Brother Printer Error Code A5: How to Fix It

Easy 10-20 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
A5
Brand
Brother
Product Type
printer
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-20 minutes
Brother printer error code A5 means the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) has detected a paper jam or a misfeed somewhere along the document feed path. This typically happens when a page gets stuck, skewed, or partially pulled through the ADF unit during a scan or copy job. The good news is that most A5 errors can be resolved at home in just a few minutes without any special tools.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code A5

  1. Cancel the Current Job and Power Off

    Never reach into a powered-on printer to remove jammed paper. Always power off the machine first to avoid injury from moving rollers or electrical components.

  2. Open the ADF Cover

    Do not force the ADF cover open. If it feels resistant, check for a latch or release button specific to your model before applying pressure.

  3. Remove the Jammed Paper Carefully

    Never yank paper out forcefully. Tearing paper inside the ADF can leave small pieces that damage the rollers or cause future jams. If the paper will not budge, do not force it.

  4. Check the ADF Roller Area for Debris

    Do not use water or liquid cleaners directly inside the ADF. Moisture can damage internal electronics. Use only a dry or very lightly dampened lint-free cloth on the rollers.

  5. Check the Full Paper Path Including the Secondary Access Point

  6. Close All Covers and Power the Printer Back On

  7. Run a Test Scan or Copy Through the ADF

    Always use clean, unwrinkled paper without folds, tears, or sticky note adhesive when testing the ADF. Damaged or non-standard paper is a leading cause of ADF jams.

  8. Clean the ADF Rollers If the Error Persists

    Use isopropyl alcohol sparingly. Do not saturate the cloth. Excess liquid can drip onto circuit boards or other internal components.

Parts You May Need

ADF Pickup Roller Assembly
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ADF Separation Pad
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ADF Pickup Roller Assembly
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ADF Separation Pad
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ADF Pickup Roller Assembly
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ADF Separation Pad
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When to Call a Professional

If the A5 error persists after thoroughly clearing all paper jams and cleaning the ADF rollers, the ADF pickup roller assembly or separation pad may be worn beyond cleaning and require physical replacement. If you are not comfortable disassembling the ADF unit to replace internal rollers, or if the ADF cover appears physically damaged or misaligned, contact Brother support at 1-877-276-8437 or take the printer to an authorized Brother service center. Also seek professional help if you hear grinding or clicking noises from the ADF during operation, as this may indicate a gear or motor failure requiring a technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the Brother printer A5 error code?
The A5 error code on Brother printers is caused by a paper jam or misfeed in the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). Common causes include using wrinkled, torn, or folded paper, overloading the ADF tray beyond its capacity, worn or dirty ADF pickup rollers that can no longer grip paper properly, and small debris or torn paper fragments left inside the feed path from a previous jam.
How do I clear the A5 error on my Brother printer?
To clear the A5 error, power off the printer, open the ADF cover, and gently remove the jammed paper by pulling it in the direction of the paper path. Check for any torn fragments, close all covers, and power the printer back on. If the error persists, clean the ADF rollers with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
Why does my Brother printer keep showing error A5 even after I removed the paper?
If the A5 error returns after you have removed visible jammed paper, there is likely a small torn piece of paper still inside the ADF that is blocking the sensor, or the ADF rollers are worn and dirty and cannot reliably feed paper. Inspect the entire feed path carefully with a flashlight, clean the rollers with isopropyl alcohol, and consider replacing the ADF roller assembly if cleaning does not resolve the problem.
Can I use my Brother printer's flatbed scanner while the ADF shows error A5?
Yes, in many Brother printer models you can still use the flatbed glass scanner even when the ADF is displaying an error like A5. Place your document directly on the glass and select the flatbed option in your print or scan software instead of using the ADF. This is a good temporary workaround while you troubleshoot or wait for roller parts.
How do I prevent ADF paper jams on my Brother printer in the future?
To prevent future A5 ADF jams, always use clean, flat, and undamaged paper within the recommended weight range for your Brother model. Fan the paper stack before loading to separate the sheets and reduce static. Do not overfill the ADF tray beyond its marked capacity. Clean the ADF rollers with isopropyl alcohol every few months or after every 1,000 pages. Avoid feeding paper with staples, paper clips, sticky notes, or tape through the ADF.

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