Home/Printer Error Codes/Brother/Unable to Clean 46

Brother Unable to Clean 46: Ink absorber pad full

Also shows as: Clean Unable 46, Machine Error 46

🧑‍🔧 Needs servicing

In Brother's numbered error chart, code 46 means the ink absorber pad is full and needs replacing.

What to try

  1. Note the full message shown on the display, including the number.
  2. Check whether your machine is still under warranty.
  3. Contact Brother Customer Service; Brother says an engineer is needed to replace the ink absorber pad.

When it needs a technician

Brother says this needs service: the ink absorber pad has to be replaced by Brother or an authorized service center.

Which models show Unable to Clean 46

Brother documents this code for models including MFC-490CW, MFC-290C, MFC-5890CN, MFC-6490CW, MFC-790CW, MFC-990CW, DCP-385C, DCP-6690CW.

Varies by model: Brother's numbered code chart comes from inkjet models of roughly 2008-2010. On newer inkjets Brother treats the number as a variable ("Unable to Print XX") and gives the same general fix, so the exact meaning of a number can differ by model.

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 - The LCD displays an error code (number). What does it mean? (faq00000168_005). Codes are model-specific, so your own model's manual is the final word. Reviewed October 2026.

Still showing Unable to Clean 46?

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Eric Paul Amora · Printer & Hardware Repair Technician

Related Brother codes

Unable to Print 46 — Ink absorber almost fullUnable to Print 4F — Print head problemUnable to Print 48 — Print head problemUnable to Print 30 — Paper jam stopping the machineUnable to Print 31 — Paper jam stopping the machineUnable to Print 32 — Paper jam stopping the machineUnable to Print 36 — Paper jam stopping the machineUnable to Print 6F — Paper jam or sensor problemUnable to Clean 50 — Paper jam or sensor problemUnable to Init 1A — Duplex unit problemUnable to Clean XX — Mechanical problem, debris or dirty encoder stripUnable to Init XX — Machine could not initialize

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