Brother Printer Error Code 31 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 31 on a Brother printer means paper is jammed in the paper feed area. The printer detected that paper is stuck and cannot continue until it is removed. You need to locate and gently remove all jammed paper before printing can resume.

Affected Models

Brother MFC-J485DW
Brother MFC-J690DW
Brother MFC-J895DW
Brother DCP-J572DW
Brother MFC-J775DW

Common Causes

A sheet of paper got caught in the paper feed rollers
The paper being used is too thick or too thin for the printer
Multiple sheets were fed at once due to static electricity or damp paper
A crinkled or folded sheet caused a jam at the feed point
The paper guides were not adjusted to the paper width, causing it to skew and jam

How to Fix It

Turn off the printer immediately. Do not attempt to continue printing with a jam active.

Forcing the printer to run with a jam can tear the paper and make removal harder.
Open the front cover by pressing the release button on the right side of the printer.

On duplex models, also open the rear cover panel.
Slowly pull out any jammed paper. Use both hands and pull gently and evenly.

If the paper tears, remove every scrap — even a small piece will cause the error to return.
Use a flashlight to look inside the paper path for any remaining pieces.

Check behind the toner drum area and near the feed rollers.
Close all covers and power the printer back on. Try printing a test page.

If error 31 returns immediately, there is still paper inside.

When to Call a Professional

If you removed all visible paper but error 31 persists, a small scrap is likely still inside. A technician can disassemble the paper path area and remove hidden jams safely. This typically costs $40 to $70 at a Brother service center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What paper is best for Brother inkjet printers?

Brother recommends using 75 to 90 gsm plain bond paper for everyday printing. Avoid using paper that has been stored in humid conditions — moisture causes feeding problems. For photo printing, use Brother or other brand photo paper rated for inkjet use.

Error 31 happens every few pages. Is something wrong with the rollers?

Yes. Frequent jams in the same spot suggest worn or dirty paper feed rollers. Try cleaning the rollers with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water. If that does not help, the rollers may need replacement.

How do I prevent error 31 on my Brother printer?

Fan the paper stack before loading to separate sheets. Make sure the paper guides are snug against the paper — not too tight, not too loose. Do not overfill the paper tray — stay within the fill line marked inside the tray.