Brother Printer Error 56 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 56 on a Brother printer is an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) motor error. The ADF is the tray on top of the printer that automatically feeds multiple pages into the scanner. This error means the ADF motor cannot feed or move documents correctly.

Affected Models

Brother MFC-L2710DW
Brother MFC-L2750DW
Brother MFC-7860DW
Brother MFC-L8900CDW
Brother MFC-J6935DW

Common Causes

A document is jammed in the ADF paper path
The ADF pickup rollers are worn and can no longer grip paper reliably
Multiple pages are being fed at once (multi-feed), jamming the ADF mechanism
The ADF motor has failed due to age or heavy use
The document being fed is too thick, too thin, or has a folded corner that caused a jam

How to Fix It

Open the ADF cover (the lid over the document feeder tray). Remove all documents from the ADF input and output trays.

Gently remove any jammed document from the ADF. Pull in the direction of travel — forward through the feeder — to avoid tearing.
Inspect the ADF paper path for any torn paper fragments. Use a flashlight to look inside the ADF mechanism thoroughly.

A tiny corner torn off a document can jam the ADF mechanism on the next feeding attempt. Remove every scrap.
Clean the ADF pickup rollers. Dampen a lint-free cloth slightly with water and gently wipe the rubber rollers to remove dust and paper residue.

Smooth, glazed rollers cannot grip paper properly. Cleaning with water improves grip temporarily. If the rollers remain smooth after cleaning, they are worn and need replacement.
Close the ADF cover firmly. Power the printer off and back on. Try feeding a single clean sheet through the ADF to test.

Test with a single sheet first — if it feeds correctly, the jam was the cause and the ADF is working again.
If error 56 returns, try using the flatbed scanner glass instead of the ADF until you can arrange for ADF service.

The flatbed scanner bypasses the ADF entirely. You can still scan and copy documents by placing them directly on the glass, one page at a time.

When to Call a Professional

If clearing the ADF and cleaning the rollers does not fix error 56, the ADF motor or roller assembly needs replacement. Brother service centers can replace ADF components. ADF roller replacement kits are also available for purchase as a DIY option on many Brother models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use the printer if the ADF is broken?

Yes — if only the ADF is affected, you can still print normally. For scanning and copying, place documents directly on the flatbed glass instead of using the ADF. You just lose the convenience of automatic multi-page feeding until the ADF is repaired.

What type of documents should I avoid putting through the ADF?

Avoid very thin or lightweight paper (below 64 gsm), paper with staples or paper clips, photos, envelopes, and documents with folded or torn edges. Multiple sheets stuck together are also a common cause of ADF jams. Fan your document stack before feeding and make sure all pages are the same size.

How long do ADF rollers last before they need replacing?

ADF rollers on Brother printers typically last around 20,000 to 50,000 feed cycles. For home users who occasionally use the ADF, rollers may last 5 or more years. For office users who regularly feed hundreds of pages per day, rollers may need replacing within 2 to 3 years.