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Brother Unable to Print 36: Paper jam stopping the machine

Also shows as: Print Unable 36

🧭 Fixable with care

In Brother's numbered error chart, codes 30 through 3F (including 36) mean the machine cannot work because of a paper jam.

What to try

  1. Unplug the machine and lift the scanner cover.
  2. Remove jammed paper and small scraps, checking under the print head and in both corners.
  3. Avoid touching the clear encoder strip.
  4. Close the cover and plug the machine back in.
  5. If the message continues, gently clean the encoder strip with a dry lint-free cloth.

When it needs a technician

If the code keeps returning after these steps, Brother says the machine requires repair.

Which models show Unable to Print 36

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 Print 36?

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Eric Paul Amora · Printer & Hardware Repair Technician

Related Brother codes

Unable to Print 46 — Ink absorber almost fullUnable to Clean 46 — Ink absorber pad 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 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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