55
Brother Printer
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
Error 55 means your Brother printer's front cover is open or not fully latched. The printer will not operate while a cover is open. Usually this is fixed by simply closing the cover firmly until it clicks shut.
Affected Models
- Brother HL-L Series
- Brother MFC-L Series
- Brother DCP-L Series
- Brother HL-L2350DW
- Brother MFC-L2750DW
Common Causes
- The front cover was not pushed all the way closed after replacing the toner or drum unit
- The drum unit or toner cartridge is not fully inserted, preventing the cover from closing flat
- A piece of torn paper or debris is caught in the cover hinge or along the cover edge
- The cover latch is broken or worn and can no longer hold the cover in the closed position
- The cover sensor switch is stuck or faulty and is incorrectly reporting an open state
How to Fix It
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Look at the front of the printer and confirm the front cover is closed. Push it firmly with both hands until you hear or feel it click.
The front cover on Brother laser printers opens at the bottom. Press on both sides simultaneously for even closure.
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Open the front cover and check that the drum unit and toner cartridge assembly is fully inserted. Slide it all the way in until it stops.
If the drum and toner are not fully seated, they block the cover from closing flat, triggering the cover sensor.
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Inspect the inside of the cover for torn paper, small scraps, or debris near the hinges or latch points. Remove any obstructions.
Even a small torn piece of paper folded into the hinge can prevent the latch from engaging.
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Look at the cover latch — a small plastic hook or tab on the cover edge — and the corresponding receptor on the printer body. Make sure neither is broken.
A cracked or broken latch can sometimes be temporarily secured with a small piece of tape while a replacement is sourced.
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Close the cover and press the Go or OK button on the printer to clear the error and resume printing.
If error 55 persists with the cover visually closed and latched, the cover sensor may need replacement — contact Brother support.
When to Call a Professional
Error 55 is almost always fixed by properly closing the cover. If the cover is physically closed but the error persists, the cover sensor or latch may be damaged. A Brother service technician can replace the sensor or latch — this is a minor repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Brother show error 55 right after I put in a new toner?
The most common reason is that the toner cartridge or drum unit was not inserted completely. Open the front cover and firmly slide the drum-and-toner assembly all the way in until it bottoms out. Then close the cover firmly. The error should clear immediately.
Can I print from my Brother printer even if the cover latch is broken?
No. The printer's cover sensor must detect that the cover is closed before it will print. A broken latch means the cover cannot stay closed, so the sensor keeps triggering error 55. Replace the latch or contact Brother support for a repair.
Is error 55 the same as a cover open light on older Brother models?
Yes. On older Brother laser printers that used indicator lights instead of a display, the cover open light corresponds to error 55 on newer models. The fix is the same — close the cover, seat the drum and toner fully, and clear any obstructions.