Brother Printer Error Code 5A — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 5A means paper is jammed in the feed area of your Brother printer. The paper did not feed in from the tray correctly and got stuck at the entry point. You need to clear the jammed paper before the printer will work again.

Affected Models

Brother HL-L Series
Brother MFC-L Series
Brother DCP-L Series
Brother HL-L2350DW
Brother MFC-L2750DW

Common Causes

Paper that is wrinkled, curled, or damp failed to enter the paper path cleanly and folded at the feed rollers
The paper tray was overfilled beyond the maximum fill line, causing the top sheets to fold as they were pulled in
The paper tray side guides were set too wide, allowing the paper to feed at an angle and jam at entry
The paper pick-up rollers are worn and grabbed the paper unevenly, causing it to skew and jam
A torn piece of paper from a previous jam is still inside the feed path and blocked a new sheet

How to Fix It

Press the Cancel or Stop/Exit button to cancel the current job. Do not try to force the printer to continue.

Forcing a print job through a jammed printer can tear the paper and make the jam harder to clear.
Open the front cover of the printer to release the paper path tension. Slowly pull out the jammed paper in the direction it was feeding.

Use both hands and pull gently but steadily. If the paper tears, remove every piece you can find.
Remove the paper tray completely. Look under and behind the tray for any paper scraps or torn pieces.

Paper sometimes gets pushed underneath the tray during a jam. Slide the tray all the way out to check.
Remove all paper from the tray and check that the stack is not above the maximum fill line. Fan the stack and reload neatly.

Adjust the side guides so they are snug against the paper but not so tight that the paper bends.
Close the front cover firmly, reinsert the tray, and power the printer back on. Print a test page to confirm the jam is cleared.

If error 5A returns immediately, check for a small torn scrap still inside the feed path — even a tiny piece will cause the error.

When to Call a Professional

Error 5A is almost always fixable at home by removing the jammed paper. If jams occur repeatedly with fresh paper and correct tray settings, the pickup rollers may be worn. Roller replacement typically costs $30 to $60 at a Brother service center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What paper types should I avoid to prevent Brother 5A jams?

Avoid using paper that is damp, wrinkled, or stored in a humid environment. Also avoid very thin paper (under 16 lb / 60 g/m²) which tends to fold during feeding. Use fresh, dry 20 lb (75 g/m²) copy paper for everyday printing to minimize jam risk.

Can I open the rear door to remove the jammed paper instead?

Yes. On most Brother laser printers, opening the rear access door creates a straight-through paper path. This makes it easier to remove paper that is jammed near the fuser or exit area. For jams near the front feed rollers, the front cover method is usually easier.

How do I prevent paper jams in my Brother printer?

Fan the paper stack before every load to separate the sheets. Keep paper stored in a sealed package in a dry location — humidity causes sheets to stick. Also clean the pickup rollers with a slightly damp cloth every few months to maintain their grip.