How to Fix Brother Printer Error Code 35?

Oct 23, 2026 3 min read 91 views

Error code 35 on a Brother printer indicates a paper jam inside the machine, specifically in the fuser area or near the back cover. The printer detects paper stuck in the path and stops printing to prevent damage. Even if you do not see any paper sticking out, there could be a small torn piece lodged inside that is triggering the sensor.

Turn Off the Printer and Let It Cool Down

Before opening anything, turn off the Brother printer and unplug it from the power outlet. The fuser unit inside the printer gets extremely hot during printing. Wait at least 10 to 15 minutes for the internal parts to cool down before reaching inside. Touching the fuser while it is hot can cause burns and damage to the printer components.

Open the Back Cover and Remove Jammed Paper

Most Brother printers have a back cover or rear panel that opens to give you access to the paper path and fuser area. Press the release tabs or buttons on the back cover and pull it open. Look inside for any jammed paper. If you see paper stuck in the rollers, grip it firmly with both hands and pull it slowly and evenly in the direction the paper would normally travel. Do not yank or pull at an angle because torn pieces left inside will trigger the error again.

Check Inside the Drum Unit

Open the front cover of the printer and pull out the toner cartridge and drum unit together. Look inside the printer cavity and check for any small pieces of torn paper. Also inspect the drum unit itself for paper fragments. Even a tiny piece of paper stuck on a roller or sensor is enough to trigger error 35. Remove any debris you find and reinstall the drum unit and toner cartridge.

Check the Paper Tray

Pull out the paper tray and check for any damaged, wrinkled, or curled sheets that could be feeding incorrectly. Fan the stack of paper to separate the sheets and make sure the paper guides are adjusted snugly against the edges of the paper. Overloading the tray or using paper that is too thick for your printer model can cause repeated jams that lead to error 35.

Clean the Paper Feed Rollers

Dirty or worn paper feed rollers can grab paper unevenly and cause jams. Dampen a lint-free cloth with water and gently wipe the rubber rollers you can see inside the printer and in the paper tray area. Rotate the rollers by hand to clean the entire surface. If the rollers look shiny and smooth instead of slightly tacky, they may need to be replaced because they have lost their grip.

Reset the Printer

After clearing the jam and cleaning the rollers, close all covers, plug the printer back in, and turn it on. The error should clear automatically once the printer runs its startup check and confirms no paper is blocking the path. If error 35 persists after removing all visible paper, there may be a sensor issue. Try opening and closing all covers firmly to make sure they are properly latched since some Brother models show error 35 when a cover is not fully closed.

Brother Printer Error Code 35 FAQ

Q1. Does error code 35 on a Brother printer always mean a paper jam? Ans: Yes, error 35 specifically indicates a paper jam in the fuser or rear paper path area. If you have cleared all visible paper and the error still appears, a small torn piece may be stuck inside that you cannot see. Try opening both the front and back covers and using a flashlight to look for paper fragments. Also check if the paper sensors are dirty or obstructed as dust buildup can sometimes trick the sensor into thinking paper is stuck.

Q2. Can using the wrong paper size cause error 35 on a Brother printer? Ans: Yes, loading paper that does not match the size setting in the print driver can cause the paper to feed incorrectly and jam. Make sure the paper in the tray matches what is selected in your print settings. Also avoid mixing different paper sizes or types in the same tray. Use only paper within the weight range specified in your Brother printer manual which is typically 60 to 105 gsm for regular printing.

Q3. Should I replace the fuser if error 35 keeps coming back on my Brother printer? Ans: If error 35 keeps appearing even after thorough cleaning and you have confirmed there is no paper stuck anywhere, the fuser unit may be worn out or damaged. The fuser rollers degrade over time especially after printing tens of thousands of pages. Contact Brother support or a service technician to inspect the fuser. Replacing the fuser is a common maintenance step for laser printers and usually resolves persistent error 35 issues.