What Toner Does the HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dw Use?
Last Updated:Shopping for this printer? See all HP 414A & 414X Toner Cartridges – W2020A–W2023X → Ships same day by 4 PM ET, 1-year guarantee.
Quick answer: The HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dw uses HP 414A (standard) or HP 414X (high-yield) toner in four cartridges: black, cyan, magenta and yellow. The HP 414X Black prints about 7,500 pages and each 414X color about 6,000.
CastleScore · October 2026
80/100 — Highly Recommended
HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dw
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 86 | 4.40★ average across 1,245 ratings at Amazon (4.4) |
| Expert reviews (20%) | 70 | PCMag 3.5/5 |
| Cost per page (18%) | 80 | About 3¢ per page blended (black + color) with our compatible 414X toner with chip (7,500 black / 6,000 color pages). Docked because firmware can reject toner without the maker's chip. |
| Reliability (18%) | 90 | No recurring hardware or connection complaints in owner reviews. |
| Features (11%) | 68 | Auto two-sided printing, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, touchscreen, fast (20+ ppm). No document feeder, no fax. |
| Value (5%) | 83 | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Discontinued. HP's U.S. store lists the M454dw as not available, and CDW names the Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw as its replacement. This score rates it for current owners.
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 10, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The toner, pictured
HP 414X BlackW2020X · with chip · ~7,500 pages
HP 414X CyanW2021X · with chip · ~6,000 pages
HP 414X MagentaW2023X · with chip · ~6,000 pages
HP 414X YellowW2022X · with chip · ~6,000 pages
HP 414X Black
HP 414X Cyan
HP 414X Magenta
HP 414X YellowOur own compatible toner, photographed in-house.
HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dw Toner Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Part Number | Color | Approx. Page Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP 414A Black | W2020A | Black | ~2,400 pages |
| HP 414A Cyan | W2021A | Cyan | ~2,100 pages |
| HP 414A Magenta | W2023A | Magenta | ~2,100 pages |
| HP 414A Yellow | W2022A | Yellow | ~2,100 pages |
| HP 414X Black | W2020X | Black | ~7,500 pages |
| HP 414X Cyan | W2021X | Cyan | ~6,000 pages |
| HP 414X Magenta | W2023X | Magenta | ~6,000 pages |
| HP 414X Yellow | W2022X | Yellow | ~6,000 pages |
Chip note: HP's spec sheet calls the M454dw a "dynamic security enabled printer". That means an HP firmware update can make it reject cartridges with non-HP chips, and owners have reported exactly that. Our compatible 414X carries its own chip, so we can't promise a future update won't block it. Keep automatic firmware updates off.
The same HP 414A / 414X cartridges fit the Color LaserJet Pro M454dn and M454dw and the Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479dw, M479fdn, M479fdw and M479fnw, and the Color LaserJet Enterprise M455dn and Enterprise MFP M480f. The imaging drum is built into each cartridge.
The M454dw is a fast single-function color laser printer for small offices, with Wi-Fi, Ethernet and automatic two-sided printing.
Do not confuse HP 414A with HP 410A or HP 206A. HP 410A fits the older M452 and M477 series, and HP 206A fits the smaller M255 and M283. Neither fits the M454dw.
How to Replace the Toner in the HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dw
- Open the front door (or lift the scanner and top cover on MFP models) to reach the toner cartridges.
- Grab the handle on the empty cartridge and pull it straight out.
- Unpack the new cartridge, rock it gently side to side five or six times to spread the toner, and remove the orange shipping lock and seal tab.
- Slide the cartridge into the slot that matches its color until it seats firmly.
- Close the door and print a configuration page to confirm the printer reads the new cartridge.
Troubleshooting Tips
Cartridge not recognized or "Supply problem": Check that all the orange packing material is off, reseat the cartridge firmly, and restart the printer. On the M454dw, keep automatic firmware updates off, because HP dynamic security can block non-HP chips after an update; see how to keep HP firmware updates from blocking your ink.
Streaks, smudges or faded pages: Take the cartridge out and rock it gently to spread the toner, then print a cleaning page from the printer's Tools or Service menu. If one color streaks, that cartridge is the likely cause. See laser printer streaks and lines.
What M454dw owners ask
These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, HP's support forum and owner reviews, answered in our words.
My compatible 414X cartridges stopped working after an update. Can I roll back the firmware?
Not through HP. An owner on HP's forum reported that firmware 002_2247A made the printer reject third-party 414 cartridges that had worked before, and HP staff declined to provide older firmware, citing dynamic security.
What do "Used Cartridge Installed" and "Non HP Cartridge" mean?
Both are warnings, not errors. Press OK and the printer carries on printing.
How do I fix a "Cartridge Memory Missing" error?
Take the cartridge out, switch the printer off at the wall for about 10 minutes, wipe the chip with a lint-free cloth and put the cartridge back.
Can it print from a USB stick?
Yes. It has a front USB port for printing from a flash drive, plus a rear USB host port for optional job storage.
Is the M454dw still sold?
No. HP's U.S. store lists it as not available, and CDW names the Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw as its replacement. HP 414A and 414X toner is still sold.
M454dw quirks worth knowing
- The cartridges that come in the box are rated for only about 1,200 pages each, so the first change comes early.
- UK and European M454dw printers take HP 415A/415X, not 414A/414X, so cartridges bought from a European seller won't fit a U.S. printer.
- Remove the orange clip on the back of a new cartridge before fitting it. Some compatibles also have plastic ties to cut.
- It has dual-band Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth Low Energy, plus Gigabit Ethernet. Paper holds 300 sheets as standard, and an optional 550-sheet tray (CF404A) adds more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the M454dw need a separate drum?
No. The imaging drum is built into each HP 414A / 414X cartridge.
What is the difference between "with chip" and "no chip" cartridges?
A "with chip" cartridge comes with its own chip already fitted. A "no chip" cartridge costs less, but you move the chip from your empty cartridge. On this dynamic-security printer, a non-HP chip can be refused after an HP firmware update.
Can I mix 414A and 414X cartridges?
Yes. They fit the same slots.
Will compatible toner void my HP warranty?
No. The U.S. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act stops HP from voiding your warranty just because you used third-party toner.
Other printers that use HP 414A and 414X toner
More HP ink guides: HP LaserJet Pro M402n · HP LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdw · HP LaserJet Pro M201dw · find any printer
Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives
- Brother HL-L2460DW — CastleScore 90
- Brother MFC-L2820DW — CastleScore 90
- HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw — CastleScore 82
Sources
Ratings and prices were checked on October 10, 2026 and will change over time.
Need replacement HP 414A & 414X Toner Cartridges – W2020A–W2023X? Shop HP 414A & 414X Toner Cartridges – W2020A–W2023X at Castle Ink. Compatible, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.