How to Replace a Toner Cartridge in a Laser Printer

Before you start

Replacing a toner cartridge is a routine maintenance task that takes a few minutes. Start by turning the printer off and, if the printer has just finished a long job, wait for the fuser to cool down. The fuser gets hot during printing, and touching that area immediately after a big run can cause a burn.

Have the replacement cartridge ready before you open the printer. Keep it in its sealed bag until you are ready to install it, and check the model number on the box against the label on the old cartridge or inside the printer. Using the wrong cartridge can keep the cover from closing or cause feed problems.

• A clean, flat work surface
• The new toner cartridge in its sealed packaging
• A damp, lint-free cloth for spills
• The printer manual if you need the reset steps

Remove the old cartridge

Open the front cover or the toner access door. On most laser printers the cover is at the front and swings down; on a few compact models it is a top panel. Once the cover is open, the cartridge sits behind it, riding on two plastic rails.

Release the lock. Some models use a small lever or latch, others simply let you grip the cartridge by its handle and pull. Hold the handle firmly and pull the cartridge straight out along the rails. Keep it level and set it down flat, toner side up, so loose powder does not spill.

If you have a printer where the drum and toner are separate components, the toner cartridge slides into the drum unit. You only need to pull the toner cartridge out, not the drum, unless the manual asks for a full inspection. For more on how the two parts work together, see toner versus drum.

Install the new cartridge

Take the new cartridge out of its bag. Remove the protective tape and the sealing strip that covers the toner outlet, and keep the packaging: many makers ask you to return the old cartridge in the same bag for recycling.

If the instructions say so, shake the cartridge gently side to side, holding it horizontal, to distribute the toner evenly inside. Skipping this step on some models can cause light or streaky prints for the first few pages.

Do not touch the green or blue drum surface or the toner outlet. Fingerprints and scratches cause permanent print defects. Slide the cartridge into the printer along the rails until it stops, then push until it clicks or locks into place. Close the front cover until it snaps shut.

Test the print and reset the status

Print a test page from the printer control panel or from your computer. Most printers sold today support standard network protocols: the Printer Working Group reports that 98% of printers support IPP/2.0 and network discovery, so any computer on the network can print a test page without vendor-specific drivers.

If you print from a phone or tablet, a Mopria-certified printer lets you print directly from Android, Windows, and Chromebook devices, so you can send a test page from a mobile device as well.

If the printer still reports "replace toner" after the new cartridge is installed, the status may need to be reset. Open the cover again, make sure the cartridge is fully seated, and check the metal contacts for dust. Then run the reset or test-page routine described in your manual.

After the test page looks clean, keep energy-saving settings like sleep mode enabled. ENERGY STAR certified printers are designed to wake from sleep quickly, and using draft quality for internal documents stretches the cartridge further.

Recycle the old cartridge

Recycle the old cartridge instead of putting it in the trash. The US EPA recommends recycling used electronics and provides guidance on donation and recycling options in your community. Many printer makers also run take-back programs for their own cartridges.

Place the old cartridge back in the packaging from the new one, or in a plastic bag, to keep toner from leaking during transport. Do not incinerate the cartridge, and keep it away from children and pets. If toner spills, clean it with a damp, lint-free cloth. Toner is a fine powder, so avoid blowing on the spill or using a vacuum that would spread the dust.

If you buy replacement cartridges ahead of time, store them sealed, upright, and in a cool, dry place. For more on choosing between the maker's cartridge and remanufactured alternatives, see original versus remanufactured toner, and for higher page counts see high-yield toner cartridges.

Troubleshooting common problems

Most problems after a cartridge swap come from a cartridge that is not seated, seals that were left in place, or a worn drum. If printouts show smudges, faded bands, or vertical lines, remove the cartridge and re-seat it, and check that all protective seals were removed.

• Smudges or streaks down the page: clean the cartridge contacts, re-seat the cartridge, and print a test page.
• Light or blank pages: the toner may be low or the cartridge may not be fully locked in; check the seal and the lock.
• The printer keeps showing "replace toner": run the status reset in the manual or inspect the sensor window and contacts.
• A paper jam after a cartridge swap: make sure the cartridge is pushed all the way in so the paper path is not blocked. See how to clear a paper jam.
• Streaks that persist after reseating: the drum may be worn. On models with a separate drum, replace the drum unit usually restores print quality.

What to pick for your use

Questions

How often should I replace the toner cartridge?

Replace it when printouts look faded, when streaks appear, or when the printer's toner indicator says the cartridge is low or empty. There is no fixed schedule: it depends on how much you print and the cartridge yield.

Do I need to shake a new toner cartridge?

Yes, in most cases. The instructions that come with the cartridge will say so. Shaking gently side to side, with the cartridge held horizontal, redistributes the toner powder before the first print.

Can I refill an empty toner cartridge?

Refilling is possible with aftermarket toner, but refilled cartridges can leak and may produce poor print quality. Many printers use a chip on the cartridge to track toner, so a refill may not reset the counter. For consistent results, use a fresh cartridge from the maker or a quality remanufactured one.

What should I do with the old toner cartridge?

Recycle it. Many maker take-back programs and local electronics recyclers accept used cartridges. Keep the cartridge in its packaging or a sealed bag to avoid spills during transport.

Why does my printer still say "replace toner" after I installed a new cartridge?

The printer may still show the old status until you reset it. With the cover open and the new cartridge seated, run the reset or test-page routine in your manual. Cleaning the cartridge contacts can also help.

Is toner powder dangerous?

Toner is a fine powder. Avoid inhaling it, and clean spills with a damp, lint-free cloth. Keep cartridges away from children and pets, and do not incinerate them.