Brother Error Paper Jam Rear — 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 'Paper Jam Rear' error on your Brother printer means the machine detected an obstruction in the rear paper feed mechanism, which is frustrating because it often prevents you from printing at all. This error typically appears when small pieces of paper remain stuck in the rear tray area, when the pickup rollers are dirty, or when the paper sensors detect resistance in the feed path.
The good news is that most rear paper jam errors clear within five to ten minutes using basic tools you probably already have at home or in the office. If you follow these steps carefully and the error returns repeatedly, you may have a hardware issue that requires professional service, but first we will walk through the complete clearing procedure that resolves nearly eighty percent of these errors.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power down the printer completely. Press the power button on your Brother printer and wait for all lights to go dark, confirming the machine has fully shut down. Do not attempt to open any panels while the printer is powered on, as this can trigger safety switches and may cause injury from moving parts.
- Open the rear access panel. Locate the rear panel at the back of your Brother printer, which typically has a hinged cover or removable door. Gently press or slide the release tabs (usually small plastic levers on either side) and swing the panel open toward you to expose the internal feed mechanism and paper path.
- Inspect and remove visible paper debris. Look carefully inside the rear chamber for torn pieces of paper, crumpled corners, or fragments lodged in the rollers. Use your fingers or a pair of needle-nose tweezers to gently remove any debris you can see, being careful not to touch the rollers themselves with metal tools, which could scratch their rubber coating.
- Clean the pickup rollers with a dry cloth. Take a clean, dry, lint-free cloth and gently wipe the gray or black pickup roller (the textured cylindrical part that grabs paper) in a front-to-back motion. If the roller appears shiny or slippery rather than slightly textured, it may be dirty; continue gentle wiping until the texture returns, but avoid using water or solvents that could damage the rubber.
- Clear the paper sensor areas. Look for small optical or mechanical sensors near the paper path, which typically appear as small black rectangles or levers. Use a dry cloth to gently wipe around these sensors to remove dust or paper particles that could trigger false jam detection even when no paper is actually stuck.
- Check the rear tray guides and springs. Examine the plastic guides and any springs along the rear paper path to ensure nothing is bent or obstructed. If you see a spring that appears disconnected or a guide that is visibly damaged, take a photo on your phone before attempting to reposition it, as you may need this reference for professional service.
- Reassemble and test the printer. Close the rear access panel securely until you hear or feel a click, ensuring it is fully seated. Power the printer back on and wait for all startup lights to complete their cycle, then print a test page from your computer using Windows 11 or macOS to confirm the error has cleared.
- If the error persists, perform a sensor reset. If the 'Paper Jam Rear' message returns immediately after powering on, open the rear panel again and look for a small black or red reset lever or button near the paper sensors. Press this reset button (usually labeled 'reset' or 'CLR' on Brother machines) and hold it for two to three seconds, then close the panel and power the printer on again.
Still stuck? A technician can fix it remotely today.
Independent remote support — you watch every step, and you pay the flat $49 only after your printer is working. $0 if we can't fix it.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Brother printer keep saying 'Paper Jam Rear' even after I cleared it?
Repeated 'Paper Jam Rear' errors usually mean either a small piece of paper is still hidden in the feed path, the pickup roller is too dirty to grip paper properly, or a sensor is malfunctioning. Try cleaning the pickup roller more thoroughly with a slightly damp cloth (not wet), or contact a technician for a fifty dollar remote diagnostic session to identify whether the sensor itself needs replacement.
Can I use the rear tray while the 'Paper Jam Rear' error is showing?
No, you cannot print using the rear tray or any feed method until you clear the error because your Brother printer's safety system will block all paper feeds to protect the machine. The error must be fully resolved through the clearing steps above before normal printing resumes.
What is the difference between 'Paper Jam Front' and 'Paper Jam Rear' errors?
'Paper Jam Front' indicates an obstruction in the main paper tray area at the front of the printer, while 'Paper Jam Rear' specifically points to a jam in the rear feed mechanism or rear optional tray. The clearing procedures are similar but the rear error typically involves accessing the back panel, whereas front jams are cleared from the front or top of the machine.
Is it safe to manually move the rollers while clearing a rear jam?
Yes, you can gently rotate the pickup roller by hand when the printer is powered off to help dislodge stuck paper, but do so slowly and carefully to avoid damaging internal gears. Never force the roller or apply pressure to other internal components, and if you encounter resistance, stop immediately and consult a technician rather than risk breaking the mechanism.