What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro M252dw Use?
Last Updated:Last updated: September 27, 2026. Reviewed by William Elward, founder of Castle Ink.
Correction: an earlier version of this article listed the HP 201A color cartridges at about 1,400 pages. HP rates them at about 1,330 pages.
Quick answer: what toner does the HP LaserJet Pro M252dw use?
The HP LaserJet Pro M252dw uses four HP 201A toner cartridges (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow) or the high-yield HP 201X versions. Each cartridge has its imaging drum built in, so there's no separate drum to buy.
Cartridge options at a glance
| Cartridge | Part number | Approx. yield* |
|---|---|---|
| HP 201A black | CF400A | ~1,500 pages |
| HP 201A cyan / yellow / magenta | CF401A / CF402A / CF403A | ~1,330 pages each |
| HP 201X black | CF400X | ~2,800 pages |
| HP 201X cyan / yellow / magenta | CF401X / CF402X / CF403X | ~2,300 pages each |
*Approximate HP-rated yields based on ISO/IEC test pages. Real-world results depend on coverage and how often the printer runs cleaning or calibration cycles.
Common questions about HP LaserJet Pro M252dw toner
Should I buy HP 201A or 201X?
201X for most offices. The 201X black is rated for about 2,800 pages versus 1,500 for the 201A, and the 201X colors about 2,300 versus 1,330, so the cost per page is much lower. 201A only makes sense if you print a few pages a week.
Can I mix standard and high-yield cartridges?
Yes. Each cartridge is read separately, so any mix of standard and high-yield sizes works.
What other printers use HP 201A/201X?
The same cartridges fit the LaserJet Pro MFP M277dw, M252n, and MFP M277n. If you own more than one, a single stock covers them all.
Will other HP cartridges fit the M252dw?
No. HP 202A/202X (Color LaserJet Pro M254 and MFP M281) and HP 206A/207A (M255dw, MFP M283fdw) look similar but have different shapes and chips. Always match the number on your current cartridge.
Does the printer need a separate drum?
No. The imaging drum is built into each HP 201A/201X cartridge, so it's replaced every time you change toner. The transfer belt and fuser are long-life parts; see HP transfer belt: signs it's failing and HP fuser unit: signs it's failing if you see repeating marks or smearing late in the printer's life.
Are compatible or remanufactured toner cartridges safe for the M252dw?
Yes. Quality compatible and remanufactured toner prints like OEM, and using it doesn't void your warranty under U.S. law. HP firmware updates on this LaserJet Pro series have blocked some third-party chips in the past, so turn off automatic firmware updates before you switch. If the printer says a non-HP or used supply is installed, press OK to continue. More: How to stop HP firmware updates from blocking your ink, Compatible vs. remanufactured vs. OEM ink and toner, and Does compatible ink void your printer warranty?.
How do I replace the toner in the M252dw?
Open the front door and pull out the cartridge drawer. Pull the old cartridge straight up and out. Take the new cartridge out of its bag, rock it gently side to side to spread the toner, and pull off any orange tape or clips. Line it up with its color-coded slot, press it in, and close the drawer and door. The printer calibrates automatically.
Can I keep printing when a cartridge says “very low”?
Usually, yes. HP LaserJets let you keep printing past the “very low” warning until quality drops; you can change that behavior under Supplies settings on the control panel or the printer's web page. When a color is completely empty, replace it; print quality on that color will fade or streak first.
Why are my M252dw prints streaked or showing lines?
Light, faded streaks usually mean a toner cartridge is low: remove it, rock it side to side, and reinstall. A sharp line that repeats down the page points to a scratched drum on one cartridge; swap cartridges one at a time to find it. If marks repeat at the same spacing on every color, the fuser or transfer belt may be worn. More: Why is my printer printing streaks?.
Does the M252dw scan or copy?
No. It's a print-only color laser. The MFP M277dw adds scanning, copying, and fax with the same toner.
Does the M252dw print double-sided?
Yes. The “dw” model prints on both sides automatically and has Wi-Fi.
M252dw key facts
- Type: color laser printer (print only)
- Toner: HP 201A or 201X, four cartridges with built-in drums
- Duplex: automatic
- Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
Shop M252dw toner at Castle Ink
Castle Ink compatible and remanufactured supplies typically cost 50–70% less than HP retail and are backed by our 1-year satisfaction guarantee. Estimate your savings with the Printer ink cost calculator.
Official HP resources
HP LaserJet Pro M252dw support, drivers, and manuals
Related guides
- How to stop HP firmware updates from blocking your ink
- Compatible vs. remanufactured vs. OEM ink and toner
- Does compatible ink void your printer warranty?
- Why is my printer printing streaks?
- HP transfer belt: signs it's failing
- HP fuser unit: signs it's failing
Buy genuine HP 201X on Amazon: HP 201X on Amazon
About the author: William Elward is the founder of Castle Ink and has written about printers, ink cartridges, and printing technology for more than 20 years.
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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