Brother LC404 is a four-cartridge ink family used by three verified Brother INKvestment Tank printer models in Starink's U.S. compatibility scope. This guide covers the complete printer list, individual cartridge yields, 4-Pack contents, smart-chip details, installation, storage, firmware, and recognition checks.
Confirm the complete printer model and the cartridge number shown on the existing cartridge before ordering. Similar Brother MFC-J model names do not establish compatibility.
Starink's verified compatibility list includes three Brother printers: MFC-J1205W, MFC-J1205W XL, and MFC-J1215W.
The Starink compatible Brother LC404 4-Pack contains one Black, one Cyan, one Magenta, and one Yellow cartridge. Each cartridge includes a pre-installed smart chip, so no chip transfer is required.
Each individual cartridge yields up to 750 pages in accordance with ISO/IEC 24711. Treat the four page-yield ratings separately rather than adding them into one pack total.
Starink reviewed the compatible models, package configuration, smart-chip details, and page-yield information on September 23, 2026.
Match the complete model name shown on the printer label or device information screen. Each model below links to a printer-specific ink page.
Compact INKvestment Tank all-in-one printer using the LC404 four-color cartridge family.
The final XL is part of this printer's complete model name; it is separate from the LC404 cartridge designation.
INKvestment Tank all-in-one printer using separate Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow LC404 cartridges.
All four colors have the same listed approximate yield, but each cartridge is measured and consumed separately.
| Starink Cartridge | Approximate Page Yield | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Brother LC404 Black | Up to 750 pages | Black |
| Brother LC404 Cyan | Up to 750 pages | Cyan |
| Brother LC404 Magenta | Up to 750 pages | Magenta |
| Brother LC404 Yellow | Up to 750 pages | Yellow |
Each yield is measured per individual cartridge in accordance with ISO/IEC 24711. Actual output varies with page content, coverage, printer settings, cleaning and maintenance cycles, print frequency, and other usage conditions. Do not add the four ratings together as one combined 4-Pack yield.
The package supplies one compatible replacement cartridge for each color position used by the three listed printers.
Total package quantity: four compatible ink cartridges plus one user guide. Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow remain separate consumables.
“Smart Chip Included” does not mean that the cartridge uses an original Brother chip or that compatibility with every future firmware version is guaranteed.
Compare the product configuration before ordering. Features of other compatible LC404 cartridges vary by seller and listing.
| What Matters | Starink LC404 Ready to Install | OEM Brother LC404 | Other Compatible LC404 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Chip Included | Yes — pre-installed smart chip | Yes — OEM integrated chip | Varies by seller and listing |
| Chip Transfer | No transfer required | No transfer required | Check the product configuration |
| Page Yield | Up to 750 pages per individual cartridge | Up to 750 pages per individual cartridge | Check the individual listing |
| Ink-Level Monitoring | Supported on listed compatible configurations | Supported | Support and displayed accuracy can vary |
| Product Support | Starink compatibility support | Subject to Brother support and warranty terms | Depends on the seller's stated policy |
| Customer Reviews | 4.94/5 · 63 Reviews | Reviews vary by retailer and listing | Reviews vary by brand, seller, and listing |
For a broader first-time checklist, see How to Install Ink Cartridges.
To review the available update settings before future printer updates, see How to Turn Off Automatic Printer Firmware Updates.
If the cartridge is still not recognized after completing these checks, see Troubleshoot Compatible Cartridge Recognition Issues.
The product below is the Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow 4-Pack described throughout this guide.
Each cartridge includes a pre-installed smart chip, so no chip transfer is required. Each individual cartridge yields up to 750 pages.
Share the complete printer model and the cartridge number printed on the existing cartridge.
Starink's verified list includes the Brother MFC-J1205W, Brother MFC-J1205W XL, and Brother MFC-J1215W. Confirm the complete printer model and the LC404 cartridge number before ordering.
Each individual Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow cartridge yields up to 750 pages in accordance with ISO/IEC 24711. These are separate cartridge ratings, not one combined pack yield.
The package includes one compatible LC404 Black, one Cyan, one Magenta, and one Yellow cartridge, plus one user guide.
Yes. Each cartridge includes a pre-installed smart chip designed to support recognition and ink-level monitoring, so no chip transfer is required.
Yes. Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow occupy separate cartridge positions in the three verified printers, so you can replace the individual color that has run out.
The Brother MFC-J1205W uses LC404 cartridges in Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. See the MFC-J1205W ink page.
Yes. Brother MFC-J1205W XL is a complete, separate printer model name. The XL is part of the printer model name; the compatible cartridge number is LC404. See the MFC-J1205W XL ink page.
The Brother MFC-J1215W uses the LC404 cartridge family in all four colors. See the MFC-J1215W ink page.
Future firmware compatibility cannot be guaranteed. Printer updates, installation, and device conditions may affect cartridge recognition or displayed ink levels.
Confirm the exact model and cartridge color, remove all protective material, verify the matching slot, and reseat the cartridge. If the issue followed an update, use Starink's compatible-cartridge recognition checklist.
Compatibility and Starink product specifications last reviewed: September 23, 2026.
The compatibility scope is intentionally limited to the three named printer models. Check an unlisted printer separately rather than inferring compatibility from a similar series or model number.
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