Clear "Error 46: Unable to Clean" on Brother Printers (With a Numerical Pad)

Read our full article here: bit.ly/XZ1cSp
Facebook - on. hZ1r4T
Twitter - bit.ly/gtJNlw
This guide will show you how to clear the purge counter on a variety of Brother printers that do not have a numerical pad on the front of the printer or a touch screen. It covers the Brother MFC-210C, MFC-215C, MFC-3240C, MFC-3340CN, MFC-3342C, MFC-410CN, MFC-420CN, MFC-425CN, MFC-5440CN, MFC-5840CN, MFC-620CN, MFC-640CN, MFC-640CW, MFC-820CW, MFC-235C, MFC-260C, MFC-240C, MFC-3360C, MFC-440CN, MFC-465CN, MFC-5460CN, MFC-5860CN, MFC-660CN, MFC-665CW, MFC-680CN, MFC-845CW, MFC-885CW, MFC-250C, MFC-255CW, MFC-295CN, MFC-297C, MFC-490CW, MFC-5490CN, MFC-5890CN, MFC-5895CW, MFC-6490CW, MFC-6890CDW, MFC-790CW, MFC-990CW, MFC-J615W, MFC-J220, MFC-J265W, MFC-J410, MFC-J415W, MFC-J430W, MFC-J5910DW, MFC-J625DW, MFC-J6510DW, MFC-J6710D, MFC-J6710DW, MFC-J6910DW, MFC-J825DW.

[@kevinvalentine2921]

Fantastic tutorial! I found my printer 6 years ago next to the trash. I think it's now about 12 years old. Still works like a charm and now thanks to this video I can use it even longer.

[@fortuner123]

I have an MFC-490CW and I had to use the menu button when powering back on. Your description worked perfectly and I was back in business in a tick. Brillliant, wonderful, superbly illustrated and explained. Thanks a million - you saved me hours of travel and no doubt a lot of expense. Many, many thanks. You are a hero!

[@SuspensionTruth]

Same here with an MFC-465CN. Menu worked where Start did not.

[@juliorolim6146]

I've owned a MFC-J430W since 2013, and it's only now that I had to reset this counter. I followed your instructions carefully and it worked out for me. Thank you so much for helping out so many people around the world. Cheers from southeastern Brazil!

[@debbiewhite3270]

Tried as shown for my Brother MFC-465CN to no avail. Read the comments and saw others mentioned holding down "Menu" instead - IT WORKED! -- THank you so much for posting a fix that was so quick so I could move on. We use our printer often and dropping off for service would have been so inconvenient. THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@SuspensionTruth]

Same for me - Start was no joy, Menu did the trick. Awesome guide!

[@georgemarkuly8180]

Excellent. The technician can be heard clearly. The explanation of the reset procedure is concise.The steps to resolve the problem are numbered 1,2 ,3,4 and 5. making the reset repair very easy to follow.

[@Brauschemann]

Many thanks for helping with this tutorial. My 14 year old MFC-845-CW has been in daily use for most of that time, but today, for the first time, Error code 46 came up. Following your instructions I re-set the purge counter to 0000. On my machine it was the smaller Menu button which I needed to press when plugging the machine back in. I tried both the larger coloured Start buttons at first, individually, but discovered the Menu button did the job. Afetr the re-set it immediately cleaned & printed for me. Many thanks again.

[@deannalay9150]

Thank you so much for publishing this, fixed my MFC-215 instantly! Amazing! The only difference (as mentioned earlier in comments) is for the MFC-215C, the button to be pressed while the power cord is unplugged, is the "Menu/Set", not the green "Start".

[@debhunt5154]

THANK YOU!!! Worked great.... I also had to use the menu button to get to Maintenance and then it showed Error 46 instead of the word maintenance and I proceeded on anyway and finally came to the word Purge. You're a jewel... thank you again!!

[@arifsaeed7560]

I was almost ready to trash my Brother MFCJ625DW, but decided to check KZbin for fixing "Ink absorber full" error message . Followed your procedure, with minor variations, and reset the Purge counter. Saved me over $100 expense. Thank you.

