Brother Cover is Open: A cover is not fully closed
Brother says a cover is not completely closed. On inkjets this is usually the scanner cover or the ink cartridge (or ink tank) cover; on lasers it is the front cover or the fuser cover inside the back.
What to try
- Lift the scanner cover and close it again so it locks.
- Make sure phone, USB or network cables run correctly through the cable channel and out the back.
- Firmly close the ink cartridge or ink tank cover until it locks.
- On laser models, open and firmly close the front cover, and close the fuser cover inside the back cover.
When it needs a technician
Brother lists no service step for this message.
Which models show Cover is Open
Brother documents this code for models including MFC-J491DW, MFC-J497DW, MFC-J690DW, MFC-J895DW, MFC-J995DW, MFC-J6945DW, MFC-T4500DW, HL-L2460DW.
Varies by model: The laser steps (front cover and fuser cover) come from the HL-L2460DW Online User's Guide error table.
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 - Cover is Open (MFC-J995DW). Codes are model-specific, so your own model's manual is the final word. Reviewed October 2026.
Still showing Cover is Open?
Tell our printer technician your model and what you've tried. You'll find out whether it's fixable at home or worth repairing at all.
Ask about my printer — $1Eric Paul Amora · Printer & Hardware Repair Technician