What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw uses HP 138A (W1380A, ~1,500 pages) or HP 138X high-yield (W1380X, ~4,000 pages) black toner. It does not use HP 148A/148X — that cartridge is for the LaserJet Pro 4001 series. Castle Ink stocks HP 138A with chip and HP 138X with chip.
HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw Toner at a Glance
The LaserJet Pro 3001dw is a print-only monochrome laser with automatic two-sided printing, a 250-sheet tray, and dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB. The HP 138 cartridge is an all-in-one design with the imaging drum built in, so there is no separate drum to buy. New printers ship with an introductory cartridge of roughly 1,000 pages.
Important — HP+ warning: The LaserJet Pro 3001dwe is the HP+ version of this printer. If HP+ was activated during setup, the printer is locked to Original HP toner for its lifetime, and compatible cartridges will be rejected. HP+ can't be turned off after activation. On a standard 3001dw (or a dwe where HP+ was skipped), compatible toner with a working chip prints normally — but HP firmware updates can change that, so read how to keep HP firmware updates from blocking your ink before updating.
138A vs. 138X: Which Should You Buy?
The 138X prints more than 2.5 times as many pages as the 138A for much less than 2.5 times the price, so it is the better buy for almost every owner. Both cartridges are the same shape and fit the same way. Compare costs at your volume with our printer ink cost calculator.
Buying HP 138A / 138X at Castle Ink
Shop the compatible HP 138X high-yield toner (W1380X) with chip or HP 138A (W1380A) with chip. Both are newly manufactured, fitted with a chip for current HP firmware, and shipped the same business day when you order by 4 PM ET. Weighing toner against HP's subscription? Our HP Instant Ink vs. compatible cartridges breakdown covers the math.
How to Replace the Toner in the HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw
- Open the front door of the printer.
- Grasp the handle on the used toner cartridge and pull it straight out.
- Remove the new cartridge from its bag, shake it gently front to back a few times to distribute the toner, and remove any orange packing pieces.
- Slide the cartridge into the printer until it is firmly seated.
- Close the front door. The printer will recognize the cartridge and is ready to print.
Troubleshooting Tips
"Supply problem," "Unsupported supply" or "Non-HP chip detected": Check whether HP+ is active (on a 3001dwe) — if it is, only Original HP toner will work. Otherwise reseat the cartridge and make sure it is a "with chip" version made for current HP firmware. See printer says cartridge not recognized.
Low-toner warning but print still looks fine: HP's "Very Low" message appears while usable toner remains. You can keep printing until quality fades.
Faded or light print: Turn off EconoMode in the printer's settings, then gently shake the cartridge. See printer printing faded text.
Printer seems stuck after a firmware update: If compatible toner stopped working right after an update, see how to keep HP firmware updates from blocking your ink and how to reset an HP printer.
Which Other Printers Use HP 138A / 138X?
The same HP 138A/138X toner fits the HP LaserJet Pro 3001dwe, the LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw/3101fdwe, 3101sdw and 3105sdw, and other members of the LaserJet Pro 3000/3100 series. It is not interchangeable with HP 148A/148X, used by the LaserJet Pro 4001n.
Official HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw Resources
Bottom Line
The HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw uses HP 138A or 138X toner — not 148A/148X — and the 138X is the better value. If you own the 3001dwe, check whether HP+ is active before buying non-HP toner.
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 HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw use HP 148A?
No. HP 148A/148X is for the LaserJet Pro 4001/4101 series. The 3001dw uses HP 138A/138X.
Does the 3001dw need a separate drum?
No. The drum is built into the HP 138 toner cartridge.
Can I use compatible toner in the 3001dwe?
Only if HP+ was not activated during setup. With HP+ active, the printer accepts Original HP toner only.
Does compatible toner void my HP warranty?
No. Under the U.S. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, HP cannot void your warranty only because you used third-party toner. HP+ is a separate restriction you agree to at setup.
Shop Toner at Castle Ink
Find the right cartridge for the HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw and every other printer we cover on the Find Ink by Printer page, or work through a fault at our printer troubleshooting center. Shopping for a new machine? Try the PrinterIQ Finder, a 60-second quiz that matches you to a printer.
Buy the HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw on Amazon: HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw on Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
See also: how to stop HP firmware updates from blocking your ink | how long do toner cartridges last | printer printing faded text
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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