What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro M404n Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The HP LaserJet Pro M404n uses HP 58A (CF258A) black toner, rated at about 3,000 pages, or the high-yield HP 58X (CF258X), rated at about 10,000 pages. The imaging drum is built into the cartridge, so there is no separate drum to buy. For almost every office the HP 58X (CF258X) high-yield with chip is the better buy.
HP LaserJet Pro M404n Toner Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Part Number | Color | Approx. Page Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP 58A | CF258A | Black (standard) | ~3,000 pages |
| HP 58X | CF258X | Black (high yield) | ~10,000 pages |
The M404n is the wired, entry model of HP's LaserJet Pro M404 line: up to 40 pages per minute in black, a 250-sheet main tray plus a 100-sheet multipurpose tray, and Ethernet and USB connections. Unlike the M404dn it has no automatic two-sided printing, and unlike the M404dw it has no Wi-Fi. The toner is identical across all three.
The same HP 58A / 58X cartridges also fit the LaserJet Pro M404dn and M404dw, the M405 series, and the LaserJet Pro MFP M428 and M429 series. See our HP LaserJet Pro M404dn toner guide if you run both models.
Standard vs. High-Yield: Which Should You Buy?
Buy the 58X. It is the same size as the 58A and installs the same way, but it holds more than three times the toner for far less than three times the price, so the cost per page is much lower. Toner does not dry out the way inkjet ink does, so even light users rarely regret going high-yield.
Dynamic Security: Buy a Cartridge With a Chip
The M404 series is one of HP's Dynamic Security printers. It checks the chip on every cartridge, and a chipless compatible may not just lose its toner gauge — it can refuse to print at all. That is why Castle Ink lists the HP 58A (CF258A) with chip and HP 58X (CF258X) high-yield with chip for this printer.
Firmware matters too. HP has shipped updates for this series that blocked third-party cartridges that worked the day before. If you use compatible toner, turn off automatic firmware updates in the printer's Embedded Web Server — here is how to keep HP firmware updates from blocking your ink.
Save on HP 58A / 58X
Castle Ink's compatible HP 58X (CF258X) high-yield with chip and HP 58A (CF258A) with chip cost a fraction of genuine HP toner. Every cartridge is tested before it ships, backed by a 1-year guarantee, and ships free on orders over $50. Want to see the real cost per page? Try our printer ink cost calculator.
How to Replace the Toner in the HP LaserJet Pro M404n
- Press the button on the front of the printer to open the toner door.
- Grip the handle on the used cartridge and pull it straight out.
- Unpack the new cartridge and rock it gently end to end five or six times to spread the toner.
- Pull the orange tab to remove the sealing strip, and take off any orange packing clip. Do not touch the drum surface.
- Line the cartridge up with the guides and slide it in until it seats firmly.
- Close the door and let the printer finish its start-up cycle before printing.
Troubleshooting Tips
"Supply problem" or "unsupported cartridge": Confirm the cartridge was sold with a chip for the North American market. If it worked yesterday and stopped today, a firmware update probably installed overnight — check the firmware date in the Embedded Web Server and disable automatic updates.
"Cartridge low" appears early: HP's warning is conservative. You usually have hundreds of pages left. Keep printing until the print fades.
Faded or patchy pages: Take the cartridge out and rock it end to end, then reinstall it. Because the drum is part of the cartridge, repeating marks or streaks that do not clear mean the cartridge needs replacing.
Official HP LaserJet Pro M404n Resources
Bottom Line
The HP LaserJet Pro M404n runs on HP 58A or 58X. Buy the 58X, make sure it has a chip, and switch off automatic firmware updates, and this printer will be one of the cheapest machines in your office to keep running.
Written and reviewed by William Elward — Founder of Castle Ink, 20+ years in the printer & imaging supplies industry. Last updated October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the HP LaserJet Pro M404n need a separate drum?
No. The drum is built into the HP 58A / 58X cartridge, so you get a new drum every time you replace the toner.
Is the M404n toner the same as the M404dn and M404dw?
Yes. All three take HP 58A and 58X. The models differ only in duplex printing and Wi-Fi.
Will HP 26A or HP 26X fit the M404n?
No. HP 26A / 26X belong to the older LaserJet Pro M402 series and will not seat in an M404.
Do I need a cartridge with a chip?
Yes. The M404n uses HP Dynamic Security, and a chipless cartridge may not print at all.
Does using compatible or remanufactured cartridges void my warranty?
No. Under the U.S. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot void your printer warranty only because you used third-party cartridges. Damage proven to be caused by a specific cartridge would not be covered, but the rest of the warranty still applies.
How are these page yields measured?
They are approximate figures based on HP's ISO/IEC 19752 testing at about 5% page coverage. Real results depend on what you print and how much of each page is covered.
Shop Compatible Toner at Castle Ink
Find the right cartridge for the HP LaserJet Pro M404n and every other printer we cover on the Find Ink by Printer page, or work through a fault at our printer troubleshooting center.
Buy the HP LaserJet Pro M404n on Amazon: HP LaserJet Pro M404n on Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
See also: printer says ink cartridge not recognized | faded or streaky prints | printer printing the wrong colors
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