Brother MFC-J985DW: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Brother MFC-J985DW right for you?

The MFC-J985DW launched Brother's INKvestment idea in 2016, using oversized LC20E cartridges that cut cost per page to around a cent for black. It has a touchscreen, Ethernet, NFC, fax and a 20-sheet ADF in a compact chassis. Many are still in service, and LC20E cartridges remain available. The ink absorber pad is the usual end-of-life failure on high-mileage units.

Best for: Owners of the original cheap-ink Brother inkjet

Setting up the Brother MFC-J985DW

Install the Full Driver & Software Package for scanning and PC-Fax, and connect by Ethernet or the touchscreen wireless wizard. Windows 11 may need the driver reinstalled after feature updates. Keep it printing at least weekly to prevent clogged nozzles.

1. Unbox and prepare. Remove every piece of shipping tape and packing material, install the ink cartridges, and load paper in the tray.
2. Join your Wi-Fi. Keep the printer close to the router for setup. Most printers only connect to the 2.4GHz band, so if your router broadcasts one merged network name you may need to split the bands temporarily. See our Wi-Fi guide if it will not join.
3. Install the setup app. Use Brother's official app rather than a driver you found on a search result — third-party driver sites are the most common source of printer malware.
4. Add the printer. On Windows 11: Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners › Add device. On macOS: System Settings › Printers & Scanners › Add Printer.
5. Print a test page and run a scan if this is an all-in-one, so you find any problem now rather than when you are in a hurry.

Ink, toner and supplies

The Brother MFC-J985DW uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• LC20EBK super high-yield black (2,400 pages)
• LC20EC/M/Y super high-yield color (1,200 pages each)

High-yield (XL) versions almost always cost less per page if you print regularly. On third-party ink and toner, read our honest assessment first, and note that some manufacturers push firmware that rejects non-original chips.

Full specifications