Ink Cartridge

Brother inkjets with individual colours expect each cartridge in a labelled position. Remove the indicated cartridge and compare its colour and number with the slot marking.

Do not force a cartridge into another position. Similar-looking cartridges are not automatically interchangeable between Brother printer generations or sales regions.

Cannot Detect Ink Volume

The printer cannot reliably monitor the remaining ink. This may follow installation of a refilled, remanufactured, compatible or electronically faulty cartridge, but the message alone does not prove which cause applies.

Confirm the cartridge number and installation. Follow the model-specific instruction rather than applying a reset sequence from a different machine. Replace the cartridge if reliable monitoring or uninterrupted printing is important.

Ink Low

The named colour is approaching its estimated replacement point. Printing may continue, but obtain the correct replacement before starting an important job.

Page yield is an estimate based on standard test conditions. Cleaning cycles, coverage, long periods without use and photo printing can change real-world consumption.

Replace Ink

One or more cartridges have reached the point at which the printer requests replacement.

Replace only the colour identified. On Brother inkjets, leaving the machine connected to power can allow scheduled maintenance that helps prevent ink drying in the printhead.

Do not repeatedly remove cartridges to inspect their level. Introducing air or reinstalling a depleted cartridge can create additional problems.

Ink-Absorber and Error 46 Messages

Brother inkjet printers collect ink discharged during cleaning and maintenance in an internal absorber or maintenance system.

Ink Absorber Near Full or InkBox NearFull

The waste-ink system is approaching its service limit. The printer may continue temporarily, but arrange maintenance before it stops.

Ink Absorber Full, InkBox Full or Machine Error 46

The absorber has reached its estimated limit and requires service. On older machines, the same condition may appear as:

• Machine Error 46
• Clean Unable 46
• Unable to Clean 46
• Print Unable 46

The wording depends on the model.

Do not treat a hidden counter-reset procedure as a complete repair. Resetting a purge or absorber count does not remove the collected ink. If the absorber is saturated, ink can leak inside the machine or onto furniture.

The correct repair may involve replacing or servicing the absorber or maintenance box and then updating the relevant counter with the procedure intended for that model.

Print Unable, Clean Unable and Scan Unable Codes

Cannot Print XX or Print Unable XX

The letters XX represent a code shown by the printer. Brother describes many of these messages as mechanical or internal errors. Record the suffix exactly.

Safe first steps:

1. Check accessible areas for paper scraps or foreign objects.
2. Close all covers and trays.
3. Switch the printer off using its power control.
4. Disconnect power for approximately one minute.
5. Reconnect and start it once.

If the same suffix returns, use the official page for the exact model. Do not substitute the meaning of the same suffix from an unrelated Brother printer.

Print Unable 4F

On Brother inkjets that display it, 4F is commonly an internal print-system error and may relate to the printhead or its control circuitry.

Remove obvious accessible obstructions and restart once. If 4F returns, professional diagnosis is normally required. Repeated cleaning cycles, service-mode resets and random part replacement are unlikely to resolve an electrical or printhead failure.

Clean Unable or Unable to Clean

This is a general family of messages. Causes can include:

• Paper or a foreign object obstructing the print mechanism
• A carriage-positioning problem
• A failed cleaning or purge mechanism
• An internal mechanical fault
• A full absorber when the suffix is 46

Inspect only normal user-access areas. Do not force the carriage or touch the transparent encoder strip. If a message includes 46, follow the absorber-service guidance above.

Cannot Scan XX or Scan Unable XX

These messages indicate that the scanner could not initialise or complete its operation.

Check that:

• The scanner lock, if fitted, is in the unlocked position.
• No object prevents the scanner unit from moving.
• The scanner glass and ADF are unobstructed.
• The cover is fully closed.

Restart once. A recurring code may indicate a scanner motor, cable, sensor or control-board fault and should be serviced.

Brother Laser Toner Messages

Brother laser printers commonly use separate toner and drum units. Replacing one does not automatically replace or reset the other.

