Brother “Unable to Print” error with a number
Brother's "Unable to Print" error with a number means the printer found a problem it can't clear. The number varies by model; here is how to work through it.
What this error means
Brother printers show "Unable to Print" followed by a number, such as "Unable to Print 50", when they detect a problem that stops them printing. The number identifies the cause, and the same number can mean different things on different models. On many inkjet models some numbers point to a foreign object or a paper scrap inside the printer, others mean the ink absorber is full, and others indicate a part that has failed. Your model's manual, or its page on Brother's official support site, lists what each number means for your printer.
Common causes
- A torn piece of paper, a paper clip or another object inside the printer
- Packing material left inside after setup
- The ink absorber or waste ink box reaching its limit
- A temporary fault in the printer's electronics
- A mechanical or electrical part that has failed
How to fix it
Start with the first fix. They’re ordered from safest and quickest to most involved.
Fixes for Any printer
0 of 6 steps tried
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Write down the full message and number
Note the exact number after "Unable to Print", and whether related messages such as "Unable to Clean" or "Unable to Init." show the same number. Look it up in your manual's error list or on your model's page on Brother's official support site, because the number tells you whether it's something you can clear yourself or a service issue.
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Remove foreign objects and paper scraps
Turn the printer off and unplug it before reaching inside. On most Brother all-in-one inkjets you lift the scanner cover to see inside; look along the path the print head travels, including both ends, and pull out the paper tray to check the slot. On a laser model, open only the covers the manual describes and let the printer cool first, because the fuser gets hot. Remove paper, clips and other objects you can reach without force.
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Check for leftover packing material
On a new or recently moved printer, look for tape, foam or cardboard pieces inside the covers and around the print head or cartridges. The quick setup guide shows where each piece is placed at the factory.
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Disconnect the power for several minutes
Unplug the printer for several minutes, then plug it straight into a wall outlet and turn it on. This clears many temporary faults. If your model has a fax and holds received faxes in memory, check the manual for how to print or transfer them first, so they aren't lost while the power is off.
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Check whether the number means the ink absorber is full
On some Brother inkjets, specific numbers (for example, 46 on several models) mean the ink absorber or waste ink box is full or nearly full. A restart won't clear this: the absorber needs replacing by a service provider. Use Brother's official support site to see the options for your model, and avoid unofficial counter reset tools, which don't empty the absorber and can carry malware.
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Contact Brother for repair
If the number points to a hardware fault, or the message returns after you have removed any objects and done a power reset, the printer needs repair. Look up your model on Brother's official support website for your country to check warranty status and repair options.
Did this fix it?
Good. To confirm everything is healthy, print a test page. It takes a minute and shows any quality problems early.
Still stuck? Our printer assistant can walk you through it by live chat, free. . Or the The troubleshooter asks a few questions and narrows it down. If your printer is under warranty, the manufacturer can repair or replace it at no cost. Find their official support site on our brand pages.
Common questions
Does the same number mean the same thing on every Brother printer?
No. Brother uses these numbers differently across models, so a number that means a paper scrap on one printer can mean a part failure on another. Always check the list for your exact model.
What if I can’t see anything inside the printer?
Small scraps can sit under the print head or deep in the paper path. If a careful look and a power reset don't clear the message, the number may indicate a fault that needs repair; check it against your model's error list.
Will a reset tool clear the message?
Unofficial reset tools don't fix a failed part or empty a full ink absorber, and downloads that claim to can carry malware. Use Brother's official support for service.