Brother Printer Error Code 46 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Brother error 46 means your printer cannot print because the toner cartridge or drum unit needs attention. The printer has detected that a consumable part has reached its end of life. This is a critical error — the printer will not print until the issue is resolved.

Affected Models

Brother HL-L2350DW
Brother HL-L2390DW
Brother MFC-L2710DW
Brother MFC-L2750DW
Brother DCP-L2550DW

Common Causes

The toner cartridge has reached its estimated end of life and needs replacement
The drum unit has exceeded its expected page count and is worn out
The toner cartridge was not installed correctly and is not making proper contact
A third-party or refilled toner cartridge is not being recognized by the printer
The toner cartridge contacts are dirty and the printer cannot read the chip

How to Fix It

Open the front cover of the printer. Pull out the toner cartridge and drum unit assembly.

Handle the toner cartridge carefully — avoid touching the roller or shaking it over anything you want to keep clean.
Separate the toner cartridge from the drum unit by pressing the green release lever. Check if the toner is empty by gently rocking it side to side.

If the toner powder is unevenly distributed, rocking it can sometimes extend its life by a few more pages.
If the toner is empty, replace it with a new Brother toner cartridge. Remove the protective cover and slide it into the drum unit until it clicks.

Make sure you use the correct cartridge model for your printer. Check your printer manual for the right part number.
If the drum unit counter has triggered the error, reset it. With the front cover open, press and hold the OK or Go button until the display shows the drum counter reset.

The exact reset sequence varies by model. Check your manual or Brother's support site for your specific printer.
Reinstall the drum and toner assembly, close the front cover, and print a test page.

If the error clears, you are good to go. If it returns, make sure the cartridge is fully seated and clicked into place.

When to Call a Professional

Error 46 is usually fixable at home by replacing the toner or drum unit. If the error persists after installing a new genuine Brother cartridge, the cartridge sensor inside the printer may be faulty. A repair would cost $50 to $90, so consider the age of your printer before paying for a fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use third-party toner cartridges in my Brother printer?

You can, but results vary. Some third-party cartridges work well and save money. Others are poorly made and can cause error 46 or print quality problems. Genuine Brother cartridges are the safest choice.

What is the difference between the toner cartridge and the drum unit?

The toner cartridge holds the powder that creates the image on paper. The drum unit is a roller that transfers the toner onto the paper. Both are separate parts that wear out at different rates. The toner runs out first.

How many pages can I print before the toner runs out?

It depends on your model and cartridge type. Standard Brother toner cartridges print roughly 1,200 pages. High-yield cartridges can print 2,600 pages or more. Actual results depend on how much ink coverage your documents need.