Toner Low

The toner cartridge is nearing the end of its estimated life. You can normally continue printing for a period, although fading may become visible.

Obtain the correct cartridge for the complete printer model. Standard- and high-yield toner cartridges may share a printer family but have different capacities.

Replace Toner, Toner Ended or Toner Life End

The printer has reached its toner replacement point. Remove the combined drum-and-toner assembly if required, then release only the toner cartridge from the drum.

Before installing a new toner:

• Confirm the cartridge number.
• Remove all shipping covers and seals.
• Distribute toner using only the method in its instructions.
• Lock it into the drum unit securely.
• Slide the corona-wire tab where instructed and return it to its home position.

Do not reset a toner counter simply to make an empty cartridge appear full.

No Toner

The printer does not detect a toner cartridge. This can happen if:

• Toner is absent from the drum unit.
• The cartridge is not locked into the drum.
• The complete assembly is not seated fully.
• Protective material remains attached.
• The cartridge is incompatible or damaged.

Remove the assembly carefully, confirm the toner is correctly fitted into the drum, then reinstall the complete unit.

Toner Error or Cartridge Error

These messages can indicate incorrect installation, an incompatible supply or a detection fault. Check the exact wording and any named colour. Colour printers require the correct cartridge in each position.

Brother Drum Messages

Drum End Soon or Drum Near End

The drum is approaching its rated life. Printing can usually continue, but output may show marks, repeated defects or fading as the unit wears.

Purchase the drum specified for the exact printer. Toner and drum part numbers are different even though they may be installed together.

Replace Drum or Drum Stop

Replace the drum unit using the model-specific procedure. After fitting it, reset the drum counter only.

The counter may not reset automatically. Equally, resetting it without installing a new drum can hide the maintenance warning and make future diagnosis confusing.

Replace Drum Message Remains After Replacement

This usually means the drum counter was not reset using the correct control-panel sequence. The sequence varies significantly: some models use a touchscreen menu, some require holding OK and others use a front-cover procedure.

Find the official instructions for the complete model. Do not follow a video for a similar-looking printer.

Drum Error

A drum error can be caused by contamination around the corona wire or a worn drum unit.

Remove the drum-and-toner assembly as instructed. Slide the corona-wire cleaning tab from side to side several times, then return it to the marked home position. Reinstall the assembly.

If the error remains, replace the drum. Never touch the photosensitive drum surface or clean it with liquid.

Colour Laser Maintenance Messages

Belt End Soon or Replace Belt

The transfer belt carries toner images for colour printing. Replace the belt specified for the model when requested, taking care not to touch its transfer surface.

Reset only the belt counter after fitting a new belt. If colour registration, streaking or repeating marks continue, further cleaning or service may be needed.

WT Box End Soon or Replace WT Box

The waste-toner box collects unused toner. Replace it carefully and keep it level to avoid spilling fine toner powder.

Do not empty and reuse a disposable waste-toner container unless Brother explicitly provides that procedure for the model.

Registration, Calibration or Colour Correction Errors

Allow automatic calibration to finish. Confirm that all colour toner cartridges, drums, the belt and waste-toner box are correctly seated. If calibration repeatedly fails, print the quality or maintenance reports and follow the model-specific support instructions.

Temperature and Fuser Messages

Cooling Down or Please Wait

The internal temperature is high. Leave the machine switched on and idle so its fan can cool the components. Improve ventilation and ensure the air outlets are not blocked.

Do not unplug immediately unless there is smoke, an electrical smell or another safety concern.

High Temperature or Low Temperature

Inkjet printers can also report environmental temperature problems. Move the printer to a stable indoor environment within the operating range specified in its manual and allow it to acclimatise before printing.

Self-Diagnostic

Some laser printers display Self-Diagnostic while checking the fuser temperature. Allow the process to finish. If the message does not clear, switch off, wait and restart once.

Fuser Error, Print Unable 0A or Similar Internal Codes

The precise code varies by model. A persistent fuser or temperature-related error requires service because the fuser contains mains-powered, high-temperature parts.

