Brother Printer Error Code 35 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Brother error 35 means there is a paper jam inside the main body of the printer. Paper got stuck somewhere between the paper tray and the output tray. This is a minor error — you can usually clear it at home without any special tools.

Affected Models

Brother HL-L2350DW
Brother MFC-L2710DW
Brother MFC-L2750DW
Brother DCP-L2550DW
Brother HL-L2390DW

Common Causes

A sheet of paper fed through at an angle and got caught on an internal roller
Two sheets of paper fed at the same time and created a blockage inside
The paper loaded in the tray is wrinkled, torn, or has a folded corner
A small scrap of paper from a previous jam was left inside the printer
The paper being used is outside the supported size or weight range for the printer

How to Fix It

Turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall. Open the front cover of the printer.

Do not try to pull paper out while the printer is on. The rollers can engage and make the jam worse.
Remove the toner cartridge and drum unit assembly. Set it aside on a flat surface away from sunlight.

Exposing the drum to direct light for more than a few minutes can damage it. Keep it in a shaded area.
Look inside the printer cavity with a flashlight. Locate the jammed paper and gently pull it straight out toward you.

Pull slowly and steadily. If it tears, find every piece before reassembling — even tiny scraps cause new jams.
Check the paper tray for wrinkled or folded sheets. Remove all paper, straighten the stack, and reload it properly. Make sure paper guides are flush with the paper edges.

Fan the paper before reloading to prevent sheets from sticking together and double-feeding.
Reinstall the toner and drum assembly. Close the front cover. Plug in and power on the printer, then send a test print.

If the error clears and the test page prints normally, the jam is fully resolved.

When to Call a Professional

Error 35 is almost always a DIY fix. If you have cleared the jam but the error persists, a paper sensor inside may be stuck or damaged. A technician can inspect and replace the sensor for around $40 to $60.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Brother printer keep jamming in the same spot?

Repeated jams in the same spot usually mean a small piece of paper is still stuck inside. It could also mean a pick roller or feed roller is worn out and needs replacing. Check carefully with a flashlight after each jam and remove every scrap.

How do I know which paper is compatible with my Brother printer?

Check your printer's manual or Brother's website for the supported paper specifications. Most Brother printers support 16 to 28 lb (60 to 105 gsm) standard copy paper. Very thick, very thin, or glossy paper can cause feeding problems.

My printer says jam cleared but it still shows error 35. What do I do?

This usually means a tiny scrap of paper is still inside the printer. Remove the toner and drum assembly again and inspect every visible area with a flashlight. Also try turning the printer off completely, waiting 30 seconds, and turning it back on.