Home/Printer Error Codes/Brother/Unable to Print XX

Brother Unable to Print XX: Mechanical problem or object inside

Also shows as: Print Unable XX

🧭 Fixable with care

Brother says "Unable to Print XX" (or "Print Unable XX") means the machine has an issue. The XX part changes with the condition, and the cause is a mechanical issue or a foreign object such as a paper clip or ripped paper.

What to try

  1. If your model has fax, transfer stored faxes to another fax machine or your PC first.
  2. Open the scanner cover and remove any foreign objects and paper scraps from inside the machine.
  3. If the message continues, unplug the machine for several minutes, then reconnect it.
  4. If it still continues, contact Brother Customer Service.

When it needs a technician

If removing debris and unplugging for several minutes does not clear it, Brother says to contact Brother Customer Service.

Which models show Unable to Print XX

Brother documents this code for models including MFC-J491DW, MFC-J497DW, MFC-J690DW, MFC-J895DW, MFC-J995DW, 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 - Unable to Print XX (MFC-J995DW). Codes are model-specific, so your own model's manual is the final word. Reviewed October 2026.

Still showing Unable to Print XX?

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 — $1

Eric Paul Amora · Printer & Hardware Repair Technician

Related Brother codes

Unable to Scan XX — Scanner mechanical problemInk Absorber Full — Ink absorber box needs replacingInk Absorber Near Full — Ink absorber box nearly fullCannot 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

All 50 Brother error codes and models →

← All printer error codesTech support
Ask a printer tech — $1 →