On the covered Brother printer, Cannot Detect means an ink cartridge, toner or supply cannot be detected. This is a Brother INKJET message. The Error and Maintenance Messages table this family cites is a laser guide and does not contain it, so confirm the wording against your own model's guide. First, identify the indicated supply and reseat it.
Differential
Likely causes of “Brother printer code Cannot Detect”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The printer cannot detect the ink cartridge named in the message
What separates it The message appears right after a cartridge was changed
How to confirm Remove and reseat the cartridge, then close the cover and wait
- 2
The cartridge contacts are dirty or dull
What separates it The small metal contacts on the cartridge or in the carriage look dull or greasy
How to confirm Wipe the contacts with a dry, lint-free cloth
- 3
The cartridge is not the right model for the printer
What separates it The part number on the cartridge differs from the one in the manual
How to confirm Compare the number with the manual and the printer's label
- 4
The cartridge is empty, damaged or faulty
What separates it A new cartridge of the same color is accepted
How to confirm Try a fresh cartridge
- 5
The printer's own detection sensor has failed
What separates it Several good cartridges are not detected in any slot
How to confirm Brother service tests the carriage and the sensor
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact message and the color that the printer names
- The printer model, which decides which cartridge fits
- Whether the cartridge is genuine Brother or a compatible one
- Whether the message started right after fitting a new cartridge
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleIdentify the indicated supply and reseat it.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleInstall the exact supported supply or service the sensor/contact path.
Open the cover
ReversibleLet the carriage move to the center, which makes the cartridges easy to reach.
Remove the named cartridge
ReversibleTake out the one the message names, and look at its contacts and its label.
Wipe the contacts
ReversibleUse a dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use water or alcohol on the contacts.
Reseat it firmly
ReversiblePush the cartridge in until it clicks and sits level with the others.
Close the cover and wait
ReversibleThe printer checks each cartridge when the cover shuts, and the message should clear.
Try a new cartridge
ReversibleIf the message stays, a fresh cartridge shows whether the old one was the cause.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- The message on this page
- Cannot Detect, for an inkjet ink cartridge or supply.
- Parts involved
- The cartridge, its contacts, the carriage and the printer's sensor.
- Tip
- Check the cartridge number in the printer's manual before buying a replacement.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If several good cartridges are not detected, contact Brother support with the model
- !Do not force a cartridge into a slot that it does not fit
- !Switch the printer off before cleaning the contacts
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does Cannot Detect mean on a Brother printer?+
An ink cartridge, toner or supply cannot be detected. This is a Brother INKJET message. The Error and Maintenance Messages table this family cites is a laser guide and does not contain it, so confirm the wording against your own model's guide.
Does it only happen with compatible ink?+
It happens more often with compatible cartridges, but a dirty contact or an unseated genuine cartridge can cause it too.
Is the message the same for laser printers?+
This is an inkjet message; laser printers use toner messages, so check your model's guide.
Can I print while it shows?+
Usually not, because the printer will not print until it recognizes the cartridge.
What should I do if it still fails?+
Contact Brother with your model and the cartridge number so that they can check the carriage and the sensor.