What Ink Does the Brother MFC-J1205W Use?

The Brother MFC-J1205W INKvestmentTank uses LC404 ink cartridges (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow). Unlike refillable EcoTank-style printers, the J1205W still uses cartridges, but the internal ink tank gives you up to a year of ink with each set.

Ink Cartridges at a Glance

The LC404 cartridge is used in the Brother MFC-J1205W and MFC-J1215W INKvestmentTank all-in-ones.

Save on LC404 Ink

Compatible LC404 cartridges deliver the same INKvestmentTank yields at a much lower price. Shop LC404 cartridges at Castle Ink.

How to Replace Ink in the Brother MFC-J1205W

1. Open the ink tank cover on the front of the printer.
2. Press the lever for the empty color and remove the spent cartridge.
3. Unbox the new LC404 cartridge and pull off the orange seal.
4. Slide the new cartridge into the matching color slot until it locks.
5. Close the cover — the printer will prime the internal ink tank.

Troubleshooting Tips

Cartridge not detected: Wipe the gold chip with a dry cloth and reseat firmly.

Streaks or banding: Run Maintenance > Print Quality Check > Cleaning.

Slow priming after install: Allow several minutes for the internal tank to fill.

Low ink warning persists: Compatible cartridges report estimated levels — judge by output.

Official Brother Resources

Brother MFC-J1205W product page · Brother support

Bottom Line

The Brother MFC-J1205W INKvestmentTank uses LC404 ink cartridges. Get the most value with a full set — shop LC404 at Castle Ink.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cartridges does the MFC-J1205W use? LC404 Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow.

How long does a set last? Brother advertises up to a year of typical use per set.

Can I use other LC-series cartridges? No — only LC404 is designed for this printer.

Will compatible LC404 cartridges work? Yes — quality compatibles are made for the J1205W.

Why won't my cartridge be recognized? Clean the chip and reseat firmly.

— William Elward