Brother Error 46 (Ink Absorber Full)
What it means
The ink absorber, or purge pad, that collects waste ink from cleaning is full. This is a maintenance limit. It needs the absorber serviced and the counter reset, which usually means an authorised service centre.
Guides that cover this kind of fault
A guide written for 46 itself is still being checked against the manufacturer's documentation. These cover the same underlying problem and are filed under maintenance.
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Common questions
What does the 46 error mean on a Brother printer?
The ink absorber, or purge pad, that collects waste ink from cleaning is full. This is a maintenance limit. It needs the absorber serviced and the counter reset, which usually means an authorised service centre.
Is the 46 error serious?
This one usually points at a hardware fault rather than something a setting will clear, so treat an unchanged result after a power cycle as a reason to contact the manufacturer rather than to keep trying.
Different code or problem?
Switch off and unplug a printer before reaching inside it. If a fault involves the power supply or internal electronics, or the machine is under warranty, contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician. Full disclaimer. Brand and code names are trademarks of their owners; PrinterFixUp is independent and unaffiliated.