Brother Printer Error Code 51: How to Fix It
Easy 10-30 minutes Medium Severity
Verified June 2026
- Error Code
- 51
- Brand
- Brother
- Product Type
- printer
- Severity
- Medium
- DIY Difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated Fix Time
- 10-30 minutes
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Tools You'll Need
- Lint-free cloth or cotton swabs
- Distilled water
- Compatible Brother ink cartridge (if replacement is needed)
- Computer with internet access (for firmware update)
How to Fix Error Code 51
-
Power Cycle the Printer
Always power off the printer before opening the ink cartridge cover or handling cartridges to avoid damaging the print head or cartridge contacts. -
Open the Ink Cartridge Cover and Inspect All Cartridges
-
Remove and Reseat Each Ink Cartridge
Do not touch the copper contact pads on the cartridge or inside the printer slot. Oils from your fingers can cause poor electrical connections. -
Clean the Cartridge Contact Chips
Never use alcohol, paper towels, or abrasive materials to clean contacts, as these can scratch or damage the chips and contacts permanently. -
Replace Any Suspect Ink Cartridge
Third-party or refilled cartridges can trigger error code 51 because Brother printers use chip-based ink detection. Genuine Brother cartridges are the most reliable fix. -
Update or Reset the Printer Firmware
Do not turn off the printer or disconnect it from power during a firmware update. Interrupting the update can permanently damage the printer's firmware. -
Run a Factory Reset on the Printer
A factory reset will erase all saved network settings, custom preferences, and fax settings if applicable. Take note of your Wi-Fi credentials and any custom settings before performing a reset.
Parts You May Need
Ink cartridge (color)
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Ink cartridge (black)
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Lint-free cleaning swabs
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Ink cartridge (color)
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Ink cartridge (black)
Check Price on Amazon
Lint-free cleaning swabs
Check Price on Amazon
Ink cartridge (color)
Check Price on Amazon
Ink cartridge (black)
Check Price on Amazon
Lint-free cleaning swabs
Check Price on Amazon
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When to Call a Professional
If you have replaced the cartridges with genuine Brother cartridges, cleaned all contacts, updated the firmware, and performed a factory reset, yet error code 51 still appears, the problem may be a faulty ink cartridge sensor or damaged contact pins inside the printer carriage. At this point, contact Brother's official customer support (1-877-276-8437) or take the printer to an authorized Brother service center. If your printer is still under warranty, Brother may repair or replace it at no cost. For older printers, compare the repair quote against the cost of a new printer before committing to a professional repair.Frequently Asked Questions
What does error code 51 mean on a Brother printer?
Error code 51 on a Brother printer means the printer cannot detect one or more ink cartridges. This is typically caused by a cartridge that is missing, not properly seated, has a dirty contact chip, is an incompatible third-party cartridge, or is defective.
Can I use third-party ink cartridges in my Brother printer?
While third-party or compatible cartridges can work in Brother printers, they are a common cause of error code 51. Brother printers use electronic chips to verify cartridges, and non-genuine cartridges sometimes fail this check. Using genuine Brother-brand cartridges is the most reliable way to prevent this error.
Why does my Brother printer say ink cartridge missing when the cartridge is installed?
If the cartridge is physically present but the printer still reports it as missing, the most common causes are dirty contact chips on the cartridge or in the slot, a protective sticker left on the cartridge, an improperly seated cartridge, or a defective cartridge. Clean the contact chips, reseat the cartridge firmly, and make sure all protective packaging has been removed.
Will Brother printer error code 51 go away on its own?
No, error code 51 will not resolve itself automatically. It requires user intervention, such as reseating or replacing a cartridge, cleaning the contacts, or updating the firmware. The printer will typically refuse to print until the error is cleared.
How do I reset a Brother printer after fixing error code 51?
After addressing the root cause, simply power cycle the printer by turning it off, unplugging it for 60 seconds, and powering it back on. In most cases, this clears the error. If the error persists, you can perform a full factory reset through the printer's settings menu or by holding the Stop/Cancel button for 5–10 seconds.