Brother LC223 compatible ink cartridge: installation, chip reset and savings

Below we explain which models it fits, how to install it, what to do if your machine "doesn't recognise the cartridge" and how much you can save compared with the original.

What it is and which printers it fits

The LC223 is an individual cartridge (available in black, cyan, magenta and yellow) used across Brother's inkjet all-in-one range. Our compatible version keeps the same housing format and electronic chip, so it works straight away, with no adapters or extra parts.

It is compatible exactly with these machines:

• Brother DCP-J4120DW and DCP-J562DW
• Brother MFC-J4420DW, MFC-J4425DW, MFC-J4620DW and MFC-J4625DW
• Brother MFC-J480DW, MFC-J680DW and MFC-J880DW
• Brother MFC-J5320DW, MFC-J5520DW, MFC-J5620DW, MFC-J5625DW and MFC-J5720DW

If your printer isn't on this list, it probably uses a different series: take a look at our compatible Brother LC3213 or Brother LC3217 cartridges, designed for more recent models.

How to install it and what to do if the "cartridge isn't recognised"

Installation is identical to that of an original cartridge: switch the printer on, open the ink access cover, remove the empty cartridge by pulling it out gently, take the new LC223 out of its packaging, remove the protective tab or seal and slot it into the bay for the matching colour until you hear a click. Close the cover and wait for the machine to detect the consumable.

If a message such as "cannot detect" or "cartridge not recognised" appears, try these steps before assuming it's faulty:

• Remove the cartridge and reinsert it firmly; a loose contact is the most common cause.
• Carefully clean the gold chip with a dry, lint-free cloth, in case it has ink residue on it.
• Switch the printer off for about 30 seconds and back on again to force a fresh read of the chip.
• If you've just changed several colours, install them one at a time so the machine registers them separately.

With these cartridges no manual "reset" is needed: the chip already comes ready to report the levels. If the warning persists after these steps, get in touch with us for a replacement covered under warranty.

Yield and savings compared with the original

The aim of a compatible cartridge is to deliver a print result equivalent to the original at a much lower cost. On office text and graphics the difference in quality is imperceptible, and the saving per page is considerable compared with branded ink. You can see the breakdown in our article on the real cost of printing, and check how they perform side by side in original vs compatible. To verify the quality after installing it, you can use our CMYK test page.

Why buy it from Star Toner

Your Startoner consumable is covered by a three-year legal conformity guarantee. Printer coverage is governed by the manufacturer’s terms and may exclude damage caused by consumables. Using a compatible cartridge does not by itself establish the cause of a fault; keep your documentation and contact us if a problem occurs.

Frequently asked questions