Brother Printer Error Code 60: How to Fix It

Easy 10-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
Summarize with ChatGPTSummarize with ClaudeSummarize with Perplexity Add as Preferred Source on Google
Error Code
60
Brand
Brother
Product Type
printer
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-30 minutes
Brother printer Error Code 60 means the printer has detected a mismatch between the media type loaded in the tray and the media type selected in your print settings or printer driver. This typically happens when the paper loaded does not match what the printer expects — for example, loading plain paper while the driver is set to print on labels or card stock. Resolving this error usually involves aligning your paper settings with what is physically loaded in the tray, and it can be fixed in just a few minutes without any special tools.
Ad

Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 60

  1. Check the Paper Currently Loaded in the Tray

  2. Match the Paper Type in Your Print Driver Settings

  3. Update the Paper Type Setting on the Printer's Control Panel

  4. Clear the Print Queue and Restart the Printer

    Always power off the printer before unplugging it to avoid potential memory or settings corruption.

  5. Update or Reinstall the Brother Printer Driver

  6. Clean or Inspect the Paper Sensor

    Unplug the printer from the power outlet before opening any internal covers or touching any internal components to avoid electric shock or injury.

  7. Reset the Printer to Factory Defaults

    A factory reset will erase all custom settings including Wi-Fi network credentials and stored fax/address data. Note these down before proceeding.

Parts You May Need

Paper type sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Paper type sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Paper type sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Ad

When to Call a Professional

If Error Code 60 continues after completing all steps above — including updating the driver, resetting the printer, and cleaning the paper path — the media type sensor inside the printer may be faulty or damaged and require replacement. At this point, contact Brother's official support line or take the printer to an authorized Brother service center. This is also recommended if your printer is still under warranty, as opening it further may void coverage. Professional repair is also advisable if you notice physical damage inside the paper path or if the control panel is unresponsive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Error Code 60 mean on a Brother printer?
Error Code 60 on a Brother printer indicates a media type mismatch. This means the paper type physically loaded in the tray does not match the media type selected in the printer driver or the printer's own control panel settings. Aligning all three — the physical paper, the driver setting, and the printer's local tray setting — will usually resolve the error.
How do I change the media type on my Brother printer?
You can change the media type in two places. First, on your computer in the printer driver: go to File > Print > Printer Properties > Basic or Media tab, and change the Media Type dropdown. Second, on the printer itself: press Menu on the control panel, navigate to Paper Tray or Tray Settings, and update the Media Type option there. Both settings must match the paper you have loaded.
Why does my Brother printer keep showing Error 60 even with the right paper?
If you have confirmed the correct paper is loaded and settings match but the error persists, the cause is likely an outdated or corrupted printer driver, a dirty paper type sensor, or corrupted internal printer settings. Try reinstalling the latest Brother driver, cleaning the paper path with compressed air, or performing a factory reset on the printer.
Does Error Code 60 mean my Brother printer is broken?
Not necessarily. Error Code 60 is a medium-severity error that is almost always caused by a settings mismatch rather than a hardware failure. In the majority of cases, correcting the media type setting in the print driver and on the printer's control panel resolves the issue completely without any repair needed.
Can I print through Brother Error Code 60 without fixing it?
In most cases, no. Brother printers are designed to halt printing when Error Code 60 is triggered to prevent damage to internal components from using an incompatible media type — for example, running labels through a fuser designed for plain paper can cause the label adhesive to melt inside the machine. It is important to resolve the error before printing to avoid potential damage.

Related Error Codes