Introduction
Why Choose a Brother Printer?
Brother printers are well‑known for their reliability, affordability, and high‑quality prints. From compact home printers to heavy‑duty office machines, Brother offers a wide range of models to suit different needs. Popular series like the Brother HL‑L2350DW, MFC‑L3770CDW, and DCP‑L2550DW are praised for their wireless connectivity, speed, and low running costs.
However, like any piece of technology, even a Brother printer can sometimes display error codes — one common example being Error 04.
What is Brother Printer Error 04?
- Brother Printer Error 04 usually indicates a mechanical or paper feed problem.
- It typically appears when:
- A sheet of paper is stuck in the printer.
- The printer’s rollers cannot pull paper correctly.
- A paper sensor is obstructed or misaligned.
- You’ll often see this code on the printer’s display or your computer’s print status monitor.
Quick Fix #1: Check for Paper Jam
Paper jams are the most common cause of Error 04.
Here’s how to clear them safely:
- Turn off your Brother printer and unplug it from the power source.
- Open the front cover or rear panel, depending on your model.
- Gently pull out any stuck paper — avoid tearing it.
- Check inside for tiny scraps of paper that might be blocking sensors.
- Close the cover securely and plug the printer back in.
Quick Fix #2: Restart & Reset the Printer
Sometimes, Error 04 is a temporary glitch.
- Turn off the printer and disconnect it from power for at least 30 seconds.
- Reconnect the power cable and turn the printer back on.
- If the error persists, consult your printer’s menu for a factory reset option (check your user manual for the exact steps).
- Retry printing to see if the issue is resolved.
Quick Fix #3: Check Ink/Toner and Paper Supply
Low supplies can sometimes trigger false error messages.
- Ink/Toner: Open the cartridge compartment and check levels. Replace any empty or near‑empty cartridges with genuine Brother products.
- Paper: Make sure the tray has the correct size and type of paper, and that it’s loaded properly without curling or bending.
What is Brother Printer Error 04?
Step‑by‑step instructions to remove stuck paper safely.
Quick Fix #1: Check for Paper Jam
Step‑by‑step instructions to remove stuck paper safely.
Quick Fix #2: Restart & Reset the Printer
Turning off/on.
Clearing error messages.
Quick Fix #3: Check Ink/Toner and Paper Supply
Refilling cartridges.
Loading the correct paper.
Other Common Brother Printer Errors and Their Meanings
1. Paper Jam
2. Out of Paper
- No paper in tray.
3. Low / Empty Ink or Toner
Cartridge is nearly empty or finished.
4. Printer Offline
Printer not connected to network or PC.
5. Driver Error
Printer software/driver missing, outdated, or damaged.
6. Print Queue Stuck
Pending print jobs not processing.
7. Misfeed Error
- Paper not feeding properly from tray.
8. Overheating
Printer too hot from heavy use.
9. Connection Error
Faulty USB cable or Wi‑Fi problem.
10. Error Codes / Warning Lights
Manufacturer‑specific problems.
How to Prevent Printer Errors in the Future
- Regular cleaning.
- Using correct paper type.
- Updating drivers.
When to Call Brother Printer Support
- Persistent issues.
- Hardware malfunctions.
Disclaimer:
The troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article are for general informational purposes only. Always refer to your Brother printer’s official user manual or contact Brother Customer Support before attempting repairs. We are not responsible for any damage caused by improper handling, incorrect troubleshooting, or the use of non‑genuine parts.