Brother Printer Error Code A3 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Brother error A3 is a paper jam error, specifically indicating a jam near the front of the printer or in the output area. The paper stopped moving partway through the printer and is stuck near the output tray. You need to remove the jammed paper before printing can resume.

Affected Models

Brother MFC-J497DW
Brother MFC-J995DW
Brother MFC-J1010DW
Brother DCP-J1050DW
Brother MFC-J815DW

Common Causes

The paper got stuck just before the output tray, jammed against the output rollers
The output tray is too full and paper backing up against it caused a jam
The paper is too stiff, heavy, or glossy and did not bend correctly through the output path
An envelope or thick media type was not fed through the correct slot for heavy media
A previous jam that was not fully cleared left a fragment near the output area

How to Fix It

Press Stop/Exit to safely halt the printer. Open the front access cover to see inside.

Always stop the printer before reaching inside the paper path.
Look for the jammed paper at the output end of the paper path. It may be partially visible near the output tray or stuck just inside the printer.

You can often see the edge of the paper near the output slot. Grab it and pull it gently forward.
Gently pull the paper forward and out through the output tray. Use both hands and pull smoothly in the direction of travel.

If the paper tears, remove both pieces before trying to print again.
Clear the output tray. If the tray was full of previously printed pages, remove them. An overfull output tray can back up and cause new jams.

The output tray capacity is typically 50 to 100 sheets. Empty it regularly during large print jobs.
For heavy media like envelopes or cardstock, check whether your Brother model has a straight-through paper path or rear feed slot. Heavy media must use the correct slot.

Using the straight-through path avoids the sharp bend at the output that can jam thick media.

When to Call a Professional

Error A3 is a simple paper jam that you can clear at home. No repair technician is needed. If jams near the output area happen repeatedly with standard paper, the output rollers may need cleaning or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between A2 and A3 jams?

A2 and A3 both indicate paper jams, but they point to different locations in the paper path. A2 is a general jam, often in the feed area. A3 specifically indicates the jam is near the front or output area of the printer. Knowing the location helps you find the paper faster.

My output tray keeps filling up. Can I print without it?

No — the output tray is needed for the paper to eject correctly. If you are doing a large print job, monitor the output tray and remove pages as they accumulate. Some Brother models have an extendable output tray — extend it fully before large print jobs.

Can I print envelopes on a Brother inkjet printer?

Yes. Most Brother inkjet printers support envelopes, but they must be fed correctly. Load envelopes one at a time in the manual feed slot, flap side down and facing forward. Check your printer's manual for the recommended loading direction — incorrect orientation is a common cause of envelope jams.