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Brother Ink Absorber Near Full: Ink absorber box nearly full

Also shows as: Ink Absorber NearFull, InkBox NearFull, Absorber NearFull

🧑‍🔧 Needs servicing

Brother says the ink absorber box or flushing box is nearly full. These are periodic maintenance items that fill with ink from purging and flushing during cleaning.

What to try

  1. Note the exact message (Ink Absorber NearFull, InkBox NearFull or Absorber NearFull) and your model number.
  2. Contact Brother Customer Service to arrange replacement of the ink absorber or flushing box.
  3. Be aware that Brother says this replacement is not covered under warranty.

When it needs a technician

Brother says the box will need replacing and to contact Brother Customer Service; replacement is not covered under warranty.

Which models show Ink Absorber Near Full

Brother documents this code for models including MFC-J491DW, MFC-J497DW, MFC-J995DW, MFC-J4335DW, MFC-J680DW, MFC-J5845DW, MFC-J6945DW, MFC-T4500DW.

First steps for any printer error

  1. Write down the exact code before you do anything else — similar-looking codes often mean completely different things.
  2. Power the printer off, unplug it for a couple of minutes, then power it back on. A surprising number of transient errors clear here.
  3. Open the covers and check for paper scraps, packaging material, or anything blocking the carriage.
  4. Check the cartridges or tanks are genuine, correctly seated, and not empty.
  5. Confirm the printer is plugged directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip or extension lead.
  6. Check your model’s own manual — codes are model-specific, and the manual is the authority for your machine.

Source: Brother Support FAQ - Ink Absorber NearFull / InkBox NearFull / Absorber NearFull (MFC-J995DW). Codes are model-specific, so your own model's manual is the final word. Reviewed October 2026.

Still showing Ink Absorber Near Full?

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Eric Paul Amora · Printer & Hardware Repair Technician

Related Brother codes

Unable to Print XX — Mechanical problem or object insideUnable to Scan XX — Scanner mechanical problemInk Absorber Full — Ink absorber box needs replacingCannot Detect — Cartridge not detectedCover is Open — A cover is not fully closedNo Paper Fed — Inkjet did not pick up paperPaper Jam — Inkjet paper jam (Jam A, B or C)Replace Ink — Ink cartridge emptyInk Low — Ink cartridge running lowNo Ink Cartridge — Ink cartridge not installed properlyUnable to Print 46 — Ink absorber almost fullUnable to Clean 46 — Ink absorber pad full

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