Brother Error Machine Error 46 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Updated August 2026 · Independent PrinterCare USA support guide
Machine Error 46 is one of the most common errors on Brother printers, and it's actually a straightforward maintenance issue rather than a serious hardware failure. The error appears because Brother printers track how much waste ink accumulates in an internal absorber pad during cleaning cycles, and when that counter reaches a preset limit, the printer locks up as a safety measure to prevent overflow.
The good news is that this error has a definitive fix: you need to reset the waste ink counter through the printer's service menu. This is a legitimate maintenance task that business users and home users perform regularly, and it takes only a few minutes. If you prefer not to do it yourself, Brother offers a remote reset service, but the DIY method is straightforward and costs nothing.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power cycle the printer completely. Turn off the Brother printer using the power button and wait for all lights to stop flashing. Unplug the power cable from the wall outlet and wait for thirty seconds to one minute. Plug the power cable back in and power the printer on again, then allow it to complete its startup sequence fully before proceeding to the next step.
- Access the printer's menu from the control panel. Press the Menu button on your Brother printer's touchscreen or control panel. Navigate through the menu options using the arrow buttons or touchscreen to find Settings, Maintenance, or Service (the exact name depends on your specific Brother model). Select this option and confirm your selection by pressing OK or Enter.
- Locate the counter reset option in the service menu. Once you are in the Maintenance or Service menu, look for an option labeled Reset Counters, Waste Ink Counter, Absorber Counter, or similar language. Some Brother models organize this under a Service Mode or Technician Menu. Select this option when you find it.
- Confirm the ink absorber counter reset. The printer will display a confirmation message asking whether you want to reset the ink absorber counter or waste ink counter. Press Yes or OK to confirm the reset. The printer may display another prompt asking for confirmation again; this is normal and you should confirm a second time.
- Allow the printer to complete the reset process. The printer will process the reset for approximately thirty seconds to two minutes. You will see a status message on the control panel indicating that the reset is in progress. Do not turn off the printer or close any covers during this process, as interrupting it may cause additional errors.
- Exit the menu and perform a test print. After the reset completes and the printer returns to the normal ready state, press the Menu button to exit the service menu entirely. Print a test page by accessing the printer settings on your Windows computer or Mac and selecting Print Test Page, or by using the printer's built-in demo print function from the control panel.
- Verify the error is completely resolved. Check that the test page printed without any error codes or messages on the control panel. The Machine Error 46 message should no longer appear. If the error reappears after a few days or weeks, this typically indicates that your printer is approaching the point where the absorber pad itself needs physical replacement, which is a service that Brother technicians handle.
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Frequently asked questions
What exactly is the ink absorber pad and why does it get full?
The ink absorber pad is a sponge-like component inside your Brother printer that collects excess ink and cleaning fluid during the printer's automatic cleaning and maintenance cycles. Over time, as the printer performs thousands of cleaning operations, this pad fills up with waste ink. Brother printers are designed to track this accumulation and lock the printer when the counter reaches the manufacturer's limit to prevent overflow and potential damage to internal components.
Is it safe to reset the counter myself, or should I send the printer for service?
Resetting the counter through the menu is completely safe and is the standard maintenance procedure recommended by Brother for this exact situation. You are not physically opening the printer or removing any components; you are simply instructing the printer to reset its internal counter. However, if the error returns within a few days after your reset, the physical absorber pad itself may be nearing the end of its life, and professional service or replacement of that component would become necessary.
How often does Machine Error 46 typically occur, and can I prevent it?
The frequency depends entirely on how often your printer performs cleaning cycles and how much you print. High-volume users in business environments may see this error every several months, while light home users might not see it for years. You cannot completely prevent the absorber pad from filling up, but you can reduce cleaning cycles by avoiding unnecessary power-offs and letting the printer complete all automatic maintenance tasks without interruption.
What should I do if the error comes back immediately after I reset the counter?
If Machine Error 46 reappears within hours or days of your reset, this suggests that the physical absorber pad is saturated and cannot absorb any more waste ink. In this case, the pad itself must be replaced, which requires opening the printer and is best handled by a professional technician or Brother service center. Contact Brother support with your printer model number to arrange service or obtain replacement parts if your printer is still under warranty.