[@pgacarr]

You are amazing! i just went out and bought a new printer and before ! opened the box , I thought I better try KZbin.... there you were!!! i tried everything you mentioned but found that I needed to press just the menu button after reconnecting the printer, to get to the maintenance screen. Now I can return my my new printer & ink! Thank you soooo much!

[@johncapidecallu8076]

Thank you very much! For everyone trying to enter maintenance mode on mfc-215c, you just need to unplug the power cable, hold the button "menu/set" and plug the power cable again. All the other steps are as described in the video!

[@reannatay]

Thank you so much! I tried reading the manual on it and gave up. The husband and I were looking into getting a new printer until I found this! Thanks again! You saved us $$$.

[@Ryderswell]

Brilliant. You are a star. (P.S. Seeing the instructions on the "full article" page was a great help). By the way, on the MFC-640CW it's the "Menu/Set" button that does the business, not the "Start" buttons. Thanks a lot.

[@bobe5063]

My printer is a model MFC-465CN and like other comments on here I used the "menu" button to hold down instead of the "start" button. However, when "maintenance should have appeared on screen it flashed past and settled on "error46" and stayed there. At this point I continued with the instructions and enter "80" as shown in the clip, and all went well and the error cleared. Printer now 100% again, hope this helps. Thanks to the adviser for the clip.

[@LizPannell]

Worked for our Brother MFC-640CW after a couple of attempts- holding the Menu/ Set button down. Had to scroll a long way down to find the purge counter, but then quickly sorted. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@johnwatson9551]

Hi, very good video! We have a MFC-885CW and this procedure reset the purge counter to 0000000, but upon rebotting the printer, the Error 46 came back (and we also noted the Purge Counter remained at 0000000). What would the next step be in this case to clear Error 46?

[@wingontario]

Good question I hope you get more advice.

[@lubiepietruszke]

You really rock! A BIG THANK YOU!!! My MFC-250C suddenly stopped working. I had to press "Menu" to get to maintenance, then I followed your instruction and now I can print! THANK YOU!!!

[@shawnakaminski6873]

THANK YOU! My printer is MFC-685CW and it doesn't have a removable power code so I scrolled thru the comments to find one that helped me get into maintenance mode, then I followed your instructions. I"m up and printing again. You're the best!

[@grounding123]

Wow this is really amazing. I was ready to dump my Brother MFC 490CW. I flushed the printing heads and even bought new cartridges but to no avail. I had a hard time getting into Maintenance mode, but found another video that teached that for any Brother Printer without a touch screen the procedure would be to "Press Menu, then Press Start (for my Brother MFC 490CW it would be the "Black Start" button, then pressing the up arrow 4 times). My Printer is now printing like new. So thank you for your help!

[@lekeishastaley3126]

i was about to buy a new one till i seen this. Thank y'all so much!!

[@Vineyardedge]

I have a Brother MFC-465CN and the plug doesn't come away from the back of the printer, so I was able to get it into Maintenance Mode by pressing Stop, then Menu *2864 very quickly in succession and then I followed your directions and I am back in business. I put a plastic storage container lid under the printer just in case it overflows. Thank you!

[@adamramsey906]

I have a MFC-210C and your trick worked perfectly! Thank You!

[@AlRosser]

This comment worked for my MFC-490CW too...

[@SimplyVinnie1]

Adam Ramsey How did you get it into matience mode?

[@kurtmatthewmiba5710]

it doesnt work for my MFC-490CW..machine error always appear on screen..please help thanks

[@jvlienlovis1362]

I guess removing from the back of the printer or removing the plug from the wall is the same.

[@geminigia]

Thank you for posting this! I struggled with getting my MFC-495CW in the maintenance mode as the instructions didn't work for my machine. However, once in the maintenance mode when in the maintenance mode the fax, scan, copy, photo capture buttons all flashed repeatedly. I then used your commands: 1. Type in 80 using the numerical keypad. 2. Use the DOWN key to locate the purge counter. eg. PURGE0060025 3. Use the number pad to enter 2783 (this should zero the numbers after PURGE). I had to unplug the printer to get it out of the maintenance mode. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge with us. It is greatly appreciated!!