Do not dismantle the fuser, bypass a thermal device or continue using a printer that smells hot.

Out of Memory

The current print, scan, copy or fax job exceeds the machine’s available memory.

Try:

• Cancelling other jobs
• Printing a smaller page range
• Reducing image resolution
• Flattening complex PDF layers
• Splitting a scan or copy job
• Sending fewer fax pages at once
• Restarting the printer and computer
• Using the correct Brother driver rather than a basic generic driver

If one particular document causes the error, print it as an image or create a simplified PDF copy.

Brother Printer Offline or Cannot Communicate

“Offline” is usually a connection or queue problem rather than a hardware code.

Check that:

• The correct Brother printer is selected.
• “Use Printer Offline” is disabled in Windows.
• Failed jobs are removed from the queue.
• USB or Ethernet cables are secure.
• The printer and device use the same network.
• The printer still has a valid IP address.
• The Brother driver matches the model and operating system.

A printer can show Ready on its display while the computer regards an old duplicate installation as offline.

For wider connection checks, use the complete printer troubleshooting guide.

How to Restart a Brother Printer Safely

A controlled restart can clear a temporary error but will not fix a jam, empty supply or damaged component.

1. Cancel the current job if possible.
2. Switch off using the power button.
3. Wait until movement and sound stop.
4. Disconnect the power cable for about 60 seconds.
5. Reconnect directly to a suitable socket.
6. Switch on and allow initialisation to complete.

If the same code returns, stop repeating the restart and follow the message-specific guidance.

Which Counters Should Be Reset?

Reset a maintenance counter only after replacing the component associated with it.

Counter	Reset after
Drum	Installing a new drum unit
Belt	Installing a new transfer belt
Fuser	Replacing the fuser through an authorised procedure
Paper-feed kit	Replacing the feed kit through the proper maintenance process
Waste ink / purge	Servicing the absorber or maintenance system—not merely clearing the message

Do not reset every counter when installing toner. Toner, drum, belt, fuser and waste systems have separate functions and service lives.

What Not to Do

• Do not use a reset code intended for another model.
• Do not force a carriage, paper tray or drum assembly.
• Do not touch an inkjet encoder strip or printhead nozzles.
• Do not touch the photosensitive surface of a laser drum.
• Do not work on a hot fuser.
• Do not use compressed air to spread toner inside the printer.
• Do not vacuum spilled toner with an ordinary domestic vacuum.
• Do not reset an absorber counter without servicing the waste-ink system.
• Do not repeatedly run inkjet cleaning cycles when an internal error is displayed.
• Do not install firmware from an unofficial source.
• Do not dismantle a printer covered by warranty.

When to Contact Brother Support

Arrange professional help when:

• Print Unable 4F returns after one restart.
• Machine Error 46 or Ink Absorber Full is displayed.
• Cannot Print XX or Cannot Scan XX returns immediately.
• A fuser or self-diagnostic error does not clear.
• The same jam message remains after the complete paper path is clear.
• The machine makes grinding or knocking sounds.
• Ink, toner or another substance is leaking internally.
• There is an electrical smell, smoke or visible damage.
• A correct known-good supply is repeatedly not detected.
• The printer will not power on.
• The machine is under warranty.

Prepare the model, serial number, exact message, suffix, installed supplies, purchase date and troubleshooting already attempted.

Repair or Replace a Brother Printer?

Repair may be worthwhile when:

• The printer is under warranty.
• It is a higher-volume business model.
• The fault is a replaceable drum, belt, fuser or feed kit.
• You already own valuable toner or ink for it.
• Repair is considerably cheaper than an equivalent replacement.

Replacement may be more sensible when:

• The machine has repeated mechanical or board faults.
• An older inkjet needs absorber and printhead work.
• Parts or compatible drivers are unavailable.
• Repair approaches the cost of a suitable current model.
• The printer no longer meets your duplex, networking, paper-size or volume needs.

