What Ink Does the Brother MFC-J985DW Use?

The Brother MFC-J985DW INKvestment uses LC203 high-yield ink cartridges (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow). It also accepts LC201 standard cartridges. As an INKvestment model, the J985DW uses an internal reservoir for extended ink usage between changes.

Ink Cartridges at a Glance

The LC203/LC201 family fits the Brother MFC-J460DW, MFC-J480DW, MFC-J680DW, MFC-J880DW, MFC-J985DW and DCP-J152W.

Save on LC203 Ink

Compatible LC203 cartridges work in the MFC-J985DW INKvestment at a fraction of OEM pricing. Shop LC203 cartridges at Castle Ink.

How to Replace Ink in the Brother MFC-J985DW

1. Open the front ink cartridge cover on the printer.
2. Press the release lever for the empty cartridge and remove it.
3. Unbox the new LC203 cartridge and remove the orange seal.
4. Insert the cartridge in the matching color slot until it clicks.
5. Close the cover — the printer will run a brief priming cycle to fill the INKvestment reservoir.

Troubleshooting Tips

Cartridge not detected: Wipe the gold chip and reseat.

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

Slow ink delivery after install: Allow the INKvestment reservoir time to refill from a new cartridge.

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

Official Brother Resources

Brother MFC-J985DW product page · Brother support

Bottom Line

The Brother MFC-J985DW INKvestment uses LC203 high-yield ink (or LC201 standard). LC203 cartridges give you the best value — shop LC203 at Castle Ink.

Frequently Asked Questions

LC203 or LC201? Both fit; LC203 prints ~2x more pages.

Pages per cartridge? About 550 pages per LC203 color.

Can I mix LC201 and LC203? Yes — any combination works.

Will compatible LC203 cartridges work? Yes — quality compatibles fit the MFC-J985DW.

Why is my cartridge not recognized? Clean the chip and reseat firmly.

— William Elward