Paper jams are a common issue with Brother printers, especially when used frequently. They can interrupt your printing tasks and cause frustration. Fortunately, most paper jams can be resolved quickly with a few simple steps.
This guide will help you fix paper jam errors on a Brother printer connected to a Windows 11 PC. The instructions are easy to follow, even if you are not very technical.
By carefully following these steps, you can get your printer working again without needing professional help. Let’s start by checking some quick points before diving into the detailed solutions.
Understanding why paper jams happen will also help you prevent them in the future.
Quick Note: What to Check Before You Begin
- Turn off your printer: Always switch off and unplug the printer before attempting to remove jammed paper to avoid damage or injury.
- Check the paper tray: Make sure paper is loaded correctly and not overfilled. Misaligned or too much paper often causes jams.
- Use the right paper type: Use paper that meets your printer’s specifications. Thick, moist, or curled paper can cause jams.
- Remove any loose debris: Sometimes small bits of torn paper or debris inside the printer cause jams.
Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Brother Printer Paper Jam Errors on Windows 11
1. Turn Off and Unplug the Printer
Before you start, turn off your Brother printer using the power button. Then unplug it from the power source. This prevents electrical shock and protects the printer’s internal parts while you work on it.
2. Open the Printer Cover Carefully
Locate the front or top cover of your Brother printer. Gently open it to access the paper path. Most Brother printers have a clear cover that reveals the rollers and paper feed area.
Opening the cover allows you to see where the paper has jammed and makes it easier to remove.
3. Gently Remove Jammed Paper
Look for the jammed paper inside the printer. Grip the paper firmly and pull it out slowly and steadily in the direction of the paper feed. Avoid pulling quickly or forcefully to prevent tearing the paper or damaging internal parts.
If the paper tears, carefully remove any small pieces left inside to avoid future jams.
4. Check the Rear Paper Feed and Output Tray
Some paper jams happen near the rear or output area of the printer. Open the back cover or paper output tray and check for stuck paper. Remove any found pieces carefully.
Clearing jams here ensures smooth paper movement through the printer.
5. Inspect and Clean the Rollers
Paper feed rollers can accumulate dust or small bits of paper, causing jams. Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water to clean the rollers gently. Rotate them manually to clean all sides.
Cleaning rollers improves paper grip and feeding, reducing the chance of jams.
6. Reload Paper Correctly
After clearing jams and cleaning, reload the paper tray. Make sure the paper stack is aligned properly and not exceeding the maximum fill line. Fan the paper stack before loading to separate sheets and prevent sticking.
Proper loading helps the printer pick up one sheet at a time without jamming.
7. Close All Covers and Power On
Close the printer covers firmly but gently to ensure they latch correctly. Plug the printer back in and turn it on. Check the printer’s display panel or your Windows 11 PC for any error messages.
If the paper jam error persists, proceed to advanced troubleshooting.
Advanced Options if Paper Jam Errors Continue
1. Run the Printer’s Built-in Jam Removal Tool
Many Brother printers have an automatic jam removal function accessible from the control panel. Consult your printer manual for instructions on how to activate this feature.
2. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers on Windows 11
Sometimes, error messages persist due to outdated or corrupted drivers. To fix this:
- Open Settings on Windows 11 and go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select your Brother printer, then click Remove device.
- Visit the official Brother website to download the latest Windows 11 drivers for your printer model.
- Install the drivers and restart your PC.
Updated drivers ensure proper communication between your PC and printer, helping clear false jam errors.
3. Reset Your Brother Printer
Resetting the printer can clear error states. To reset:
- Turn off the printer.
- Hold down the Stop/Exit button.
- While holding the button, turn the printer back on.
- Release the button when the printer display shows “Resetting” or similar.
Refer to your printer model’s manual for specific reset instructions as these can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does my Brother printer keep jamming paper?
Common causes include incorrectly loaded paper, using wrong paper types, dirty or worn rollers, and debris inside the printer.
Can I remove jammed paper from the printer while it is on?
No. Always turn off and unplug the printer before removing jammed paper to avoid damage or injury.
How do I know where the paper is jammed inside the printer?
Open the front, back, and paper tray areas to visually inspect the paper path. Your printer’s display or error message may also indicate the jam location.
Is it necessary to clean the rollers regularly?
Yes. Cleaning rollers every few months helps prevent jams by maintaining good paper grip and feed.
Will updating the driver fix paper jam errors?
Sometimes. Driver issues can cause the printer to misinterpret sensor signals, showing false jam errors. Updating drivers can help.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and the paper jam error persists, it may be a hardware issue requiring professional service. Here are some last-resort options:
- Consult the official Brother Support website for your printer model.
- Contact Brother customer support for assistance or repair options.
- Consider taking the printer to an authorized service center.
- Check your printer warranty status before seeking paid repairs.
Conclusion
Paper jams can be frustrating but are usually easy to fix. By turning off your printer, carefully removing jammed paper, cleaning rollers, and loading paper correctly, you can quickly resolve most issues.
Keeping your printer clean and using the right paper will help prevent jams in the future. If problems persist, updating drivers or resetting the printer may help resolve false jam errors.
When all else fails, official Brother support and authorized repair centers are your best resources. With patience and these simple steps, you can keep your Brother printer running smoothly on Windows 11.