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Brother Printer errors can stop printing, scanning, copying, or other printer functions. An error may appear because of a paper jam, empty ink or toner, connection problem, incorrect printer settings, outdated software, a mechanical problem, or a small piece of paper or another object inside the machine. Brother explains that messages such as “Cannot Print” or “Print Unable” can indicate a mechanical problem or a foreign object inside the printer.
The best way to fix a Brother Printer error is to first identify the message displayed on the printer screen or computer, clear the related problem, and then restart the machine. Because Brother uses different error messages across its printer models, some troubleshooting steps can vary by model.
Check the Error Message on the Brother Printer
Start by looking at the printer display, control panel, or computer Status Monitor.
The exact message can provide an important clue about the cause. For example, the printer may report a paper jam, ink or toner problem, connection issue, offline status, or a general mechanical error.
Do not ignore an error message and repeatedly try to print. Brother notes that printing errors such as a paper jam or empty ink or toner can prevent the machine from printing until the underlying problem is cleared.
Write down the exact error message if you need to troubleshoot it further. The wording can help you find instructions specific to your Brother Printer model.
Restart the Brother Printer
A simple restart can resolve temporary printer errors.
Turn off the Brother Printer using its normal power control and wait for the machine to shut down completely. After waiting briefly, turn it back on and allow it to complete its startup process.
If the error was caused by a temporary software or mechanical condition, the printer may return to its ready state after restarting.
For certain “Cannot Print” errors, Brother specifically recommends turning the machine off, disconnecting the power for several minutes, and then reconnecting it.
If your Brother Printer includes fax functionality and there are important received faxes stored in memory, follow the model-specific instructions before disconnecting power.
Check for a Paper Jam
A paper jam is one of the common reasons a Brother Printer may display an error.
Remove the paper tray and inspect the paper path. Check the front, rear, output area, and duplex section if your printer supports automatic two-sided printing.
Carefully remove any visible jammed paper. Also look for small pieces of torn paper because even a small fragment can prevent the printer from operating normally.
Brother states that foreign objects or pieces of ripped paper inside the machine can cause “Cannot Print” errors on supported models.
Do not force the paper out or use sharp objects to reach inside the printer. Follow the paper-jam procedure for your particular Brother model.
Check Ink or Toner Problems
An ink or toner-related warning can also stop printing.
For an inkjet Brother Printer, check whether an ink cartridge is empty, incorrectly installed, or not recognized. Make sure the correct cartridge is installed in the appropriate position.
For a laser Brother Printer, check the toner cartridge and drum unit if the display reports a toner-related problem.
Brother explains that errors such as “Ink/Toner Empty” may prevent the printer from printing until the problem is cleared.
After replacing a cartridge or toner, make sure it is securely installed and that all covers are closed properly.
Check the Printer Covers
An improperly closed cover can cause an error message.
Inspect the front cover, rear cover, scanner cover, toner access area, ink compartment, and other removable sections depending on your model.
Close each cover firmly without applying excessive force. If a cover is slightly open, the printer may not recognize that it is ready to print.
If the error appeared immediately after replacing ink, toner, or another component, reopen the relevant cover and verify that the component was installed correctly.
Remove Foreign Objects From the Printer
A small foreign object can cause a Brother Printer error even when there is no obvious paper jam.
Check the accessible areas inside the machine for paper clips, torn paper, labels, packaging material, or other objects.
Brother specifically identifies foreign objects such as paper clips and pieces of ripped paper as possible causes of certain “Cannot Print” errors.
Turn the printer off before inspecting internal areas, and never force internal mechanisms. If an object cannot be safely removed, stop and consult the instructions for your model.
Check the Brother Printer Connection
If the printer displays no physical error but your computer cannot print, the problem may be related to the connection.
For a wireless Brother Printer, verify that the printer and computer are connected to the appropriate wireless network. If the printer recently worked but suddenly stopped communicating, restart the printer and network equipment.
Brother recommends checking the printer's status, network connection, and computer settings when troubleshooting wireless printing problems.
For a USB connection, make sure the cable is securely connected to both the printer and computer. If possible, check the cable and USB port for connection problems.
Fix Brother Printer Offline or Paused Errors
Sometimes an apparent printer error is actually caused by the machine being offline or paused.
Check the printer status on your computer and make sure the correct Brother Printer is selected. Remove unnecessary print jobs from the queue and try printing again.
For wireless printing, Brother recommends checking whether the printer and computer are connected to the same network and, when necessary, using the Network Connection Repair Tool to help restore communication.
If the printer recently changed networks, reconnect it to the correct wireless network before attempting to print.
Check the Print Queue
A stuck document can make the printer appear unresponsive.
Open the printer queue on your computer and check whether a document is paused or stuck. Cancel documents that are no longer needed and then send a new print job.
