What Toner Does the HP Color LaserJet 3600n Use?

by Lauren Elward Last Updated: October 27, 2026

Quick answer: The HP Color LaserJet 3600n uses HP 501A black toner (Q6470A, about 6,000 pages) and HP 502A colors: Q6471A cyan, Q6472A yellow and Q6473A magenta (about 4,000 pages each).

The black and colors carry different numbers, so there's no 502A black or 501A cyan, and there are no high-yield versions. Castle Ink sells compatible 501A black and all three 502A colors.

CastleScore · October 2026

69/100 — Situational

HP Color LaserJet 3600n (Scored on HP Color LaserJet 3600n data)

Pillar (weight)	Score	What it is based on
Owner ratings (28%)	—	We couldn't find a retail rating pool for the 3600n.
Expert reviews (20%)	—	No published numeric expert score we could verify.
Cost per page (18%)	94	About 1.5¢ per page blended with our compatible HP 501A black (6,000 pages) and 502A colors (4,000 pages).
Reliability (18%)	70	Most-reported problems: weak color and photo accuracy; light default output
Features (11%)	52	Print only, 17 ppm, Ethernet and USB, 350 sheets standard (850 with optional tray). No automatic two-sided printing on the n model.
Value (5%)	—	Not scored without owner ratings

Limited data: We could not find enough owner ratings or published expert scores for this printer, so those weights are spread across the other pillars. With neither owner ratings nor a published expert score, we cap this printer at 69 (Situational) until better data is available.

Discontinued. A 2005-06 model, now sold used only.

CastleScore is Castle Ink’s own editorial rating, built from retailer star ratings, expert reviews, real cost per page and owner complaint patterns, checked October 27, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.

The toner, pictured

Our own compatible toner, photographed in-house.

What Toner Does the HP Color LaserJet 3600n Take?

Cartridge	HP part no.	Approx. yield	Castle Ink option
HP 501A Black	Q6470A	~6,000 pages	Castle Ink 501A Black, $69.95
HP 502A Cyan	Q6471A	~4,000 pages	Castle Ink 502A Cyan, $74.95
HP 502A Yellow	Q6472A	~4,000 pages	Castle Ink 502A Yellow, $74.95
HP 502A Magenta	Q6473A	~4,000 pages	Castle Ink 502A Magenta, $74.95

Yields are HP's figures as listed by 4inkjets and Cartridge Save.

What Does 3600n Toner Cost per Page?

On October 27, 2026, Staples listed HP's 501A black at $230.49 (out of stock) and 502A cyan at $219.49, while 4inkjets had both at $109.99. At the 4inkjets price that's about 1.8¢ a page for black and 2.7¢ per color. Our compatible 501A black is $69.95 (about 1.2¢ a page) and our 502A colors are $74.95 each (about 1.9¢ a page).

Will Compatible Toner Work?

Yes. We know of no cartridge lock on this model. The HP firmware updates that rejected third-party cartridges were reported on newer OfficeJet, OfficeJet Pro and PageWide printers, and this printer is older than that change. HP's warranty doesn't cover damage caused by non-HP supplies, but using them doesn't void it.

How Do I Replace the Toner in the 3600n?

Turn the printer on and open the front door (on some models the cartridges sit in a pull-out drawer behind it).
Take out the cartridge for the color that's empty. The slots are color-coded.
Unpack the new cartridge and rock it gently side to side to spread the toner.
Pull off the orange sealing tape and any protective cover, without touching the green drum surface.
Slide the cartridge into its matching slot until it seats, then close the door.

These are the standard steps for this type of printer. If your model's door label shows a different order, follow the label.

Which Other Printers Use HP 501A and 502A?

The Color LaserJet 3600 and 3600dn use the same four cartridges. The 501A black also fits the Color LaserJet 3800 series and CP3505 series, but buy colors for those printers by their own part numbers rather than assuming 502A fits.

What 3600n owners ask

These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, manufacturer support communities and owner reviews, answered in our words.

Why is the black 501A but the colors 502A?

HP numbered them separately. The black Q6470A is shared with the 3800 and CP3505, while the Q6471A–Q6473A colors are 502A.

Is there a high-yield toner?

No. The standard yields are about 6,000 pages for black and 4,000 per color.

Does the 3600n print two-sided?

Only manually. Automatic two-sided printing is on the 3600dn.

Can I use 3800 toner?

The black, yes, because both use Q6470A. For colors, buy 502A.

3600n quirks worth knowing

It has 64 MB of memory that can't be upgraded, and no PostScript.
Warm-up takes about 99 seconds, and it draws about 600 watts while printing.
It holds 350 sheets as standard (a 100-sheet multipurpose tray plus a 250-sheet tray), with an optional 500-sheet tray.
The transfer belt and fuser are separate long-life parts.

Frequently Asked Questions