Brother Printer Error Code A4: How to Fix It
Easy 5-20 minutes Medium Severity
Verified June 2026
- Error Code
- A4
- Brand
- Brother
- Product Type
- printer
- Severity
- Medium
- DIY Difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated Fix Time
- 5-20 minutes
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Tools You'll Need
- Lint-free cloth
- Cotton swabs
- Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher)
- Flashlight (to inspect inside the ADF)
How to Fix Error Code A4
-
Power Off the Printer
Always power off the printer before opening covers or reaching inside the machine to avoid injury from moving parts or electrical components. -
Open the ADF Top Cover Fully
-
Check for Trapped Paper or Debris
Do not use sharp tools or metal objects to remove debris — you could damage the ADF rollers or internal sensors. -
Inspect the ADF Cover Latch
-
Close the ADF Cover Firmly
-
Power the Printer Back On
-
Clean the ADF Cover Sensor
Do not spray any liquid directly into the printer. Use only a lightly dampened cloth or swab and ensure the area is fully dry before powering on. -
Perform a Hard Reset
-
Update or Reinstall Printer Firmware
Do not interrupt a firmware update once it has started — powering off the printer mid-update can permanently damage the printer firmware.
Parts You May Need
ADF cover latch assembly
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ADF cover-open sensor
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ADF cover latch assembly
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ADF cover-open sensor
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ADF cover latch assembly
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ADF cover-open sensor
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When to Call a Professional
If you have removed all debris, cleaned the sensor, performed a hard reset, and updated the firmware, but the A4 error still appears, the ADF cover latch assembly or the cover-open sensor itself is likely physically broken or faulty. At this point, the internal sensor or latch mechanism requires replacement, which involves disassembling the ADF unit. Contact Brother's official support line, an authorized Brother service center, or a qualified printer repair technician. If your printer is under warranty, do not attempt further disassembly — contact Brother directly to avoid voiding the warranty.Frequently Asked Questions
What does error code A4 mean on a Brother printer?
Error code A4 on a Brother printer means the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) top cover is detected as open or not properly latched. The printer halts operation until the cover is fully closed to prevent paper jams and protect internal components.
Why does my Brother printer keep showing A4 error even when the cover is closed?
If the cover appears closed but the A4 error persists, the most likely causes are a dirty or obstructed ADF sensor, a broken cover latch that prevents a proper seal, a small piece of trapped paper debris near the sensor, or a firmware issue. Clean the sensor with a dry lint-free cloth and try a hard reset by unplugging the printer for 60 seconds.
Can I still use my Brother printer to print while error A4 is showing?
No. When the A4 error is active, your Brother printer will not process print, copy, or scan jobs until the error is resolved. The printer is designed to halt all operations when the ADF cover is open for safety and to prevent damage.
How do I clear the A4 error on my Brother printer after fixing it?
Once the ADF top cover is properly closed, the error should clear automatically when you power the printer back on. If it does not clear on its own, unplug the printer from the wall, wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in and power it on. This hard reset forces the printer to re-read all sensors and typically clears any residual error codes.
Is the Brother printer A4 error the same as a paper jam error?
No, but they can be related. The A4 error specifically indicates the ADF top cover is open or unlatched, while a paper jam error refers to paper stuck in the feed path. However, a paper jam inside the ADF can sometimes physically prevent the cover from closing fully, which then triggers the A4 error. Always check for paper debris inside the ADF when troubleshooting error code A4.