What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro M15w Use?
Last Updated:Correction (October 2026): an earlier version of this guide said the LaserJet Pro M15w uses HP 30A or 30X toner with a separate HP 32A drum. It does not. The M15w takes the HP 48A (CF248A) cartridge, about 1,000 pages, with the drum built into the cartridge. The 30A, 30X and 32A are for the LaserJet Pro M203dw and similar models.
The HP LaserJet Pro M15w is a monochrome laser printer that uses the HP 48A (CF248A) black toner cartridge, rated at about 1,000 pages. The imaging drum is built into the cartridge, so there is no separate drum to buy.
Corrected toner: the M15w takes the HP 48A (CF248A) cartridge, rated at about 1,000 pages, with the drum built in. An earlier version of this page listed HP 30A/30X toner and an HP 32A drum. Those belong to the LaserJet Pro M203dw and do not fit the M15w.
CastleScore · October 2026
79/100 — Recommended
HP LaserJet Pro M15w
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 86 | 4.40★ average across 5,999 ratings at Amazon (4.4) |
| Expert reviews (20%) | 80 | PCMag 4.0/5 |
| Cost per page (18%) | 74 | About 4.6¢ per page all-in with our compatible 48A toner (1,000 pages; drum built in). Docked because firmware can reject toner without the maker's chip. |
| Reliability (18%) | 90 | No recurring hardware or connection complaints in owner reviews. |
| Features (11%) | 46 | Wi-Fi. No document feeder, no auto two-sided printing, no fax, no touchscreen. |
| Value (5%) | 80 | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Discontinued. HP no longer sells the M15w new and points buyers to the LaserJet M110we, which takes different toner (HP 141A in the U.S.). HP 48A cartridges are still sold.
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 8, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The toner, pictured
HP 48A TonerOur own compatible toner, photographed in-house.
HP 48A Toner at a Glance
| Consumable | Part Number | Page Yield | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Toner | HP 48A (CF248A) | ~1,000 pages | Standard (drum built in) |
| Black Toner | Introductory cartridge (in the box) | ~500 pages | Starter |
HP lists no high-yield 48X and no separate drum for the M15w, so the 48A is the only replacement. The only other printer that takes it is the LaserJet Pro MFP M29w.
How to Replace the Toner
- Power on the HP LaserJet Pro M15w and open the front cover.
- Pull the used HP 48A cartridge straight out of the printer.
- Unbox the new cartridge, rock it gently 5–6 times to distribute toner, and remove the protective seal.
- Slide the new HP 48A cartridge in until it clicks into place.
- Close the cover. The printer will recognize the new cartridge automatically.
Troubleshooting Tips
"Replace Toner" or low-toner warning: The M15w reads the chip on the cartridge. HP says dynamic security blocks cartridges with non-HP chips and that firmware updates can block cartridges that worked before. If a cartridge is refused, reseat it and power-cycle the printer. If you use non-HP cartridges, think twice before installing a firmware update.
Faded or streaky prints: Gently rock the toner cartridge side-to-side to redistribute toner, then reinstall. If streaks persist, replace the cartridge. The drum is part of the 48A, so a new cartridge also means a new drum.
Paper jams or smudges: Inspect the paper path and pickup roller for wear. Replacing worn rollers and keeping the printer dust-free prevents repeated print-quality issues.
What LaserJet Pro M15w 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.
Do I need to buy a separate drum unit?
No. The HP 48A is an all-in-one cartridge with the drum built in. HP lists no separate drum for the M15w, so each new cartridge also gives you a new drum.
Why did my first cartridge run out so fast?
The printer ships with an introductory cartridge rated at about 500 pages, half of what a full 48A gives you (about 1,000 pages).
Will a non-HP 48A cartridge work?
Only reliably if it carries a reused original HP chip. HP says the M15w uses dynamic security to block cartridges with non-HP chips, and firmware updates can block cartridges that worked before.
Is there a high-yield 48X?
No. HP lists only the standard 48A for the M15w. If you print a lot, it is worth keeping a spare on hand.
Can it print double-sided automatically?
No. The M15w has no automatic duplexing, so for two-sided pages you print one side, flip the stack and reload it.
LaserJet Pro M15w quirks worth knowing
- There is no LCD screen, only LED status lights. Setup and most settings go through the HP Smart app or Wi-Fi Direct.
- It is tiny: about 159 x 346 x 189 mm, a footprint only slightly larger than a sheet of A4.
- HP rates it at 19 pages per minute, first page out in as little as 8.1 seconds, and up to 8,000 pages a month. HP recommends 100 to 1,000 pages a month, which matches the 1,000-page cartridge.
- The 48A cartridge fits only one other printer: the LaserJet Pro MFP M29w.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What toner does the HP LaserJet Pro M15w use?
A: The HP 48A (CF248A) black toner cartridge, rated at about 1,000 pages. There is no high-yield version and no separate drum.
Q: How do I reset the toner counter?
A: HP printers detect new cartridges automatically via chip — no manual reset is needed.
Q: Where can I buy HP 48A toner?
A: We sell a compatible HP 48A (CF248A) cartridge. HP sells the original 48A, and so do most office-supply stores.
Other printers that use HP 48A 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 8, 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.