Brother Error Document Jam — What It Means & How to Fix It
By Ryan Green · Updated August 2026 · Independent guide · PrinterCare USA LLC (not affiliated with any printer manufacturer)
The Document Jam error on Brother printers is one of the most frustrating messages you can see, especially when you have a stack of documents waiting to be scanned or copied. This error specifically indicates that the automatic document feeder has detected paper caught inside, a sensor malfunction, or debris preventing the feed mechanism from operating smoothly.
The good news is that most Document Jam errors can be resolved with simple maintenance steps that take less than ten minutes. If you have already cleared visible paper and the error remains, the feed sensor or roller assembly may need professional attention, but we will walk through every troubleshooting step you need to try first.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power off the printer and open the ADF cover. Turn off your Brother printer completely using the power button and wait at least thirty seconds for all internal components to stop moving. Locate the automatic document feeder on top of the printer and gently lift or swing open the ADF cover until you hear or feel it lock into the open position. Never force the cover, as this can damage the sensors and feed mechanism.
- Remove any visible paper or debris from the ADF. Look inside the ADF tray and underneath the cover for torn paper pieces, stuck documents, or foreign objects like staples or paper clips. Use your fingers or plastic tweezers to carefully remove anything blocking the feed path, working slowly to avoid breaking off small pieces that could remain inside. Pay special attention to the corners and around the feed rollers where paper often catches.
- Inspect and clean the feed rollers. Locate the rubber feed rollers inside the ADF, which are the small cylindrical components that grab and move paper through the scanner. Dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water and gently wipe each roller in a circular motion to remove dust, paper residue, and ink buildup. Allow the rollers to air dry completely before closing the cover, which usually takes two to three minutes.
- Check the paper bail arm and guide. Examine the plastic paper bail arm that guides documents into the feeder and ensure it is not bent, cracked, or misaligned. Gently press the arm down and release it to confirm it moves freely without resistance or grinding sounds. If the arm appears bent or damaged, it will need to be replaced to restore normal operation.
- Close the ADF cover and test with a single sheet. Carefully lower the ADF cover back into place until it clicks or locks fully closed. Power the printer back on and wait for all startup lights and sounds to complete. Place a single sheet of standard white paper into the ADF tray and attempt a test scan to verify the error has cleared.
- Clear the print queue on your computer. On Windows 11, open Settings, navigate to Devices and then Printers and Scanners, select your Brother printer, and click Open Queue. On macOS, open System Settings, go to General then Printers and Scanners, select your printer, and click Open Print Queue. Delete any stuck or pending jobs that may be triggering the error message.
- Reset the printer network connection if the error persists. Hold down the WiFi button on your Brother printer for ten seconds until the light blinks, which will reset the wireless connection. Reconnect your printer to your network through the control panel or using the Brother IPrint Scan app. This step resolves errors caused by communication failures between your computer and printer.
- Contact Brother support or request remote assistance if needed. If the Document Jam error returns after completing all troubleshooting steps, the ADF sensor, motor, or internal feed mechanism may be faulty and require professional service. Many authorized technicians and remote support providers offer diagnostic assistance starting at forty-nine dollars to identify whether repair or replacement is necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
Will the Document Jam error go away on its own if I restart my printer?
Restarting your printer will clear the error message temporarily, but it will return when you attempt to use the ADF again if paper or debris remains inside. A full power cycle is helpful after clearing the jam, but the underlying cause must be addressed first. If the error persists after clearing all visible obstructions, the sensor itself may be malfunctioning and will require service.
Can I use the flatbed scanner if the ADF is showing a Document Jam error?
Yes, you can continue using the flatbed glass scanner even when the ADF is displaying an error, as these are separate components. However, you will need to place each document manually on the glass and cover it with the lid for each scan. If both the ADF and flatbed are showing errors, the issue is likely with the main scanner module rather than just the feeder.
How often should I clean the ADF feed rollers to prevent jam errors?
For most office environments, cleaning the ADF rollers once every two to three months is sufficient to prevent buildup and jam errors. High-volume scanning operations or workplaces with dusty conditions should increase this to monthly cleaning. If you notice the ADF starting to slow down or produce faint copies, that is a sign it needs immediate cleaning.
What should I do if torn paper remains stuck inside the ADF after I try to remove it?
Stop attempting to remove it yourself and contact a technician, as forcing out torn pieces can damage the internal feed rollers and sensors. If you have an active service contract with Brother or an authorized repair center, they have specialized tools to safely extract stuck paper without causing additional damage. Attempting to disassemble the ADF yourself will void your warranty and may result in costly repairs.