What Toner Does the HP LaserJet 3055 Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The HP LaserJet 3055 All-in-One uses the HP 12A (Q2612A) black toner cartridge, rated at about 2,000 pages. HP sells it singly or as the Q2612AD two-pack; there is no high-yield version from HP.
The look-alike HP 15A, 13A, 36A and 85A do not fit. Castle Ink sells a compatible 12A and a 4,000-page jumbo 12A.
CastleScore · October 2026
72/100 — Recommended
HP LaserJet 3055 (Scored on HP LaserJet 3055 ratings)
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 76 | 3.9★ average across 7 ratings on eBay's product page (very small sample) |
| Expert reviews (20%) | — | No published numeric expert score we could verify. |
| Cost per page (18%) | 86 | About 2¢ per page with our compatible HP 12A toner (2,000 pages), or 1.5¢ with the 4,000-page jumbo. |
| Reliability (18%) | 55 | Most-reported problems: scanning lost after Windows updates; 52 scanner (laser unit) errors; ADF and paper-path jams |
| Features (11%) | 70 | Print, copy, scan, fax, 19 ppm, 50-sheet ADF, 250-sheet tray plus priority slot, USB and Ethernet. Manual duplex only. |
| Value (5%) | 60 | Running cost and owner satisfaction against a launch price of $499 |
Limited data: We could not find a published numeric expert score for this printer, so that weight is spread across the other pillars; owner ratings are a very small sample.
Retired. HP discontinued the 3055 years ago; it sells used or refurbished 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 28, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The toner, pictured
HP 12A
HP 12A JumboOur own compatible toner, photographed in-house.
What Toner Does the HP LaserJet 3055 Take?
| Cartridge | HP part no. | Approx. yield | Castle Ink option |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP 12A Black | Q2612A | ~2,000 pages | Castle Ink HP 12A, $39.95 |
| HP 12A Jumbo Black (compatible only) | Q2612A jumbo | ~4,000 pages | Castle Ink HP 12A Jumbo, $59.95 |
| HP 12A Black 2-pack | Q2612AD | 2 × ~2,000 pages | Amazon |
Yields are HP's ISO 19752 figures from the HP 12 toner datasheet, confirmed by Quill, Staples and 4inkjets. Amazon links are tagged (as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases).
What Does LaserJet 3055 Toner Cost per Page?
On October 28, 2026, Quill listed HP's 12A at $123.41 and Newegg at $120.99, with 4inkjets selling genuine stock for $68.99: about 3.4¢ to 6.2¢ a page. Our compatible 12A is $39.95 (about 2¢ a page) and the jumbo is $59.95 (about 1.5¢ a page).
Will Compatible Toner Work?
Yes. The 3055 is a 2006 printer with no cartridge chip and no dynamic security, so compatible 12A cartridges simply drop in. If a new cartridge prints blank pages, the sealing tape was not pulled: HP's own guide says to remove the cartridge, confirm the tape is out and reinstall.
How Do I Replace the Toner in the LaserJet 3055?
- Press the release to open the print-cartridge door on the front of the all-in-one.
- Pull the old 12A out by its handle and set it aside for recycling.
- Unpack the new Q2612A and rock it gently five or six times to distribute the toner.
- Bend the plastic tab at the end of the cartridge and pull it to remove the full length of sealing tape.
- Hold the cartridge by the handle and slide it in until it seats.
- Close the door and print a test page.
Which Other Printers Use HP 12A?
The LaserJet 1010, 1012, 1015, 1018, 1020, 1022, 1022n and 1022nw; the LaserJet 3015, 3020, 3030, 3050, 3052 and 3055; and the LaserJet M1005 and M1319f MFPs all take the 12A.
What LaserJet 3055 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 does it print but refuse to scan after a Windows update?
Windows tends to install the HP Universal Print Driver, which handles printing only; HP says it does not support scanning on this model. Remove it and install the model-specific LaserJet 3055 full-feature driver (matching 32- or 64-bit); some owners fall back to third-party scan software.
What does "52 Scanner Error" mean?
It refers to the laser scanner unit that writes the image to the drum, not the flatbed. An HP forum volunteer says it usually means replacing that assembly after extensive disassembly, which is rarely worth it on a 2006 unit.
Is 2,000 pages really all I get from one cartridge?
Yes. HP rates the Q2612A at about 2,000 pages and never made a high-yield version; the Q2612AD two-pack is just two standard cartridges. Our 4,000-page jumbo is the only larger option.
Does a used 3055 come with toner and cables?
Often not. Used listings for this series commonly exclude the toner, USB cable, CD and manual, so budget for a cartridge and download drivers from HP.
LaserJet 3055 quirks worth knowing
- The 12A is an integrated toner-and-drum cartridge, so there is no separate drum to replace.
- The 3055 is the only model in the 3050/3052/3055 trio with both the 50-sheet ADF and built-in Ethernet; the 3050 is USB-only and the 3052 drops fax.
- Rated 19 ppm on Letter paper (18 ppm on A4), with an 8-second first page.
- Manual duplex only; there is no automatic two-sided printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What toner does the HP LaserJet 3055 use?
HP 12A (Q2612A), rated at about 2,000 pages; the Q2612AD is a two-pack of the same cartridge.
Does the HP LaserJet 3055 use the same toner as the 1020?
Yes. The 1010, 1012, 1018, 1020, 1022, 3015, 3020, 3030, 3050, 3052, 3055, M1005 and M1319f all take the 12A.
Is the LaserJet 3055 still sold?
No. It launched in 2006 at $499 and is long discontinued; used units sell for roughly $150 to $270.
Other printers that use HP 12A
HP LaserJet 3050 · HP LaserJet 1020 · HP LaserJet 3030
More HP ink guides: HP LaserJet 1018 · HP LaserJet 3015 · HP LaserJet 1022 · 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 28, 2026 and will change over time.
- HP 12 LaserJet toner cartridges datasheet (PDF)
- Quill: HP 12A Q2612A
- Precision Roller: HP LaserJet 3055 toner and specs
- Argecy: HP LaserJet 3050/3052/3055 series
- HP LaserJet 3050/3052/3055 getting started guide
- HP Support Community: 52 scanner error
- Microsoft Q&A: LaserJet 3055 will not scan
- eBay: HP LaserJet 3055 product ratings
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.