Brother Error Print Unable 31 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Updated August 2026 · Independent PrinterCare USA support guide
Error 31 on your Brother printer is frustrating because it stops all printing until you fix it, but the good news is that this error has straightforward causes that you can usually resolve yourself in under ten minutes. This carriage error typically occurs after a paper jam, when the printer has been moved, or if internal components have shifted slightly out of alignment.
The carriage is the part that holds your print head and slides left and right across the page. When it gets stuck or loses its position reference, the printer cannot complete its startup sequence and throws Error 31 to protect itself from damage. We will walk you through the exact steps to get your Brother printer printing again.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power cycle the printer completely. Turn off your Brother printer using the power button and unplug the power cable from the wall outlet. Wait for thirty seconds to allow all capacitors to discharge, then plug the power cable back in and turn the printer on again. Many Error 31 issues clear themselves after a full power cycle because this resets the printer's internal position counters.
- Check for visible paper jams or debris. Open all access panels on your Brother printer, including the rear output tray cover, the toner cartridge compartment, and any side panels. Look carefully for torn pieces of paper, plastic shards, or any objects blocking the carriage track. Remove any debris you find and make sure nothing is wedged between the carriage and the frame.
- Manually move the carriage to the home position. With the printer powered off, locate the carriage assembly inside the printer, which is the rectangular plastic or metal frame that holds the print head. Gently slide the carriage all the way to the right side of the printer until you hear or feel a click, which indicates it has reached the home position. Do not force it or move it roughly, as the carriage contains delicate optical components.
- Inspect the encoder strip for damage or misalignment. Look for a thin, clear plastic strip with a black or gray printed pattern running along the length of the carriage track. This is the encoder strip, which the printer uses to track the carriage position. If the strip appears bent, cracked, or if it has fallen away from its mounting, this is likely causing Error 31 and will need to be repositioned or replaced.
- Reseat the encoder strip if it is loose. If you can see that the encoder strip has lifted away from its groove or housing, power off the printer and gently push it back into its correct position along the entire length. Make sure it is seated flat and fully inserted into the track. Power the printer back on and attempt a test print to see if Error 31 has cleared.
- Clean the encoder strip with a soft, dry cloth. If the encoder strip is still in place but appears dirty or dusty, use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe along the entire length of the black or gray printed pattern. Do not use water, solvents, or compressed air, as these can damage the sensor. Once clean, power the printer on and run a test print.
- Replace the encoder strip if it is visibly damaged. If you can see cracks, tears, or permanent deformation in the encoder strip, it will need to be replaced. Order a replacement encoder strip or carriage maintenance kit specific to your Brother model number from an authorized parts supplier. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the new strip, ensuring it is fully seated in its track before reassembling the printer.
- Contact Brother support or a technician if Error 31 persists. If you have completed all the above steps and Error 31 still appears, the carriage motor or internal position sensor may have failed. You can reach out to Brother customer support for phone guidance, or contact a certified repair technician for in-person service. Remote diagnostic support is available for forty-nine dollars if you prefer troubleshooting help over the phone.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Error 31 actually mean on a Brother printer?
Error 31 is a carriage error that tells you the printer cannot locate or move the print carriage to its home position. This usually means the carriage is physically stuck, the encoder strip is out of place, or the carriage position sensor has failed. The printer displays this error to prevent it from attempting to print and causing further damage to internal components.
Can I still print if I ignore Error 31?
No, your Brother printer will refuse to print until Error 31 is resolved. The printer's firmware will not allow any print jobs to process because it cannot verify that the carriage is in a safe starting position. Attempting to force a print will only waste ink and paper.
Do I need to replace the entire carriage assembly if I see Error 31?
Not necessarily. In most cases, the carriage assembly itself is fine and the problem is that it is stuck in position or the encoder strip needs adjustment. Only if you have confirmed that the carriage is cracked, the motor makes grinding sounds, or the encoder strip is severely damaged would you need to replace the whole carriage assembly.
Is Error 31 covered under my Brother printer warranty?
Error 31 caused by normal wear, paper jams, or accidental damage is usually not covered under the standard one-year limited warranty, but mechanical failures of the carriage motor or sensor may be. Check your original documentation or contact Brother support with your model number and serial number to confirm your warranty coverage.