Brother Printer Error Code 6A — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Brother error 6A means there is a paper feed problem. The printer tried to pick up paper from the tray but failed. This could be caused by empty trays, the wrong paper type, or dirty feed rollers.

Affected Models

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

Common Causes

The paper tray is empty or the paper is not loaded correctly
The paper feed rollers are dirty and cannot grip the paper properly
The paper is too thick, too thin, wrinkled, or damp for the printer to handle
Too much paper is loaded in the tray, exceeding the maximum capacity
The paper separating pad is worn out and multiple sheets are feeding at once

How to Fix It

Pull out the paper tray and check that paper is loaded. Remove the stack, fan it to separate the sheets, and reload it neatly.

Fanning the paper is important. Sheets stuck together from humidity are the number one cause of feed errors.
Make sure the paper stack does not exceed the maximum fill line marked inside the tray.

Overfilling the tray prevents the feed rollers from gripping the top sheet properly.
Adjust the paper guides so they lightly touch the edges of the paper stack. They should be snug but not tight.

Loose guides let paper shift sideways, causing misfeed. Tight guides can crumple the paper.
Clean the paper feed rollers. Dampen a lint-free cloth with water and gently wipe the rubber rollers visible inside the tray slot.

Over time, paper dust and debris coat the rollers and make them slippery. Cleaning restores their grip.
Try a different type of paper. If you are using specialty or recycled paper, switch to standard 80 gsm copy paper to test.

Some paper types are too smooth or too rough for the printer's feed mechanism.

When to Call a Professional

If error 6A keeps happening with fresh paper and clean rollers, the feed mechanism may be worn out. The paper separation pad and pickup roller can be replaced for about $20 to $40 in parts. A professional repair with labor costs $50 to $80.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Brother printer keep pulling multiple sheets at once?

The paper separation pad inside the tray is probably worn out. This small rubber pad separates individual sheets as they are pulled in. You can buy a replacement pad online for a few dollars and install it yourself.

How do I clean the paper feed rollers?

Pull out the paper tray and look inside the printer for small rubber rollers. Wipe them gently with a lint-free cloth dampened with water. Do not use alcohol or solvents — they can dry out the rubber.

Can humidity cause paper feed problems?

Yes, humidity is a major cause of feed issues. Moist paper sticks together and also swells slightly, making it harder to feed. Store your paper in a dry place and keep it in its wrapper until you need it.