Brother Printer Error Code 28 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Brother error code 28 means paper is jammed inside the printer. The printer detected that a sheet did not pass through the paper path correctly and stopped to prevent damage. This is one of the most common Brother printer errors and is almost always fixable at home.

Affected Models

Brother HL-L2350DW
Brother MFC-L2710DW
Brother HL-L3210CW
Brother DCP-L2550DW
Brother MFC-J895DW

Common Causes

A sheet of paper got creased, folded, or torn while passing through the printer and stopped moving
Paper that is too thick, too thin, or damaged (wrinkled, torn edges) cannot navigate the paper path cleanly
A foreign object — a staple, paper clip, or label that fell off a sheet — is blocking the paper path
The paper feed rollers are worn and allowed paper to enter the printer at a slight angle, causing it to jam
The printer tried to print on both sides (duplex) and the paper jammed during the flip-and-refeed process

How to Fix It

Turn the printer off immediately when you see error 28. Trying to print through a jam can cause torn paper to go deeper into the machine or damage the rollers.

Always power off before reaching inside a laser printer — the fuser unit operates at very high temperatures and can cause burns.
Open the front cover, back cover, and (if applicable) the duplex cover. Use a flashlight to look for the jammed paper from every angle.

Paper jams often occur near the fuser (rear of the printer), at the paper entry point (bottom front), or inside the duplex path (rear panel).
Gently pull the jammed paper in the direction of the paper path — usually forward and out through the front of the printer. Pull slowly and evenly to avoid tearing it.

If the paper tears, locate every torn piece and remove them all before closing the printer. A leftover scrap will cause another jam on the next print job.
After removing the jam, look inside the paper path for any pieces of paper you may have missed. Run your finger along the paper path (printer powered off and cooled) to feel for obstructions.

On laser printers, be careful near the fuser roller — even after the printer is off, the fuser stays hot for several minutes.
Reload the paper tray with a fresh stack, close all covers, and power the printer back on. Try a test print to confirm the jam is fully cleared.

If error 28 reappears immediately on the test print, paper is still stuck inside. Repeat the inspection steps before printing again.

When to Call a Professional

If the jammed paper is deep inside the printer and you cannot see or reach it, do not force it. Take the printer to a repair shop — forcing a deep jam can damage the fuser unit, which is an expensive repair. A technician can remove stubborn jams safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use the printer right after clearing a jam?

Yes, as long as all paper is removed and all covers are properly closed. Check that the paper tray is loaded with flat, undamaged paper and run a single test page first. If that page prints cleanly, the printer is fine to use normally.

My Brother printer shows error 28 but I cannot find any paper inside — what is wrong?

A very small piece of paper may be lodged somewhere not immediately visible — inside the duplex unit or behind the fuser. Try removing the toner cartridge and looking into the cartridge bay with a flashlight. You can also try gently feeding a fresh sheet by hand to feel whether there is resistance inside the paper path.

How can I prevent jams on a Brother laser printer?

Use good quality paper in the right size and weight for your model. Do not overfill the tray. Store paper flat in a dry location — do not leave paper sitting in the tray for months at a time. And clean the feed rollers every few months to maintain their grip.