On this page
- Why choose the genuine Brother LC-521M ink cartridge
- One capacity only
- Printers compatible with the LC-521M
- Page yield
- Installation and maintenance
- Use and tips
- Specifications
- Related products
- Frequently asked questions
Why choose the genuine Brother LC-521M ink cartridge
The LC-521M is the standard version of the magenta cartridge in the LC-521 range. Genuine Brother ink, formulated for the print head of these models: faithful colors, fast drying, no clogged nozzles and no "cartridge not recognized" message. On these printers the black is a pigment ink (sharp, water-resistant text) and the colors are dye inks (bright photos and graphics).
One capacity only
The LC-521 range comes in a single capacity for this color (500 pages).
Printers compatible with the LC-521M
The LC-521M is compatible with 5 Brother models (manufacturer list):
Check the exact reference on the label at the back or underneath the printer; the suffixes (W, DW, CDW) matter.
Page yield
500 pages according to ISO/IEC 24711 (5% coverage per color, letter-type text). Photos and solid color areas use far more; part of the ink is used for automatic print head cleaning. The cost per page shown next to the price is calculated from the current price and this yield, excluding paper.
Installation and maintenance
Tool-free replacement with the printer on: open the cartridge cover, press the lever of the empty cartridge and pull it out, remove the protective cap of the new cartridge without touching the contacts, insert it until it clicks in the slot of its color, close the cover; the printer primes the cartridge. Replace a cartridge only when the printer asks for it and never leave a slot empty: the print head would dry out. A lightly used inkjet printer stays in good condition if it is left plugged in (automatic cleaning) and prints a color page every two weeks. Used Brother cartridges can be returned free of charge through the Brother recycling program.
Use and tips
The LC-521M cartridge suits regular office use: 500 pages, i.e. about 5 months at 100 pages per month and about 2 months at 300 pages per month.
Keep the printer plugged in and switched on: it maintains its nozzles automatically and uses very little power in standby; print a color page every two weeks to prevent the head from drying out. Store cartridges in their packaging, away from heat and sunlight, and install them before the date printed on the box. At the "Ink low" alert, order: the printer keeps printing until "Cannot print". A genuine cartridge protects the print head and the Brother warranty; cartridges sold for another region are not recognized.
Specifications
| Manufacturer part number | LC-521M (LC521M) |
|---|---|
| EAN code | 4977766839235 |
| Type | Genuine Brother ink cartridge (OEM) |
| Technology | Inkjet |
| Color | Magenta |
| Capacity | Standard |
| Page yield | 500 pages, ISO/IEC 24711 |
| Contents | 1 ink cartridge |
| Net weight | 30 g |
| Product dimensions (L x W x H) | 10 x 75 x 85 mm |
| Compatible printers | 5 Brother inkjet models |
Related products
Frequently asked questions
Is the LC-521M compatible with my Brother printer?
Yes if it appears in the list above (DCP-J1260W to DCP-J1460DW). If in doubt, compare the exact reference of your printer, suffix included.
How many pages does the Brother LC-521M print?
Up to 500 pages according to ISO/IEC 24711 at 5% coverage. The actual yield depends on the type of documents; photos use far more.
Do I need to replace all cartridges at the same time?
No. Each color is replaced separately when the printer reports it empty; the others keep working.
How should an unopened cartridge be stored?
Flat, in its packaging, away from light and heat; preferably use it before the date printed on the box and within six months after opening.
I rarely print: will the ink dry out?
The printer runs automatic cleaning cycles if it stays plugged in. Printing one color page every two weeks is enough to keep the nozzles in good condition.
Where can I find the safety data sheet (SDS) for the LC-521M?
On our Brother support page: safety data sheet for the LC-521M in your language, manuals and FAQ for the compatible printers.







