What Toner Does the HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw uses HP 202A or high-yield HP 202X toner in four colors: black CF500, cyan CF501, yellow CF502 and magenta CF503 (with an A or X suffix). Castle Ink stocks compatible 202X Black, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow, plus the standard 202A line.
Watch the color order: on HP 202, CF502 is yellow and CF503 is magenta, the reverse of many other HP toner families.
CastleScore · October 2026
76/100 — Recommended
HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 87 | 4.43★ average across about 1,053 ratings at Best Buy (4.4, from its star breakdown) and eBay (4.6) |
| Expert reviews (20%) | 73 | TechGearLab 73/100 |
| Cost per page (18%) | 74 | About 5.3¢ per page blended (black + color) with our compatible 202X (3,200 black / 2,500 color pages). Docked because firmware updates have rejected non-HP chips. |
| Reliability (18%) | 72 | Most-reported problems: 'supply memory error' and 'unauthorized supplies' after firmware updates; false paper-jam messages; noise |
| Features (11%) | 62 | Print only: auto two-sided printing, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, touchscreen. No scanner, no copier, no fax. |
| Value (5%) | 74 | Owner satisfaction against costly genuine toner |
Discontinued. HP says it no longer makes or sells the M254dw. Its later siblings, the M255dw and M283fdw, use HP 206 toner.
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 14, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The toner, pictured
HP 202X BlackCF500X · ~3,200 pages
HP 202X CyanCF501X · ~2,500 pages
HP 202X MagentaCF503X · ~2,500 pages
HP 202X YellowCF502X · ~2,500 pages
HP 202X Black
HP 202X Cyan
HP 202X Magenta
HP 202X YellowOur own compatible toner.
What Toner Does the HP M254dw Take?
| Color | HP part no. (202A / 202X) | Approx. yield (202A / 202X) | Castle Ink option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | CF500A / CF500X | ~1,400 / ~3,200 pages | Compatible 202X Black |
| Cyan | CF501A / CF501X | ~1,300 / ~2,500 pages | Compatible 202X Cyan |
| Yellow | CF502A / CF502X | ~1,300 / ~2,500 pages | Compatible 202X Yellow |
| Magenta | CF503A / CF503X | ~1,300 / ~2,500 pages | Compatible 202X Magenta |
Yields are HP's ISO figures. The drum is built into each cartridge.
Is 202X Worth It?
Yes. 202X more than doubles the black pages and nearly doubles the colors. On October 14, 2026, Staples listed genuine 202X black at $143.49 (about 4.5¢ a page) and 202X cyan at $154.49. Our compatible 202X cartridges are $69.95 each, about 2.2¢ a page for black and 2.8¢ per color; standard 202A is $49.95.
Firmware and "supply problem" errors. The M254dw has HP dynamic security. Owners on HP's forum reported compatible toner being rejected after firmware updates in 2019 and late 2020, with "supply memory error" or "unauthorized supplies" messages, and HP doesn't let you roll firmware back. If you use compatible toner, turn off automatic firmware updates before installing it.
How Do I Replace the Toner in the HP M254dw?
- Open the front door and pull out the toner drawer by its handle.
- Lift the empty cartridge out by its handle.
- Unpack the new cartridge and remove the orange shipping tape and clip.
- Drop it into the slot with the matching color.
- Push the drawer back in and close the front door.
Which Other Printers Use HP 202?
The Color LaserJet Pro M254dn and M254nw, and the MFP M281fdw, M281cdw, M281fdn and M280nw. The newer M255dw and M283fdw use HP 206 instead.
What M254dw owners ask
These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, HP's support community and owner reviews, answered in our words.
It says supply memory error with a new cartridge. What should I do?
Check that every orange shipping piece is off, then reseat the cartridge. If the error stays on a compatible cartridge after a firmware update, the chip isn't being accepted and the cartridge should be exchanged.
Can I turn off dynamic security?
No. HP doesn't offer a setting to disable it, and older firmware can't be reinstalled. Turning off automatic updates is the only protection.
Does the M255dw take the same toner?
No. The M255dw uses HP 206A and 206X.
It reports a paper jam but nothing is stuck. What helps?
HP acknowledges false jam messages on this family. Turn the printer off, check the rear door and toner drawer for scraps, and restart it.
Can it scan or copy?
No. The M254dw is print-only. The M281 models add scanning, copying and fax with the same toner.
M254dw quirks worth knowing
- HP introduced it in 2017 as the replacement for the M252dw.
- HP rates it at 22 pages a minute, with automatic two-sided printing and a 2.7-inch color touchscreen.
- It connects by Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet or USB, and prints from a USB drive.
- The tray holds 250 sheets plus a single-sheet slot; HP recommends 150 to 2,500 pages a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What toner does the HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw use?
HP 202A or high-yield 202X in black (CF500), cyan (CF501), yellow (CF502) and magenta (CF503).
How many pages does HP 202X print?
About 3,200 pages in black and about 2,500 per color.
Does HP 206A fit the M254dw?
No. HP 206 is for the newer M255 and M283 series.
Other printers that use HP 202
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw
More HP ink guides: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M283fdw · HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw · find any printer
Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives
- Brother HL-L2460DW — CastleScore 90
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M283fdw — CastleScore 84
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw — CastleScore 80
Sources
Ratings and prices were checked on October 14, 2026 and will change over time.
Need replacement HP toner cartridges? Shop HP toner cartridges at Castle Ink. Compatible, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.