Brother Printer Error Code 62 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Brother error 62 usually indicates a problem with the drum unit — either it's not recognized, has reached the end of its life, or has a fault. On some Brother models, error 62 can also indicate a scan unit or laser unit issue. The drum unit is the large assembly (usually green or blue) that works with the toner cartridge. Replacing or reseating the drum unit fixes most error 62 cases. If your drum unit is old, it may simply be time to replace it.

Affected Models

Brother HL-L2350DW
Brother HL-L2370DW
Brother MFC-L2710DW
Brother DCP-L2550DW
Brother HL-L8260CDW

Common Causes

Drum unit has reached the end of its rated page count and needs replacement
Drum unit is not fully seated in the printer
Orange protective film still on the drum unit from the packaging was never removed
Drum unit memory chip damaged or not making good contact with the printer
Laser scanner unit malfunction causing incorrect drum detection

How to Fix It

Open the front cover of the printer and remove the drum and toner assembly. Look at the drum unit carefully — it's the large part, usually green or blue. Check that the orange packing tape and all orange protective pieces were removed when you first installed the drum.

Orange protective tape left on the drum unit is one of the most common causes of error 62 on brand-new printers. New drum units always come with orange packing components that must be removed.
Reseat the drum unit. Slide it fully out of the printer, then firmly push it back in until it stops with a click. Make sure it's level and properly aligned on the guide rails inside the printer.

The drum unit slides in straight and should glide smoothly without force. If you feel resistance, check the alignment.
Check the drum unit's page count. On the printer's display menu, look for a Drum Life or Drum Count reading (Menu > Machine Info > Drum Life on most models). If the count is at or near 100% (or 0 pages remaining), the drum unit needs to be replaced.

Brother drum units are rated for approximately 12,000 pages. The actual lifespan varies based on print coverage per page.
If you recently replaced the drum unit, reset the drum counter. After replacing the drum, the printer expects you to confirm the replacement by resetting the counter. Hold the OK button with the front cover open, select Drum, and confirm the reset.

Not resetting the drum counter after replacement causes the printer to continue reporting drum life errors even with a brand-new drum unit installed.
If the error persists with a properly installed drum unit, clean the drum unit's memory chip contacts. The chip is a small green or gold square on the side of the drum unit housing. Wipe it gently with a dry lint-free cloth to remove any toner dust or oxidation.

Contact contamination is a common cause of false drum errors, especially in environments with high toner dust.

When to Call a Professional

If the drum unit is correctly seated and not expired but error 62 persists, the laser scanner unit or the drum detection sensor may be faulty. Laser scanner unit replacement costs $50-$150 depending on the model. For low-cost printers, compare the repair cost to buying a new printer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my Brother drum unit needs replacing?

Brother printers track the drum unit's page count and warn you at 80% and 90% of its rated life. The display will show 'Drum End Soon' warnings before showing an error. When the drum is at 100% usage, the printer will stop printing until you replace the drum. Brother drum units cost $30-$70 for most monochrome models.

Is the drum unit the same as the toner cartridge?

No — they are two separate components. The toner cartridge holds the toner powder. The drum unit contains the photosensitive drum that transfers the toner image to the paper. Brother typically sells them separately, though some all-in-one cartridge designs combine both. On Brother laser printers, the drum typically lasts for 3-4 toner cartridge replacements.

Can I use a third-party drum unit to fix error 62?

Yes — compatible third-party drum units work fine in most Brother printers. They are significantly cheaper than OEM (original) Brother drum units. Just make sure you buy one specifically listed as compatible with your exact printer model. After installing, remember to reset the drum counter so the printer recognizes the new drum's full life.