1. Product Overview
The Brother DCP-L5500DN is a high-performance monochrome laser multifunction printer designed to enhance office productivity. It combines printing, copying, and scanning functionalities in a single device, suitable for small businesses and home offices.
Key features include fast print and copy speeds of up to 42 pages per minute (ppm), automatic duplex printing for two-sided documents, and flexible network connectivity options. It also supports mobile printing and scanning, and features a large color touchscreen for intuitive operation.

Figure 1: Front view of the Brother DCP-L5500DN printer, showing its compact design and paper tray.
2. Setup Guide
2.1 Unpacking and Initial Placement
- Carefully remove the printer from its packaging. Retain all packing materials for future transport or service.
- Place the printer on a stable, level surface with adequate space around it for ventilation and access.
- Remove all protective tapes and packing materials from the exterior and interior of the printer.
2.2 Toner Cartridge Installation
- Open the front cover of the printer.
- Unpack the included toner cartridge (TN820 or TN850) and drum unit assembly.
- Insert the toner cartridge firmly into the drum unit until it locks into place.
- Slide the toner cartridge and drum unit assembly into the printer until it clicks securely.
- Close the front cover.
2.3 Power and Connectivity
- Connect the power cord to the printer and then to a grounded electrical outlet.
- For network connectivity, connect an Ethernet cable from the printer's Ethernet port to your network router or switch.
- For direct connection, use a USB cable to connect the printer to your computer.
- Power on the printer using the power button.
For detailed setup instructions, including driver installation and network configuration, please refer to the comprehensive User Guide available on the Brother support website.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 Basic Printing
- Load paper into the main paper tray.
- From your computer, open the document you wish to print.
- Select "Print" from the application's menu.
- Choose "Brother DCP-L5500DN" as your printer.
- Adjust print settings (e.g., number of copies, paper size, duplex printing) as needed.
- Click "Print".
3.2 Copying Documents
- Place your document face down on the scanner glass or face up in the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF).
- On the printer's 3.7-inch color touchscreen, select the "Copy" function.
- Adjust settings such as number of copies, quality, or zoom.
- Press "Start" to begin copying.
3.3 Scanning Documents
- Place your document on the scanner glass or in the ADF.
- On the printer's touchscreen, select the "Scan" function.
- Choose your desired scan destination (e.g., Email, USB, SharePoint, Cloud Services like Evernote, Google Drive, Dropbox, or Network folder).
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the scan.
3.4 Mobile Printing and Scanning
The DCP-L5500DN supports mobile printing and scanning via applications like AirPrint, Brother iPrint&Scan, and other compatible apps. Ensure your mobile device is connected to the same wireless network as the printer for these features to function.
3.5 Amazon Dash Replenishment
This printer is Amazon Dash Replenishment enabled. Upon activation, the system can measure your Genuine Brother Replacement Cartridge toner level and automatically order replacements when low, ensuring you never run out of toner.
4. Maintenance
4.1 Toner and Drum Unit Replacement
When the printer indicates low toner, replace the toner cartridge. For optimal performance and print quality, always use Genuine Brother TN820 Standard Yield Toner or TN850 High Yield Toner cartridges. The drum unit also has a limited lifespan and should be replaced when prompted by the printer.
Video: This official Brother video highlights the importance of using genuine Brother toner for reliable quality, predictable page yields, and seamless integration with your printer, contrasting it with potential issues from non-genuine alternatives.
4.2 Cleaning the Printer
- Regularly clean the exterior of the printer with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Clean the scanner glass and the white plastic backing with a soft, dry cloth to ensure clear scans.
- Refer to the User Guide for instructions on cleaning internal components like the corona wire or drum unit.
4.3 Paper Handling
The printer has a 300-sheet paper capacity, which can be expanded to 1,340 sheets with optional add-on trays (LT-6500 or LT-5500). Always use recommended paper types and sizes to prevent jams and ensure optimal print quality.
5. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Brother DCP-L5500DN, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:
- No Power: Ensure the power cord is securely connected to both the printer and a working electrical outlet.
- Printer Offline: Check network cable connections or Wi-Fi settings. Restart the printer and your computer/router.
- Poor Print Quality: Check toner levels. Ensure you are using genuine Brother toner. Clean the drum unit and corona wire as per the User Guide.
- Paper Jams: Follow the on-screen instructions or User Guide to clear any jammed paper. Ensure paper is loaded correctly and not overfilled.
- Scanning Issues: Verify network connectivity. Ensure scanner drivers are correctly installed on your computer.
For more complex issues, consult the detailed troubleshooting section in the official Brother User Manual or contact Brother customer support.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 16.8"D x 17.1"W x 19.1"H |
| Max Copy Speed (Black & White) | 42 ppm |
| Max Printspeed Monochrome | 42 ppm |
| Maximum Black and White Print Resolution | 1200 dpi |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | 300 sheets (expandable to 1,340) |
| Scanner Type | Sheetfed |
| Display Type | LCD (3.7" Color Touchscreen) |
| Connectivity Technology | Ethernet, USB |
| Dual-sided printing | Yes |
| Included Components | Toner Cartridges |
| Item Weight | 21 pounds |
7. Warranty and Support
The Brother DCP-L5500DN comes with a 1-year limited warranty. Brother also provides free at-your-side support for the life of your product, which includes assistance via online resources, phone, or live chat.
For further assistance, please visit the official Brother support website or refer to the full User Manual (PDF) for detailed information and contact options.