[@mannamusic9]

Same with the MFC-620CN, Menu/Set key to getting to the maintenance mode described as the above, push 99 to exit. Thank you to both of you!!!!!

[@tashf6825]

Thank you Gemini Gia. I followed your instructions and my problem was solved!

[@janicemay2606]

I have the MFC 420cn model and followed the video instructions using the menu button and it worked. I do keep getting a message to replace an ink cartdridge that I know is new, but by hitting the start button it goes away. Thank you, this saved me the cost of a new printer.

[@Spangletiger]

I can't thank you enough for your video guide (and article). I was given a used Brother 3-in-1 printer that didn't have the instructions CD with it and the only document I could find online was a basic one. Since the error message told me that I needed the CD for maintenance info, I was at a loss and the only option would have been to replace the printer. As a last ditch attempt, I googled my problem and found your youtube video. I would have been horrified if I had replaced my printer, only to discover that there was nothing actually wrong with it! Thank you so much!!

[@ddjjan21]

Thank you for this video. My Brother MFC-420CN stopped working and would only tell me it could not clean the machine. I did what was in your video and now it works fine. Thanks again...you probably just saved me $150 on a new printer.

[@Joaquinek]

Thank you! My printer is now working model MFC-5840CN press down the menu/set and power on to access maintenance mode.

[@BongoBoyTV]

Works as a charm ! While Brothers tech support wanted us to buy an extended warranty plan and bring the printer in for service. Thank you for posting this video :)

[@tiffanysmith1709]

I've had my Brother MFC-420CN longer than normal. Thanks for the tutorial. Easy, clear instructions for any skill level!!!

[@heatherscott1627]

I was going to throw the thing away. The printer head had travelled into the RHS pocket and the manual clearly said "mechanical malfunction". The trouble was I had only just bought a 5 pack of new cartridges black and a new suite of colours as well. So I started to look around. Well you blow me down with a feather...what you said actually worked. Got into the purge notice and reset it. The inkpad was probably the culprit but when I had a close look it wasn't too bad. Thanks a lot, it's working.

[@curiouskat888]

Fantastic!! It worked for my MFC 210c It is about 8yrs old and have never had a problem before. Saved me a lot of money instead of taking it to an authorized Brother location to fix it or purchasing a new one. So happy! Oh and mine did not unplug from the machine itself, so I just unplugged it from the power strip and followed the rest of the directions

[@dondavis6842]

Thank you for providing this video for resetting the purge counter on the Brother printer. I had a hard time deciding which start button to press. Once I choose [menu] the process worked as advertised.

[@flying__fox4749]

Thanks a lot! You really helped me with getting my parents' printer back up and running. I was able to disassemble the printer and clean the ink absorber pad, but I was stuck on how to clear the error code until I found your video

[@AdriGirasol]

Woo hoo!! Thank you SO much!! We were just about to buy a new printer ONLY because of this message... I tried what you said in the video, for a Brother MFC 640CW. The only change I had to do was what is suggested below for a MFC 420cn, hold MENU instead of on/off while re-inserting the power cable, but it is now working. Thanks again!

[@dulceymocha]

Thanks for the video. Worked like a charm on my MCN-440CN model only change that I made was, I didn't unplug to get to the maintenance mode, but you do have to get from the error screen. So, you should press the INK button to get to the home screen before entering the *2864 code.

[@DJBarneyPhilly]

I have a MFC-440CN also. I can not get to maintenance mode? I don't have a SET button. When I unplugged the unit and plugged it back in the button combinations he says don't work. Then doing the alternative buttons don't make sense because we don't have a SET button. Please help, thank you.

[@lyfeSOS]

THANK YOU!! LOST MY OWNER'S MANUAL AND DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS ERROR. THANK GOODNESS FOR YOU, GOOGLE, AND KZbin! :)

[@carolmountain5431]

I am so pleased that this was able to resolve my problem without a service call. Thank you! To Alf Fox -- I had to push Menu/Set, Black Start, 0 to get my MFC 640CW into maintenance mode. When I finished with the video instructions, I had to unplug the power and push Menu/Set after replugging. Hope you get it working.

