Brother Cannot Detect: Cartridge not detected
Brother says "Cannot Detect" appears when the machine cannot detect the toner (laser) or ink (inkjet) cartridge, for example when it is not installed correctly, is not compatible, or is non-genuine.
What to try
- Remove the cartridge and reinstall it slowly and firmly until it latches (on lasers, reseat the toner in the drum unit).
- Confirm the cartridge model number is correct for your machine.
- Do not reinstall a used cartridge; use a new genuine Brother cartridge.
- On inkjets, if a new cartridge has an air bubble, slowly turn it so the ink supply port points down, then reinstall.
When it needs a technician
If a new genuine cartridge still is not detected, Brother says to contact Brother Customer Service.
Which models show Cannot Detect
Brother documents this code for models including HL-L2350DW, HL-L2390DW, MFC-L2710DW, MFC-L2750DW, MFC-J491DW, MFC-J995DW, MFC-J6945DW.
Varies by model: Brother has a separate inkjet version (faq00002607_003, MFC-J995DW and others) that adds the air-bubble and used-cartridge checks.
First steps for any printer error
- Write down the exact code before you do anything else — similar-looking codes often mean completely different things.
- Power the printer off, unplug it for a couple of minutes, then power it back on. A surprising number of transient errors clear here.
- Open the covers and check for paper scraps, packaging material, or anything blocking the carriage.
- Check the cartridges or tanks are genuine, correctly seated, and not empty.
- Confirm the printer is plugged directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip or extension lead.
- Check your model’s own manual — codes are model-specific, and the manual is the authority for your machine.
Source: Brother Support FAQ - Cannot Detect (HL-L2350DW). Codes are model-specific, so your own model's manual is the final word. Reviewed October 2026.
Still showing Cannot Detect?
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Ask about my printer — $1Eric Paul Amora · Printer & Hardware Repair Technician