30
Brother Printer
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
Brother error 30 means a sheet of paper is jammed at the rear of the printer. Paper got stuck as it was exiting the machine. This is a minor error — you can fix it yourself in a few minutes without any tools.
Affected Models
- Brother HL-L2350DW
- Brother MFC-L2710DW
- Brother MFC-L2750DW
- Brother DCP-L2550DW
- Brother HL-L2390DW
Common Causes
- A sheet of paper got stuck while exiting through the rear output tray
- The paper being used is too thick, glossy, or heavy for the rear paper path
- A small torn scrap of paper from a previous jam is still inside the machine
- The rear cover was not properly closed after a previous jam clearance
- The paper was loaded crooked in the tray and fed at an angle
How to Fix It
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Turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall before reaching inside.
The fuser unit inside can be very hot. Turning off and unplugging first prevents burns and electrical hazards.
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Open the rear cover of the printer. This is usually a flap on the back of the machine — press the release tabs on both sides and pull it down.
On some models the rear cover is also labeled 'back cover' or has a symbol showing paper output direction.
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Gently pull any visible jammed paper straight down and out of the machine. Use both hands and pull slowly to avoid tearing.
Never yank the paper out forcefully. Torn pieces left inside will cause another jam immediately.
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Use a flashlight to check inside the paper path for any small torn pieces. Remove anything you find with tweezers or by hand.
Even a tiny scrap of paper the size of a postage stamp can trigger the error again.
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Close the rear cover firmly until it clicks. Plug the printer back in, turn it on, and print a test page.
If the error reappears, repeat the process — a hidden scrap may have shifted during the first attempt.
When to Call a Professional
Error 30 is almost always fixable at home. If you remove all visible paper but the error keeps returning, a small torn piece may be stuck deeper inside. A local printer repair shop can inspect and clear it for around $30 to $50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Brother printer keep getting paper jams at the back?
Repeated rear jams usually mean one of two things. Either a small torn piece of paper is still stuck inside the printer, or the paper you are using is not suitable for that paper path. Try using a fresh ream of standard 20 lb copy paper and fan the sheets before loading.
Can I still print if I ignore the error 30?
No. Brother printers will not print at all while an error is active. You must clear the jam before the printer will accept any new print jobs.
How do I open the rear cover on my Brother printer?
Look for two small plastic tabs on the left and right sides of the back panel. Pinch or press them inward at the same time and pull the cover down. If it does not budge, check your printer manual — the exact mechanism varies by model.