[@sashacamberos4971]

Thank you so much for the specific info on the MCF 640CW fix!!! When my first one "broke" over the same code two years ago, I bought a refurbished one because it was cheaper than taking a gamble on a repair place. The refurbished machine started up with the same code today. I got one of the two working, so I am content. They just don't make 'em like this anymore.

[@BURGZ]

Lovely instructions, thank you ... For the older MFC-465CN model just unplug from the wall and use the "MENU" button instead of the "start" button. Follow the rest, works like a charm!!! Thanks again.

[@Nanoytgaming]

No luck, I have MFC-215C and it keeps telling me "can't clean - consult manual".

[@dnissen2012]

I LOVE YOU, I am now able to use this after months. For the MFC 420CN, a very easy way to put it in maintenance mode (from another website, because this video's did not work for me - you warned) is to press the Menu/Set button, followed by the "Black Start" button. The buttons will blink, and the video works accordingly. I LOVE YOU GUYS

[@Paradox1P]

Great guide. Used this twice over the years. For my printer to go in maintainace mode, I had to press "menu" button, not start.

[@michaelmak9532]

Thank you for the post. I was getting ready to buy a new printer. It took me a minute to reset the "Error 46 code" with your instructions. I LIKE and SUBSCRIBED!!!

[@alyssadiane7279]

Thank you so much. Was told that the only way to fix this problem was to take machine for service. I followed your directions and it works perfectly!

[@dez3540]

Thank you so much! My Brother MFC-235C printer wasn't cleaning, but is now functioning as normal again.

[@loisstapleton5255]

Awesome!!! Thank you so much!!! I didn't get MAINTENANCE on my screen, but tried the purge instructions anyway, and they worked!! Plan B was to buy a new printer, so $$$$ saved. THANK YOU!!

[@kaghahowa]

It was magical, You rock man, you rock. Thank you. I had the MFC 420CN. To get to maintenance, I have to hold down 'menu/set', then plug back the power cord quickly punch the key 2864 followed your directions, I'm printing again man.

[@CCATT2007]

Thank you for this tip. It worked like a charm on my MFC240C. My printer is over 10 years old.

[@lvrshow]

To get the brother 240c into maintenance mode you must hold the menu button down while re-inserting the power cord then follow the remaining steps. It worked great for me. Thanks very much

[@ruthferguson6903]

Thank you so very much. I am glad I came across this video. I had to use another site to get to the Maintenance screen. I have a Brother MFC-685CW. I was able to reset the purge and clear the error message.

[@frankpaquette4186]

Thanks for the tutorial. You need to use the menu button when powering up on the MFC465CN printer then press 80 for maintenance mode.

[@daisyjack6567]

Gosh, thank you. Was about to throw my printer away. It's had this message for months and I didn't know what to do. Glad I saw your post. Brother 620 cn.

[@marutube27]

Thumbs up for you sir. Thanks for your time doing this. Can't believe 2mins 16secs can help this many save money. Keep it up!

[@TIGGER5401]

This actually worked! And I was about to go out tomorrow and buy a new printer. Thank you for these instructions, I had a whole bunch of ink cartridges that I would have been throwing away.

[@MJUTNL]

Thank you so much! After emptying and cleaning the inkreservoir i used your code to reset the purgecounter. My Brother MFC-260C works great again!

[@PhillipRemaker]

Perfect on an MFC-420CN. Thank you for including information that Brother refuses to publish. This kept two printers out of the trash.

[@travelfoxxxx]

Hi Phillip, glad to hear you got your MFC-420CN working! How did you get to the 'maintenance' screen. I tried a coupld of the methods are no dice...please advise! thanks...

[@PhillipRemaker]

More details here: www.refreshcartridges.co.uk/igloo/how-to-the-reset-purge-counter-on-a-brother-printer-with-a-numerical-pad/

[@lamda3542]

travelfoxxxx Try pressing: Menu/Set, Black Start, Menu/Set, Black Start. This should put you in 'MAINTENANCE 10'. Use down arrow key to move to 'MAINTENANCE 80' and press Menu/Set. Use arrow key to locate PURGEXXXXX (XXXXX are numerical numbers). Press 2783 and display should say PURGE00000. Press Stop/Exit and unplug power cord and plug it back again. Good Luck!

[@NancyEstrada.]