If several old jobs are waiting, clearing the queue can help restore normal communication between the computer and Brother Printer.
After clearing the queue, restart the printer and try printing a simple document.
Restart the Computer and Network Equipment
If the Brother Printer is connected to a computer over a network, restart both devices when appropriate.
For wireless printing, restarting the router or access point can also help restore communication. Brother's troubleshooting guidance recommends restarting the relevant network devices and checking the printer's network connection when printing problems occur.
After restarting the network, give the printer enough time to reconnect before sending another print job.
Check the Brother Printer Driver
An outdated, damaged, or incorrect printer driver can cause communication and printing problems.
If the printer itself appears ready but the computer continues displaying an error, check whether the Brother printer driver is installed correctly.
Brother recommends checking printer driver settings when troubleshooting computer-to-printer communication problems. For USB printing problems, Brother also lists restarting the printer and computer and reinstalling the printer driver on Windows as possible troubleshooting measures.
If necessary, reinstall the driver or the complete Brother software package appropriate for your printer model and operating system.
Update Brother Printer Firmware
Printer firmware can also affect printer operation.
If your Brother model has a firmware update available, updating it may help improve printer performance and address certain operational problems. Brother recommends keeping supported printers updated with the latest firmware for optimum performance.
Before performing an update, follow the instructions for your exact printer model and avoid interrupting the update process.
Fix a Brother Printer Error After a Paper Jam
If the printer continues showing an error after you have removed a paper jam, inspect the complete paper path again.
Look for small paper fragments around the rollers, inside the tray, behind the rear cover, and in the duplex area if applicable.
Also check that the paper tray and all covers are properly positioned.
A printer can continue displaying an error when a small piece of paper remains inside the machine. Brother's troubleshooting information specifically recommends checking for paper scraps and foreign objects when certain general printing errors continue.
Fix Brother Printer Error After Replacing Ink or Toner
If an error appears after replacing ink or toner, check the installation.
Make sure the replacement cartridge is compatible with the printer and installed in the correct position. Confirm that protective packaging has been removed and that the cartridge or toner assembly is fully seated.
Close the access cover and restart the printer.
If the printer still reports an ink or toner error, consult the instructions for the exact model because cartridge and toner detection procedures can differ across Brother printer families.
Fix Brother Printer Error When It Will Not Print
If the printer displays an error and refuses to print, clear the displayed condition first.
Check for paper jams, ink or toner warnings, open covers, and foreign objects. If there are no visible problems, restart the printer.
Brother recommends clearing displayed printer errors before continuing with other printing troubleshooting.
If the printer remains unable to print, check the connection between the printer and computer and verify the printer driver settings.
Check the Brother Printer Power Connection
If the Brother Printer does not start normally or repeatedly displays an error, check its power connection.
Make sure the power cord is securely connected to the printer and a working electrical outlet. If the printer does not respond, try another suitable outlet if appropriate.
Brother's troubleshooting guidance recommends confirming that the machine is powered on and connected to a working power source before continuing with printing troubleshooting.
Avoid repeatedly switching the printer on and off if it is showing a serious mechanical error. Follow the model-specific troubleshooting procedure instead.
When Brother Printer Error Requires Service
Some Brother Printer errors indicate a mechanical or internal hardware problem.
If the display continues showing a “Cannot Print” or “Print Unable” type of error after you have removed paper scraps and foreign objects and restarted the printer, the problem may involve a sensor, motor, or another internal component. Brother indicates that persistent errors of this type may require service.
Do not disassemble the printer unless the procedure is specifically provided for your model. Internal components can be delicate, and improper handling can cause additional damage.
Use Model-Specific Brother Troubleshooting
Brother Printer models do not all use the same error messages or controls.
The correct solution for one model may not apply to another. Therefore, identify your exact Brother Printer model before performing advanced troubleshooting.
Use the model-specific user guide or troubleshooting instructions when the general steps above do not resolve the error. This is especially important for errors involving internal mechanisms, sensors, firmware, ink systems, or toner components.
Final Thoughts
Brother Printer errors can often be resolved by identifying the message, clearing the underlying problem, and restarting the printer. Begin by checking for paper jams, empty ink or toner, open covers, foreign objects, and connection problems.
If the printer is connected to a computer, also check the print queue, printer status, network connection, and driver. Keeping the printer firmware and software up to date can also help maintain reliable operation.
When a general mechanical error continues after removing obstructions and restarting the machine, avoid forcing internal components or repeatedly attempting to print. Brother notes that persistent “Cannot Print” or similar errors can indicate an internal mechanical issue that may require service.
The most reliable solution is always to follow the troubleshooting procedure for the exact Brother Printer model and the specific error message shown on the machine.