Lexmark MX421ade: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Lexmark MX421ade right for you?

The MX421ade is the 2018 replacement for the MX410 and keeps the same formula: 42 ppm, a 4.3-inch touchscreen, fax and a reversing ADF, but on the newer 56F cartridge platform with a 1 GHz dual-core processor. It is a dependable mono MFP for a small team. The ADF separator pad and pick roller are the main wear items; replace them when double-feeds start rather than waiting for 28x jam codes.

Best for: Small offices wanting a modern mono MFP with fax on a wired network

Setting up the Lexmark MX421ade

Run through the touchscreen setup wizard for language, date and fax, then open the Embedded Web Server to add scan-to-email SMTP settings and network folders. Windows uses the Lexmark Universal Print Driver plus the TWAIN/scan driver; macOS adds it via AirPrint and scans through Image Capture. Firmware updates are delivered via the Embedded Web Server or Lexmark Cloud Fleet Management.

1. Unbox and prepare. Remove every piece of shipping tape and packing material, install the toner cartridge and drum unit, 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 Lexmark'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 Lexmark MX421ade uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• 56F1000 Return Program toner (6,000 pages)
• 56F1H00 high-yield toner (15,000 pages)
• 56F1X00 extra high-yield toner (20,000 pages)
• 56F0Z00 imaging unit (60,000 pages)

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