It didn’t work for me 1:25 😢

[@PhillipRemaker]

@@NancyEstrada. what model Brother printer do you have?

[@SuspensionTruth]

Thank you so much for this guide. I had to use the Menu button to enter Maintenance Mode on my MFC-465CN. Purge Counter was at 9600!

[@barrymcintosh5360]

came across video while searching for new printer that used same ink cartridge, as I have stock pile. This worked perfect the first time through to fix an issue, that Brother customer service said needed to go to service center. Your fix cost me $0.00 TYVM

[@richardpalawan9603]

I have MFC420, which is very old. I didn't get MAINTENANCE, but (SOMETHING) ERROR 46. I just followed subsequent instructions and that cleared the error. Thank you!

[@teridennis7283]

I have a 420cn and I just got this to work. Thank you! I was confused by the instructions green start/menu/set. I actually used the white menu/set button. I held it down as I plugged it into the wall and kept it held. I actually saw error something but still followed the instructions. And it worked!!! I also clicked on the link below from Philip Remaker and those instructions were easier for me. Good luck!!!

[@EG-ou1lz]

Dude, you're a rock star. Now let's see if this thing floods tons of ink all over the place or prints like new. Jk, prints like it did yesterday. Mad props.

[@lindaharmon7263]

SUCCESS!!! I have a MFC 5840 and it took me a few tries but finally got it! THANK YOU!

[@Babybooyow1204]

This totally worked! Thank you, you saved me a trip to Fed Ex/Kinkos to try and print off my resume. Much Thanks.

[@angeliqueillstopprocrastin479]

You just saved my sanity lol. My print head was on the right-and brother said it wasn't fixable and had to be repaired. Other than different instructions to get to maintenance for the 465CN this worked like a champ!

[@angeljada2001]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! It took me a while to get it together, but I got it! I have the Brother MFC-5840CN and I had to press the "Menu/Set" button, instead of one of the two "Start Buttons". THANK YOU!!!!

[@oldhamdrumstudios4371]

Spot on! - MFC-235C Problem resolved - Note to put into Maintenance mode hold down the menu button at the initial stage.

[@shelbyjade5426]

Wow. Worked great with my MFC-465CN. I held down menu though while plugging it back in.

[@xSummerSweetheartx]

This worked so thank you so much! I had to hold down the menu button as well instead of start, but thrilled my printer is working again :)

[@adeojerinde1]

Thank you very much. I have been using this Brother printer MFC-490cw sin either 2007/2008. It's dynamite.

[@kikiong5790]

Thank you! Before finding this, I spent an hour trying to "clean" my MFC-640CW and was about to throw it in the trash! This fixed the problem in 5 minutes!

[@kohtet6405]

See you happy

[@niamhcullen3322]

Thank you so much - you saved the day and I won't have to buy a new printer as I thought I might. Excellent advice!

[@drone1028]

For brother j265w I use the menu button instead of the green button to put it in maintenance mode. Great instructions. 👍

[@Morbious666]

Worked like a charm MFC-J835DW. Thank you

[@paulo1b106]

I have the MFC-J825DW and there is NO up or down buttons, however i followed the procedure and by entering the codes and it worked! Amazing. thank you so much.

[@Stiofain1967]

MFC8540CN also uses the the "MENU/SET" key INSTEAD of the green start key to get into maintenance mode. After that, the above steps do work. Thanks!

[@guitarboylovesguitar]

Thanks a lot! you saved my MFC-240C. Holding "Menu" and plugging in the machine will enter the maintenance mode.

[@johngourliemartin2696]

Hi Your video instructions cleared error 46 on my MFC5840 purge counter unable to clean etc Many Thanks

[@michaelh0129]

THANK YOU! The only thing that worked for me. Nothing like this on the Brother site. Saved me from tossing my printer.

[@seanjohn449]

Thank you very much, this was an awesome and educational video, it really helped me fix my brother's MFC-240C. Once again thank you so much; the instructions worked superbly.

