Brother Printer Error Code 86 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error code 86 on your Brother printer indicates a problem with the scanner unit. This error appears on multifunction printers (MFC) and all-in-ones (DCP) that have a flatbed scanner. The scanner cannot complete its initialization or movement, so the machine stops. Printing may still work, but scanning and copying will be disabled.

Affected Models

Brother MFC-L series all-in-one
Brother DCP-L series
Brother MFC-J series
Most Brother multifunction laser and inkjet printers

Common Causes

A document or foreign object is jammed under the scanner glass or in the ADF (automatic document feeder)
The scanner carriage (the moving unit under the glass) is stuck or obstructed
The scanner unit was moved or shaken while in operation, knocking the carriage out of position
The scanner motor or belt has failed
The scanner lid (flatbed cover) is not fully closed

How to Fix It

Open the scanner lid and check the flatbed glass carefully for any papers, staples, or foreign objects underneath.

Even a small staple under the glass can prevent the scanner carriage from moving freely.
If the printer has an ADF (automatic document feeder on top), open it and check for any paper jams inside.

ADF jams often trigger scanner errors. Pull any jammed paper gently in the direction of paper travel.
Close the scanner lid firmly. Make sure it is fully closed and not resting on a thick document or book.

The scanner lid has a sensor that must detect the lid is closed before the scanner will operate.
Power the printer off, unplug it for one minute, then plug it back in and power it on.

This allows the scanner carriage to re-home itself from its rest position.
If 86 persists, open the scanner lid and look for the scanner carriage (the long bar under the glass). Check that it moves freely to the home position when powered on.

A stuck carriage that does not move to the home position on startup indicates a mechanical fault requiring service.

When to Call a Professional

If clearing obstructions and resetting the printer does not fix error 86, the scanner carriage belt or motor may have failed. Scanner assembly repairs typically cost $100–$200 at a Brother service center. For older or budget models, replacement may be more economical than repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still print with error 86 showing?

In most cases yes — error 86 primarily disables the scanning and copying functions. The printer function (printing from a computer) often continues to work. However, some Brother models will lock all functions when a major component error is detected.

Why does error 86 appear after I moved my printer?

When a printer is moved, the scanner carriage can shift out of its locked home position. When you power the printer on, it tries to home the carriage but may get confused if it is not in the expected location. A full power cycle (off and back on from cold) usually resolves this.

How do I clean the Brother scanner glass properly?

Use a soft, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water or isopropyl alcohol. Wipe the glass gently in one direction — do not scrub. Dry immediately with a clean dry cloth. Never spray liquid directly onto the glass or into the scanner opening.