Brother Printer Error Code 72 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Brother printer error 72 indicates a machine error — a serious internal fault that prevents the printer from operating. This is typically related to the main board, an internal motor, or a critical component failure detected during the printer's self-test. A power reset sometimes resolves it, but professional service is often needed.

Affected Models

Brother MFC-L2710DW
Brother MFC-J6945DW
Brother HL-L2350DW
Brother MFC-L3770CDW
Select Brother laser and inkjet printers

Common Causes

The main control board has detected a critical internal fault
An internal motor (paper feed motor, carriage motor) has failed or is not responding
A firmware error occurred during startup or a print job
An interrupted firmware update left the printer in a non-functional state
A power fluctuation or surge caused corruption in the printer's internal memory

How to Fix It

Turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall outlet.

Wait 2 full minutes before plugging back in. This fully discharges internal capacitors and allows a clean restart.
Plug the printer back in and power it on.

Watch the startup sequence. If error 72 clears and the printer boots normally, run a test print to confirm.
Check for a firmware update on Brother's website.

Go to support.brother.com, enter your model, and download any available firmware updates. A firmware fix may resolve the error.
Perform a factory reset if the printer menu is accessible.

On many Brother models: go to Menu > All Settings > Initial Setup > Reset > Factory Reset. This clears all settings and restores the printer to out-of-box state.
If error 72 persists after a factory reset, contact Brother support for professional service.

Have your model number, serial number, and purchase date ready when you call or submit a service request online.

When to Call a Professional

Error 72 is a serious fault that usually requires professional diagnosis. Brother's authorized service centers can run a full diagnostic to identify the failing component. Contact Brother support at brother-usa.com/support or call 1-877-276-8437. For printers still under warranty, Brother may repair or replace the unit at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'machine error' mean on a Brother printer?

Machine error means the printer's internal self-test detected a critical hardware failure. Unlike simpler errors (low toner, paper jam), a machine error indicates a component inside the printer has stopped working. This cannot be fixed by the user through normal maintenance. A power reset sometimes resolves temporary machine errors, but persistent ones need professional repair.

Is Brother error 72 covered under warranty?

If your printer is within the standard 1 or 2-year warranty, Brother will repair or replace it at no charge. Check your purchase receipt for the exact purchase date. Go to brother-usa.com/support and register your product to check warranty status. Bring your proof of purchase when contacting support.

Can a firmware update fix Brother error 72?

In some cases, yes. If the error was caused by a firmware bug rather than a physical hardware failure, a firmware update can fix it. This is most likely if the error appeared after a recent firmware update or power interruption. Check Brother's support site for your model and install any available firmware before sending the printer for service.