Brother Error 50: Meaning and How to Fix It

Error 50 means your print carriage cannot move freely. When you turn the printer on, the carriage slides toward its home position. If something blocks its path, or if the printer loses track of where the carriage is, the machine stops and throws this error. It is a movement timeout.

Do not assume the hardware is dead and the printer needs replacement. The problem is usually a physical obstruction or a sensor issue, not a broken part. A tiny scrap of paper hiding under the parking station, a dirty tracking strip, or thickened grease will stop the carriage completely.

Do not reach inside and force the carriage back by hand while the power is on. Doing that breaks the internal gears. This is not a permanent electrical failure. Sometimes, the machine just needs a power cycle to clear a sensor memory fault and reset the motor controller.

• Scraps of torn paper trapped in the carriage path
• Ink buildup or dust on the transparent encoder strip
• Foreign objects like paper clips or staples inside the housing
• Dislodged or loose carriage drive belt
• Obstruction in the purge unit or service station
• Gear misalignment inside the mechanical drive assembly
• Dirty optical sensor on the print carriage assembly

1. 1Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord before looking inside.
2. 2Open the front cover and check for any visible bits of torn paper.

1. 1

   Power Cycle the Printer

   Unplug the power cord while the printer is turned on. Wait sixty seconds. Plug the power cord directly into a wall outlet and turn the printer back on.

2. 2

   Check for Jammed Paper

   Open the rear access cover and look for trapped paper. Gently pull any jammed paper out in the direction of the paper path to avoid tearing.

3. 3

   Inspect the Carriage Path

   Open the ink cartridge cover. Check the track where the print head moves for any small paper scraps, dust clumps, or foreign objects.

4. 4

   Clean the Encoder Strip

   Locate the thin, transparent plastic strip running behind the print carriage. Wipe it gently with a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth to remove ink mist or dust.

5. 5

   Inspect the Drive Belt

   Look at the rubber belt running along the carriage. Ensure it is seated properly on the motor gear and not snapped or loose.

6. 6

   Check the Service Station

   Look at the far right or left side where the print head parks. Ensure no dried ink or debris blocks the capping mechanism.

7. 7

   Manually Move the Carriage

   With the printer unplugged, gently push the print carriage away from its parking position to verify it moves smoothly across the full track without catching.

8. 8

   Perform a Hard Reset

   Unplug the power and USB cables for five minutes. Reconnect everything and power on to clear temporary error states.