Brother Printer Error Code 49 is typically associated with communication issues between the printer and the computer or internal printer malfunctions such as firmware or hardware problems. This error can occur in various Brother printer models, and the solution may involve troubleshooting software, firmware, or hardware aspects of the device. While the error might seem complex, most users can resolve it with a structured approach.
Understanding Brother Printer Error Code 49
Error 49 usually points to a general mechanical malfunction or communication issue within the printer, specifically in the following areas:
- Corrupt Firmware: If the firmware controlling the printer’s functions is outdated or corrupted, Error 49 may appear.
- Driver or Software Issues: A miscommunication between the printer and your computer, often due to outdated drivers or conflicting software, could trigger this error.
- Hardware Failure: Internal printer components such as the print head, sensors, or power supply may be malfunctioning, causing the error.
- Memory or Cache Corruption: An overload of print jobs or a corrupted memory cache may cause the printer to display this error.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide for Brother Printer Error 49
Step 1: Power Cycle the Printer
A simple power cycle is often the first step in troubleshooting printer issues, including Error 49. Power cycling allows the printer to reset its internal components, clearing minor errors or temporary glitches.
- Turn off the printer using the power button.
- Unplug the printer from the electrical outlet and wait for about 5 minutes.
- Plug the printer back in and turn it on again.
- Check whether the error message is cleared. If the error persists, proceed to the next steps.
Step 2: Check Printer Connections and Cables
Loose or faulty connections between the printer and your computer can trigger communication errors like Error 49. Check the following:
- Inspect the USB or Ethernet cable (depending on how your printer is connected). Ensure that the cable is securely plugged into both the printer and the computer.
- Try a different cable: If you suspect the cable might be faulty, replace it with another compatible cable to see if that resolves the error.
- If you’re using a wireless connection, ensure the printer is properly connected to your network. Verify that the Wi-Fi signal is strong and stable.
After checking or replacing cables and verifying connections, attempt to print again and see if the error has cleared.
Step 3: Clear Print Jobs and Reset Print Queue
A buildup of queued print jobs can overload the printer, especially if any of the jobs are corrupt. This may cause the printer to display Error 49. To resolve this, you need to clear the print queue:
- On your computer, open the Devices and Printers or Printers & Scanners menu (this depends on your operating system).
- Find your Brother printer in the list of connected devices and right-click on it.
- Select See what’s printing to open the print queue.
- If there are any pending jobs, click on Cancel All Documents to clear the queue.
- Once the print queue is clear, restart the printer and try printing again.
Step 4: Update Printer Drivers
Outdated or incompatible printer drivers can lead to communication problems between your computer and the Brother printer, resulting in Error 49. Make sure your printer driver is up to date:
- Go to Brother’s official website and navigate to the support section.
- Enter your printer model to locate the most recent driver updates.
- Download and install the latest version of the printer driver for your operating system.
- After updating the driver, restart both the computer and the printer, and test whether the error persists.
Step 5: Update Printer Firmware
Firmware updates are crucial for ensuring that your Brother printer functions smoothly. Sometimes, Error 49 can be caused by bugs or issues in the current firmware version. To update the firmware:
- Visit the Brother Support website.
- Input your printer model and check for any available firmware updates.
- Download and install the firmware update following the instructions provided.
- After the update, restart the printer and check if the error has been resolved.
Firmware updates can fix many internal software bugs that may lead to error codes like 49, so this step is critical.
Step 6: Reset the Printer to Factory Settings
If software or firmware updates don’t solve the issue, performing a factory reset may help resolve any lingering configuration errors or glitches that cause Error 49. Be aware that this will erase any customized settings, so you may need to reconfigure the printer afterward.
Here’s how to perform a factory reset:
- Turn off the printer and disconnect it from the power source.
- Press and hold the Menu button (or a similar button, depending on your model) while turning the printer back on.
- Navigate to the Reset menu using the arrow keys.
- Select Factory Reset and confirm your selection.
- The printer will restart and restore all settings to their default configuration.
After the reset, reconnect the printer to your network or computer and see if the error is cleared.
Step 7: Check for Hardware Malfunctions
If the error persists after attempting the software fixes, the issue could be hardware-related. Here are some potential hardware problems that could cause Error 49:
- Faulty Print Head or Carriage: The print head may be obstructed or malfunctioning, causing mechanical issues.
- Sensor Issues: Internal sensors that control paper feeding or print head movement may be dirty, misaligned, or faulty.
- Power Supply Problems: A malfunctioning power supply unit could be causing communication errors within the printer.
If you suspect any hardware malfunctions, it may be best to contact Brother’s customer support or take the printer to an authorized service center for professional diagnosis and repair.
Step 8: Try a Different Computer or Device
Sometimes the issue lies not with the printer but with the computer or device sending the print job. To rule this out, try printing from another device:
- Connect the printer to a different computer or device (via USB, Ethernet, or wireless, depending on your setup).
- Install the appropriate printer drivers on the new device, if necessary.
- Attempt to print a test document from the alternate device.
If the printer works on a different device, the issue might be with your computer’s configuration, network settings, or print drivers.
Preventing Brother Printer Error Code 49
To avoid encountering Error 49 in the future, consider taking these preventive steps:
- Keep the Printer Firmware and Drivers Updated: Regularly check Brother’s website for firmware and driver updates, as these can resolve potential bugs.
- Clear the Print Queue Regularly: Avoid letting too many print jobs accumulate in the queue. If you notice a job taking too long, clear the queue and restart the print job.
- Use High-Quality Cables: Ensure your printer’s connections are stable by using high-quality USB or Ethernet cables, and check for damage or wear over time.
- Maintain the Printer’s Hardware: Regularly clean your printer’s components, especially the print head and sensors, to prevent mechanical failures.
- Avoid Overloading the Printer: Try not to overload the printer with multiple large print jobs at once, as this can cause memory or communication issues.
Conclusion
Brother Printer Error Code 49 often indicates a communication problem or internal malfunction. Troubleshooting typically involves power cycling the printer, checking connections, clearing the print queue, and updating drivers and firmware. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, a factory reset or checking for hardware malfunctions may be necessary. Regular maintenance and keeping your software up-to-date will help prevent future occurrences of Error 49.
