What Ink Does the Brother MFC-J5945DW Use?
Last Updated:The Brother MFC-J5945DW uses LC3033 super high-yield ink cartridges (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow). It also accepts LC3035 ultra high-yield cartridges. LC3035 yields the lowest cost per page for high-volume offices.
Ink Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Color | Yield |
|---|---|---|
| LC3033BK | Black | ~3,000 pages |
| LC3033C | Cyan | ~1,500 pages |
| LC3033M | Magenta | ~1,500 pages |
| LC3033Y | Yellow | ~1,500 pages |
| LC3035 (Ultra HY) | All colors | ~6,000 / ~5,000 pages |
The LC3033/LC3035 cartridge family fits the Brother MFC-J5845DW, MFC-J5945DW, MFC-J6545DW, MFC-J6945DW INKvestmentTank wide-format printers.
Save on LC3033 Ink
Compatible LC3033 cartridges work in the MFC-J5945DW at a fraction of OEM pricing. Shop LC3033 cartridges at Castle Ink.
How to Replace Ink in the Brother MFC-J5945DW
- Open the front ink cartridge cover on the printer.
- Press the release lever for the empty cartridge and remove it.
- Unbox the new LC3033 cartridge and pull off the orange seal.
- Insert the cartridge in the matching color slot until it clicks.
- Close the cover — the printer will prime the internal ink tank.
Troubleshooting Tips
Cartridge not detected: Wipe the gold chip and reseat.
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: Compatibles report estimated levels — judge by output.
Official Brother Resources
Brother MFC-J5945DW product page · Brother support
Bottom Line
The Brother MFC-J5945DW uses LC3033 super high-yield ink (or LC3035 ultra HY). LC3035 is best for heavy-print offices — shop LC3033 at Castle Ink.
Frequently Asked Questions
LC3033 or LC3035? Both fit; LC3035 prints about double the LC3033 yield.
Pages per LC3033? About 3,000 black / 1,500 color.
Can I mix yields? Yes — any combination works.
Will compatible LC3033 cartridges work? Yes — quality compatibles fit the MFC-J5945DW.
Why isn't my cartridge recognized? Clean the chip and reseat firmly.
— William Elward