Brother Printer Error Code 59 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Brother printer error 59 indicates a problem with the drum unit or a component detection issue. The printer cannot recognize the drum unit that is installed, or the drum unit has reached the end of its usable life. This error is also linked to drum unit replacements that were not properly confirmed by resetting the drum counter.

Affected Models

Brother MFC-L2710DW
Brother HL-L2350DW
Brother DCP-L2550DW
Brother MFC-L3770CDW
Select Brother monochrome and color laser printers

Common Causes

The drum unit has reached its page count limit and the printer is enforcing replacement
A new drum unit was installed but the drum counter was not reset
The drum unit is not seated correctly in the printer
A third-party drum unit is not being recognized by the printer
The drum unit sensor or drum detection mechanism has a fault

How to Fix It

Open the front cover and remove the toner cartridge and drum unit assembly.

Slide the full assembly out carefully. Set it on a flat surface.
Check the drum unit's page counter.

Go to Menu > All Settings > Machine Info > Parts Life > Drum on the printer's control panel. If it shows 0% remaining, the drum needs replacement.
If you've already installed a new drum unit, reset the drum counter.

On most Brother models: open the front cover, then hold the 'Cancel' button for several seconds. Or go to Menu > All Settings > Machine Info > Reset Parts Life > Drum.
Remove the drum unit and reinstall it firmly.

Make sure the drum assembly clicks fully into its seating position. A partially seated drum will not be detected correctly.
If using a third-party drum unit, swap it for a genuine Brother drum to test.

Third-party drums occasionally have chip compatibility issues that trigger error 59.

When to Call a Professional

If error 59 persists after installing a new drum unit and resetting the counter, the drum detection sensor may be faulty. A technician can clean or replace the sensor for $80–$150. Make sure you are using a genuine Brother drum unit before concluding it's a sensor issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reset the drum counter on a Brother printer?

Open the front cover of the printer. Depending on your model, either hold the 'Cancel' button for a few seconds, or navigate to Menu > All Settings > Machine Info > Reset Parts Life > Drum. Confirm the reset. The drum counter will reset to 100%. Only reset the drum counter when you have actually installed a new drum unit.

How many pages does a Brother drum unit last?

Brother drum units are rated for approximately 12,000–30,000 pages depending on the model. The drum lasts much longer than a toner cartridge — typically through 3–5 toner cartridge replacements. The printer tracks the drum's page count separately from the toner. When the drum reaches its limit, error 59 appears.

Is a drum unit the same as a toner cartridge?

No — they are different parts. The toner cartridge holds the dry toner powder. The drum unit (or imaging drum) is the cylindrical component that transfers the toner image onto paper. On many Brother printers, these are sold and replaced separately. Toner cartridges are replaced much more often than drum units.