Brother Printer Error Code 44 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Brother printer error 44 typically means 'Cannot Print' and indicates a problem with the toner cartridge or drum unit. The printer has detected that the installed cartridge or drum is not being recognized correctly or has reached end of life. Replacing or reseating the cartridge resolves this in most cases.

Affected Models

Brother MFC-L2710DW
Brother HL-L2350DW
Brother DCP-L2550DW
Brother HL-L3270CDW
Select Brother laser printers

Common Causes

The toner cartridge is empty and needs to be replaced
The toner cartridge or drum unit is not properly seated
A third-party or refilled cartridge is not being recognized by the printer
The drum unit has reached its page count limit and needs replacement
The cartridge chip (used to track toner level) is not being read correctly

How to Fix It

Open the front cover and remove the toner cartridge and drum unit.

On Brother laser printers, the toner cartridge and drum unit are usually one assembly that slides out together.
Separate the toner cartridge from the drum unit and check both.

The toner cartridge pops out of the drum unit. Look for an empty toner cartridge (shake it — no resistance means empty) or a worn drum.
If the toner cartridge is empty, install a new genuine Brother toner cartridge.

Third-party cartridges sometimes trigger error 44. Try a genuine Brother cartridge if a third-party one is currently installed.
Wipe the cartridge contact chip with a clean, dry cloth.

The small gold or green chip on the cartridge communicates with the printer. A dirty chip can cause recognition errors.
Reinsert the assembly firmly and close the front cover.

Push the drum and toner assembly in until it seats fully. Close the cover until it clicks.

When to Call a Professional

Error 44 is typically a user-fixable issue. If replacing the toner cartridge and drum unit doesn't resolve it, the cartridge sensor inside the printer may be faulty. A technician can clean or replace the sensor for $80–$150.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a third-party toner cartridge in my Brother printer?

Yes — but third-party cartridges occasionally cause compatibility issues like error 44. This is because the cartridge chip may not match the printer's expected chip signature. If a third-party cartridge triggers error 44, try a genuine Brother cartridge to confirm it's the cartridge causing the issue. Some Brother printers allow you to override the chip warning through the menu.

How do I know if I need to replace the toner cartridge or the drum unit?

The toner cartridge holds the toner powder and typically lasts 1,000–3,000 pages. The drum unit is a separate part that the toner cartridge sits in — it lasts much longer, usually 15,000–25,000 pages. Brother printers track both separately. Check the printer's supply status page (accessible from the menu) to see which component is at end of life.

How do I reset the toner counter on a Brother printer after replacing the cartridge?

On most Brother models, the toner counter resets automatically when you install a new cartridge. If it doesn't, open the front cover, then press and hold the 'Cancel' or 'Go' button for several seconds. Some models require you to go to Menu > All Settings > Machine Info > Reset Parts Life > Toner. Your model's user manual has the exact steps.