Compare full running costs, not just the purchase price. Check the prices and yields of toner or ink, drum units, belts and waste-toner boxes before changing printer families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find my Brother printer error code?

Look at the printer LCD or touchscreen and the Brother status message on the connected computer. Record the full wording and any suffix, such as 4F, 46 or 0A.

Are Brother error codes the same on every printer?

No. Brother uses model-specific messages and procedures. Similar text may appear on several machines, but access steps and reset sequences can differ.

What does Print Unable XX mean?

It indicates an internal mechanical or electronic problem, with XX representing the specific suffix. Record it, check for accessible obstructions and restart once. Use the support page for the exact model if it returns.

What does Print Unable 4F mean?

On applicable Brother inkjets, it is an internal print-system fault commonly associated with the printhead or its electronics. If a controlled restart does not clear it, the machine normally needs professional diagnosis.

What does Machine Error 46 mean?

On affected inkjet models, Error 46 generally indicates that the internal ink absorber has reached its service limit. The absorber system should be serviced; merely resetting its counter does not remove collected ink.

How do I clear Jam Inside?

Follow the exact model’s procedure, remove paper slowly, check for torn scraps and reinstall all toner/drum or paper-path components fully. Do not touch the drum, encoder strip or hot fuser.

Why does Jam Inside remain when there is no paper?

A small scrap may remain over a sensor, a cover may not be closed, an assembly may be incorrectly seated or a paper-path sensor may be stuck or damaged.

Why does my Brother printer say No Toner after replacement?

The toner may not be locked into the drum unit, the combined assembly may be incompletely installed, protective material may remain or the cartridge may be unsuitable or faulty.

Is the toner cartridge the same as the drum?

Usually not. Many Brother laser printers use a separate toner cartridge fitted inside a reusable drum unit. Each has its own part number, service life and warning messages.

Why does Replace Drum remain after installing a drum?

The drum counter may require a manual reset. Use the official sequence for the exact model and reset it only after a new drum has been installed.

Can I continue printing with Drum End Soon?

Usually for a limited time. Obtain the correct drum and monitor print quality. Replace it when the printer requests it or defects become unacceptable.

Why does my Brother ink cartridge say Cannot Detect?

It may be incorrectly installed, in the wrong slot, incompatible, damaged or not electronically detected. Confirm the UK cartridge number and reinstall the indicated colour.

Can I reset the ink absorber myself?

A counter reset is not a complete repair. The absorber or maintenance system holds physical waste ink and may leak if its counter is cleared without service.

Why does my Brother printer show Paper Size Mismatch?

The loaded paper, printer tray registration and software page size do not agree. In the UK, check particularly for an accidental Letter setting when A4 is loaded.

What does Out of Memory mean?

The job is too complex or large for the printer’s available memory. Cancel other jobs, reduce resolution, split the document or simplify the file.

Will unplugging a Brother printer clear an error?

It may clear a temporary control fault, but it cannot remove a jam, refill toner, repair a printhead or service an absorber. Repeated restarts should not replace proper diagnosis.

Where can I find official instructions?

Use Brother UK Support, select the exact printer model and open its FAQs, troubleshooting or manuals section.

Final Brother Error Checklist

Before arranging a repair, confirm that you have:

• Recorded the complete error message and suffix
• Identified the exact printer model
• Checked the named tray, cover or cartridge
• Removed accessible paper and checked for scraps
• Confirmed A4 and other paper settings
• Verified toner, drum or ink part numbers
• Distinguished the toner cartridge from the drum unit
• Performed only one controlled power restart
• Used the correct counter-reset procedure only after replacement
• Avoided touching the drum, encoder strip and hot fuser
• Checked warranty status
• Consulted the official model-specific Brother instructions

Brother error messages are most useful when recorded exactly. Start with the named location or consumable, keep inkjet and laser procedures separate, and treat recurring “Unable XX”, fuser, absorber and internal errors as service issues rather than problems to hide with repeated resets.