What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro M118dw Use?

Quick answer: The HP LaserJet Pro M118dw uses HP 94A (standard) or HP 94X (high-yield) black toner, plus a separate HP 32A imaging drum. The HP 94X prints about 2,800 pages; the HP 32A drum lasts about 23,000 pages.

HP LaserJet Pro M118dw Toner Cartridges at a Glance

The same HP 94A / 94X toner and HP 32A drum fit the LaserJet Pro M118dw and the LaserJet Pro MFP M148dw and M148fdw. The HP 32A drum is also used by the LaserJet Pro M203dw and MFP M227fdw.

The M118dw is a compact black-and-white laser printer with Wi-Fi and automatic two-sided printing. Unlike most HP LaserJets, it uses a separate drum, so toner cartridges are cheaper to replace.

Do not confuse HP 94A with HP 30A, which fits the M203dw. The two printers share the same HP 32A drum but use different toner.

Save on HP 94A / 94X

Castle Ink carries the compatible HP 94A and high-yield HP 94X toner, an HP 94X MICR cartridge for check printing, and the HP 32A imaging drum. Our toner is newly manufactured to HP's 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 LaserJet Pro M118dw

1. Open the top or front cover of the printer.
2. Lift out the empty toner cartridge. The imaging drum is a separate unit underneath, so leave it in place unless you are replacing it too.
3. Unpack the new cartridge, rock it gently side to side five or six times, and remove the orange tape and seal.
4. Drop the cartridge into the drum unit until it clicks, then close the cover.
5. Print a test page to confirm the printer recognizes 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.

"Replace imaging drum" or light, spotty pages: The HP 32A drum lasts several toner cartridges. If prints stay light or spotty after a new toner cartridge, the drum is worn and should be replaced.

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

• HP Customer Support — printers
• HP ink, toner and paper finder

Bottom Line

The HP LaserJet Pro M118dw runs on HP 94A or 94X toner with a separate HP 32A drum. Buy 94X for the lowest cost per page and replace the drum only when the printer asks for it.

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 M118dw need a separate drum?
Yes. It uses the HP 32A imaging drum (CF232A), which lasts about 23,000 pages.

Can I use HP 30A toner in the M118dw?
No. The M118dw uses HP 94A or 94X. HP 30A fits the M203 and M227 series.

How do I know whether to replace the toner or the drum?
A "low toner" message means the cartridge. A "replace imaging drum" message, or light and spotty pages with a new cartridge, means the drum.

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 LaserJet Pro M118dw 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 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