What Toner Does the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw uses HP 202A (standard) or HP 202X (high-yield) toner in four cartridges: black, cyan, magenta and yellow. The HP 202X Black prints about 3,200 pages and each 202X color about 2,500.
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw Toner Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Part Number | Color | Approx. Page Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP 202A Black | CF500A | Black | ~1,400 pages |
| HP 202A Cyan | CF501A | Cyan | ~1,300 pages |
| HP 202A Magenta | CF503A | Magenta | ~1,300 pages |
| HP 202A Yellow | CF502A | Yellow | ~1,300 pages |
| HP 202X Black | CF500X | Black | ~3,200 pages |
| HP 202X Cyan | CF501X | Cyan | ~2,500 pages |
| HP 202X Magenta | CF503X | Magenta | ~2,500 pages |
| HP 202X Yellow | CF502X | Yellow | ~2,500 pages |
The same HP 202A / 202X cartridges fit the Color LaserJet Pro M254dw and M254nw and the Color LaserJet Pro MFP M280nw, M281cdw, M281fdn and M281fdw. The imaging drum is built into each cartridge, so there is no separate drum to buy.
The M281fdw is a color laser all-in-one with print, scan, copy and fax, a document feeder, Wi-Fi and automatic two-sided printing, aimed at small offices.
Do not confuse HP 202A with HP 201A or HP 206A. HP 201A fits the older M277dw and HP 206A fits the newer M283fdw. Neither fits the M281fdw.
Save on HP 202A / 202X
Castle Ink carries compatible HP 202X Black, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow high-yield cartridges, plus the standard HP 202A set. Our toner is newly manufactured to HP's page-yield specifications, backed by a 1-year guarantee, ships the same day when you order by 4 PM ET, and ships free on orders over $50.
Want to compare the real cost per page? Try our printer ink cost calculator.
How to Replace the Toner in the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw
- 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 newer HP LaserJets, choose a cartridge with a chip and keep automatic firmware updates off; 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.
Official HP Resources
Bottom Line
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw runs on HP 202A or 202X toner. The 202X high-yield cartridges cost less per page for any office that prints daily.
Written and reviewed by William Elward — Founder of Castle Ink, 20+ years in the printer & imaging supplies industry. Updated October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the M281fdw need a separate drum?
No. The imaging drum is built into each HP 202A / 202X cartridge.
Can I mix 202A and 202X cartridges?
Yes. They fit the same slots, so you can use high-yield black with standard colors if you print mostly text.
Can I replace just one color?
Yes. Each color is a separate cartridge.
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.
Shop Toner at Castle Ink
Find the right cartridge for the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw and every other printer we cover on the Find Ink by Printer page, browse all HP toner cartridges, or work through a fault at our printer troubleshooting center.
Looking for a new printer? HP Color LaserJet printers on Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
See also: drum unit vs. toner cartridge | how long toner cartridges last | toner cartridges
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.
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