When there’s an issue with your printer, it can often be difficult to diagnose the problem. This is due to the way in which printers don’t tell us exactly what is wrong, but rather display a code.
This can sometimes cause people to panic, especially if they can no longer find the printer manual. Thankfully, we’ve compiled this list of Brother printer error codes to help you work out what the problem is and how you can fix it.
Brother Printer Error Codes & Fixes
Brother printer error - E50
A malfunction has occurred in the fuser unit, particularly related to the temperature. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - E51
A malfunction has occurred in the laser unit and the laser beam is not being detected. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - E52
A malfunction has occurred in the laser unit, in particular with the spinning mirror and motor. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - E54
A malfunction has occurred in the main motor, which is responsible for driving all print functions. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - E60
A malfunction has occurred in the fan. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Replace Fuser Unit
The fuser unit has reached the end of its life cycle and needs to be replaced. Contact an engineer to assist you.
Replace Laser Unit
The laser unit has reached the end of its life cycle and needs to be replaced. Contact an engineer to assist you.
Clean Drum Unit
Loose toner or dust has been detected around the drum unit and needs to be cleaned. Remove the unit and wipe off any toner residue or dust.
Brother printer error - 20
There has been a failure with the laser diode, which is used to write the information to be printed onto the drum surfaces. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 21
There has been a failure with the laser diode, which is used to write the information to be printed onto the drum surfaces. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 22
There has been a failure with the laser diode, which is used to write the information to be printed onto the drum surfaces. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 23
There has been a failure with the laser diode, which is used to write the information to be printed onto the drum surfaces. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 31
There has been a fault with the density sensor shutter, which is used to check the print density.
Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 32
There has been a fault with the density sensor shutter, which is used to check the print density.
Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 50
The drum unit has reached the end of its life cycle and needs to be replaced. Contact an engineer to assist you.
Brother printer error - 51
The feed roller and separation pad for the manual feed tray may need replacing.
Brother printer error - 52
The feed roller and separation pad for the manual feed tray may need replacing.
Brother printer error - 54
The fuser unit has reached the end of its life cycle and needs to be replaced. Contact an engineer to assist you.
Brother printer error - 55
The laser unit has reached the end of its life cycle and needs to be replaced. Contact an engineer to assist you.
Brother printer error - 57
There is a paper jam in the duplex unit, which is responsible for double-sided printing. Check the paper in the unit and carefully remove it.
Brother printer error - 5E
The transfer belt has reached the end of its life cycle and needs to be replaced. Contact an engineer to assist you and reset the counter once done.
Brother printer error - 68
A failure has occurred in the fuser unit, either because it is too hot or not hot enough. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 69
A failure has occurred in the fuser unit, either because it is too hot or not hot enough. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 6A
A failure has occurred in the fuser unit, either because it is too hot or not hot enough. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 6B
A failure has occurred in the fuser unit, either because it is too hot or not hot enough. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 6C
A failure has occurred in the fuser unit, either because it is too hot or not hot enough. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 6D
A failure has occurred in the fuser unit, either because it is too hot or not hot enough. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 6E
A failure has occurred in the fuser unit, either because it is too hot or not hot enough. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 6F
A failure has occurred in the fuser unit, either because it is too hot or not hot enough. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 7D
Dirt has accumulated on the drum unit. Follow the manufacturer instructions on how to clean it.
Brother printer error - CF
The waste toner box is full and must be replaced.
Brother printer error - 71
A problem has occurred with the scanner motor in the laser unit. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 72
A malfunction has occurred in the laser unit and the laser beam signal is not being detected. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 74
You have run out of toner and need to replace it.
Brother printer error - 76
A temperature issue has occurred in the fuser unit. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 78
A temperature issue has occurred in the fuser unit. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 83
There is a paper jam. Remove the paper carefully.
Brother printer error - 84
There is a paper jam. Remove the paper carefully.
Brother printer error - 88
There is a paper jam. Remove the paper carefully.
Brother printer error - A2
There is a paper jam in the automatic document feeder. Ensure the feeder is correctly set and remove the paper carefully.
Brother printer error - A3
There is a paper jam in the automatic document feeder. Ensure the feeder is correctly set and remove the paper carefully.
Brother printer error - A5
The scanner is unable to read the outgoing documents. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - B9
There is an issue with the scanning unit light. Turn the printer off and then on again. If the scan light doesn’t illuminate, it may need to be replaced. Contact an engineer to assist you.
Brother printer error - 30
There is a fault in the print head. Remove any obstructions and try again.
Brother printer error - 33
There is a fault in the print head. Remove any obstructions and try again.
Brother printer error - 34
There is a fault in the print head. Remove any obstructions and try again.
Brother printer error - 35
There is a fault in the print head. Remove any obstructions and try again.
Brother printer error - 36
There is a fault in the print head. Remove any obstructions and try again.
Brother printer error - 37
There is a fault in the print head. Remove any obstructions and try again.
Brother printer error - 38
There is a fault in the print head. Remove any obstructions and try again.
Brother printer error - 41
There is an issue with the print head. Contact an engineer to assist you.
Brother printer error - 46
The waste toner box is full and must be replaced.
Brother printer error - 82
An issue has occurred when feeding the recording paper. Remove the paper tray and reseat the paper.
Brother printer error - DF
There is a problem with the modem. Turn off the printer and wait 5 minutes before turning it back on again. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 26
The printer is unable to detect an ink cartridge. Remove and refit the cartridge. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 27
The printer is unable to detect an ink cartridge. Remove and refit the cartridge. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 28
The printer is unable to detect an ink cartridge. Remove and refit the cartridge. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Brother printer error - 29
The printer is unable to detect an ink cartridge. Remove and refit the cartridge. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.
Managed Print Services at DMS
At DMS Group, we offer Managed Print Services, helping to take care of all of your business’ print hardware, software and services including consumables- all under one easy-to-manage contract! This eliminates unnecessary administration, saves time, increases productivity and keeps costs down.
Not to mention, we’re always on hand if there’s ever an issue with your devices, helping you to get up and running in no time.
For more information, get in touch with one of our friendly team members today.
Not Got a Brother Printer?
Check out our other printer guides:
Canon Printer Error Codes & Fixes
HP Printer Error Codes & Fixes