[@homertonsensei9584]

that was totally awesome!!!.... Thanks to you Ive jus fixed the error on my printer!..."BIG THANK YOU, IT WORKED". ..Keep up the cool advice. My brother printer is 11 years old and still going strong!.. if I look after it , it will work well for me.. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@michaelrose9169]

Thanks! The procedure worked for my model MFC-5840CN. After unplugging, on this model one must press the Menu/Set button in the center of the search buttons (instead of a button marked "Start.") Brilliant solution.

[@tboyz1]

hold down the power save button (on the left) while you plug the power cord back in...I have the same model as you and this works, thanks this helped me out big time!

[@sandor1969r]

It works fantastic this time on my old MFC-665CW thank you for this valuable video

[@philfenton8559]

Hi, just like to say many thanks, my MFC-465C is now up and running again after reset. Thanks !!

[@rumcajs009]

Works well on MFC-215C, just use "SET" button as "Start". THANKS !!!

[@karenswartz2600]

Pressing menu to access maintenance mode worked for me - the rest was cake! Thank you!

[@CTR-xd6lg]

Worked form my model MFC-680CN just had to press the menu button only down to get into maintenance mode, worked well

[@aliscott9712]

Thank you for the info and have followed it precisely but maintenance does not come up either way of doing it. Cannot get the error message off the printer and cannot print.

[@Mairesa]

Thank you!! This worked perfectly with resetting the purge counter on the Brother MFC 640-CW printer. I thought all was lost and I was going to have to replace the printer.

[@angelabarry1586]

Thanks so much, this has worked for me on my MFC-425cn needed to press menu/set when power cable removed to get into maintenance mode, my printer is connected to a very old company laptop which will not work with any new printers I have got, so have had a long work around printing invoices! so happy :)

[@ernestobrawand8856]

great, it works as well with an antique Brother MFC 240C

[@TeesSmootheSounds]

THANK YOU!!!🎆🎆🎆🎆👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💐💐💐💕😉🎇🎤 You are the BEST! I discovered your Channel after being left #OnHold by #Brother for well over 30 mins.! I have a MFC-790CW so, I had to #Find the equivalent f/ your #Instructions but, w/ confidence in your #DetailedDirections....I was successful @ #Printing once again!

[@crystalcluff1590]

Whooohooo you guys rock. I was ready to go out and buy a new printer! I love my oldie but goodie MCF. Thank you thank you thank you.

[@puneets4]

Thanks ! I have a Brother MFC 235C. Procedure for getting to Maintenance varies a bit and I found it by trial and error. 1) Menu- button is the one that needs to be pressed when reattaching the cable. 2) Then to go to maintenance mode, just press * and it goes to maintenance mode 0. Don't press *and2864. thats takes you to a different maintenance mode. 3) Then the procedure is as you described. So the printers might vary in how to get to Maintenance 0 mode. That is the mode you want to clear this error. Thanks a lot .Saved me £100 , probably more 'cos, I was about to ditch my printer and buy a new one.

[@malcameron4523]

Thank you! Thought I needed new printer. Worked a treat on brother mfc-640cw using menu/set key to get into maintenance mode.

[@geridawn]

Whew, it worked, eventually! My 420CN didn't behave precisely as shown but I got through it. Thanks!

[@algoodrich1968]

How did you get to the maintenance on the NFC 420cn all I get is the maintenance test and unable to put the numbers in?

[@cradd1949]

Great i've fixed my unable to clean problem, the shop wanted £49.00 just to look at it, then a fee to repair. thank you again Frank.

[@naam-prik]

Perfect instruction and it worked but I pressed button "Menu -> Ink -> Cleaning -> All", then I could print out the documents as normal. Thank you for the useful clip.

[@misterchristmas]

Brother MFC-5840CN. Instructions not quite the same on the screen but many many thanks, we are now printing again! Owe you a beer!

[@qtet1]

Thanks so much for your service. Worked perfectly! Your instructions were clear and precise. I appreciate your help.

[@shepherdboy6083]

Thanks NACFamily! I have the MFC-240c. Your instructions were spot on!!!

[@vdavis-watson9223]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank You. I had to hold the Menu button down on my MFC465-CN to get to the maintenance menu but it worked. Many blessings to you. Vanessa Davis

[@ericb7778]

Thanks I have a MFC-3240C and I was able to clear the "Unable to Clean" error. Thanks again!