What Toner Does the Brother HL-3170CDW Use?

by Last Updated:

Correction (October 2026): an earlier version of this guide suggested there was a TN225 black toner. There isn't. TN225 comes only in cyan, magenta and yellow, and the only black is TN221BK (about 2,500 pages).

Quick answer: The Brother HL-3170CDW uses TN221BK black toner (~2,500 pages) with either TN221 (standard) or TN225 (high-yield) cyan, magenta and yellow, plus a DR221CL drum set. TN225 is made only in the three colors. We stock compatible TN221 black, TN225 colors and DR221CL drums.

The HL-3170CDW is a compact color laser printer with automatic duplex.

CastleScore · October 2026

78/100 — Recommended

Brother HL-3170CDW

Pillar (weight)ScoreWhat it is based on
Owner ratings (28%) — No retailer rating with enough reviews to use.
Expert reviews (20%) 70 PCMag 3.5/5
Cost per page (18%) 86 About 3.5¢ per page blended (black + color) with our compatible TN221 black (2,500 pages) and TN225 colors (2,200 pages).
Reliability (18%) 87 Most-reported problems: 'Replace Drum' / drum warning persists after replacing or resetting drums
Features (11%) 63 Auto two-sided printing, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, fast (20+ ppm). No document feeder, no fax, no touchscreen.
Value (5%) — Running cost and owner satisfaction

Limited data: We could not find enough owner ratings for this printer, so that weight is spread across the other pillars.

Discontinued. Brother USA and Brother Canada both list the HL-3170CDW as discontinued, and neither names a replacement.

CastleScore is Castle Ink’s own editorial rating, built from retailer star ratings, expert reviews, real cost per page and owner complaint patterns, checked October 9, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.

The toner, pictured

Our own compatible toner, photographed in-house.

Brother HL-3170CDW Supplies at a Glance

Supply Color Approx. Yield
TN221BK Black ~2,500 pages
TN221C / TN221M / TN221Y Cyan / Magenta / Yellow ~1,400 pages each
TN225C / TN225M / TN225Y Cyan / Magenta / Yellow ~2,200 pages each
DR221CL drum set (all four) — ~15,000 pages
BU220CL belt unit — ~50,000 pages
WT220CL waste toner box — ~50,000 pages

There Is No Black Upgrade

This is the unusual part. On most Brother color lasers the high-yield line covers every color. Here it does not: TN225 is made only in cyan, magenta and yellow, so the only black is TN221BK at about 2,500 pages. For the colors, always buy TN225 — 2,200 pages against 1,400 is a real difference.

Four Consumables, Not One

Colour lasers of this generation have more moving parts than the toner price suggests. Beyond the four toners there is a drum set, a belt unit and a waste toner box. The drum is sold as a four-drum set — you cannot buy a single color drum. On a printer this old it is worth knowing the full list before you invest in supplies.

Is the HL-3170CDW Discontinued?

Yes, Brother has discontinued it and names no successor.

What HL-3170CDW owners ask

These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, Brother's support pages and owner reviews, answered in our words.

Is there a high-yield black toner for this printer?

No. TN225 is made only in cyan, magenta and yellow. The black is TN221BK only, rated at about 2,500 pages.

How do I clear a drum warning after fitting new drums?

With the front cover open, take out each drum (leave its toner in place), slide the green tab end to end a few times and put it back. Owners find this reset generally works only once, and a drum showing 0% on the status report should be replaced.

How do I see how much life each drum has left?

Hold the Go button for 3 to 5 seconds to print a status report. It lists the remaining life of each drum.

Which other Brother printers use the same TN221/TN225 toner?

The DCP-9020CDN, HL-3140CW, HL-3150CDN, HL-3180CDW, MFC-9130CW, MFC-9330CDW and MFC-9340CDW.

How many pages do the toners in the box print?

Brother rates the in-box starter toners at about 1,000 pages each, so plan your first order early.

HL-3170CDW quirks worth knowing

  • Brother calls it a digital color printer: it uses an LED print engine rather than a laser, though it is sold alongside color lasers.
  • A straight-through single-sheet manual feed slot handles envelopes and heavier media without touching the 250-sheet tray.
  • Toners load from the top. Brother Canada sold the black as a twin pack (TN2212PK) and the colors as a three-pack (TN2213PK).
  • Brother rates it at up to 23 ppm in both black and color, with a 30,000-page monthly duty cycle. It connects by Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet or USB.

Frequently Asked Questions

What toner does the Brother HL-3170CDW use?
TN221 black with TN221 or TN225 colors, plus a DR221CL drum set.

How long does the drum last?
About 15,000 pages. It is sold as a four-drum set, not per color.

What else will I need to replace?
A belt unit (BU220CL) and a waste toner box (WT220CL), both rated around 50,000 pages.

Can I use compatible TN225 toner?
Yes. We haven't found a Brother firmware block on this model. If it still shows Replace Toner or Toner Life End after a new cartridge goes in, Brother has a support article for that message on the HL-3170CDW.

More Brother ink guides: Brother DCP-L2640DW · Brother MFC-L2820DW · Brother HL-L2460DW · find any printer

Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives

Sources

Ratings and prices were checked on October 9, 2026 and will change over time.

Need replacement Brother toner cartridges? Shop Brother toner cartridges at Castle Ink. Compatible, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.

Written and reviewed by — Founder of Castle Ink, 20+ years in the printer & imaging supplies industry.

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