What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro M118dw Use?
Last Updated: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.
CastleScore · October 2026
79/100 — Recommended
HP LaserJet Pro M118dw
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 86 | 4.40★ average across 2,534 ratings at Amazon (4.4) |
| Expert reviews (20%) | 60 | PCMag 3.0/5 |
| Cost per page (18%) | 88 | About 2.9¢ per page all-in with our compatible 94X toner (2,800 pages) and 32A drum (23,000 pages). |
| Reliability (18%) | 87 | Most-reported problems: 'Paper jam in fuser' at every power-up with no paper in the printer |
| Features (11%) | 63 | Auto two-sided printing, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, fast (20+ ppm). No document feeder, no fax, no touchscreen. |
| Value (5%) | 87 | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Discontinued. HP lists the M118dw as discontinued and points to the LaserJet M209dwe, an HP+ model that takes HP 134A toner.
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 12, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The toner, pictured
HP 94X TonerCF294X · ~2,800 pages
HP 94A TonerCF294A · ~1,200 pages
HP 32A DrumCF232A · ~23,000 pages
HP 94X Toner
HP 94A Toner
HP 32A DrumOur own compatible toner, photographed in-house.
HP LaserJet Pro M118dw Toner Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Part Number | Color | Approx. Page Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP 94A Black toner | CF294A | Black | ~1,200 pages |
| HP 94X Black toner | CF294X | Black | ~2,800 pages |
| HP 32A Imaging Drum | CF232A | Drum unit | ~23,000 pages |
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, Ethernet and automatic two-sided printing. HP lists it as discontinued and names the LaserJet M209dwe as the newer model. 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.
How to Replace the Toner in the HP LaserJet Pro M118dw
- Open the top or front cover of the printer.
- 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.
- Unpack the new cartridge, rock it gently side to side five or six times, and remove the orange tape and seal.
- Drop the cartridge into the drum unit until it clicks, then close the cover.
- 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. The M118dw has only one toner cartridge, so if streaks stay after a fresh toner cartridge, the HP 32A drum is the likely cause. See laser printer streaks and lines.
What LaserJet Pro M118dw 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.
How long will the toner that came with the printer last?
HP rates the in-box toner at about 1,000 pages. The drum that ships in the box is a full drum, rated at about 23,000 pages, so the first thing you will buy is toner.
It reports a paper jam in the fuser, but there is no paper inside.
An HP Community expert said this usually means the fuser is not turning as it should. Check and clean the fuser area; if the error keeps coming back at every power-up, the fuser needs replacing.
Which other printers use the same HP 32A drum?
The HP 32A (CF232A) drum is shared by the M118dw, the M203 series, the MFP M148/M149 series, the MFP M227 series and the M220 series. Only the M118dw and the M148 models also share its 94A / 94X toner.
Can I connect it to my network with a cable?
Yes. It has 10/100 Ethernet as well as dual-band Wi-Fi and USB 2.0.
What replaced the M118dw?
HP's store points to the LaserJet M209dwe as the newer model. It is an HP+ printer and takes different toner (HP 134A), with no separate drum.
LaserJet Pro M118dw quirks worth knowing
- The printer ships with a full 23,000-page drum but only a 1,000-page starter toner, which is why the first toner change comes quickly.
- There is a 10-sheet priority tray above the 250-sheet main tray.
- Wi-Fi is dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz), unusual for an entry-level mono laser of its time.
- HP rates the 32A drum at 23,000 pages; some sellers list 20,000. HP's product page for the M118dw carries no dynamic-security notice, unlike newer HP lasers, and we found no owner reports of it blocking toner.
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.
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 12, 2026 and will change over time.
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.