What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw Use?

by William Elward Last Updated: October 9, 2026

Quick answer: The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw uses HP 138A (W1380A, about 1,500 pages) or high-yield HP 138X (W1380X, about 4,000 pages) black toner. Castle Ink stocks compatible 138A and 138X cartridges, both with chips.

It does not use HP 148A/148X. Those launched alongside it in 2022 but fit the larger LaserJet Pro 4001 and 4101 series, and they are the most common wrong purchase for this printer.

CastleScore · October 2026

84/100 — Highly Recommended

HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw

Pillar (weight)	Score	What it is based on
Owner ratings (28%)	85	4.37★ average across 587 ratings at Staples (4.4) and HP (4.2)
Expert reviews (20%)	—	No published numeric expert score we could verify.
Cost per page (18%)	84	About 2¢ per page all-in with our compatible 138X toner (4,000 pages; drum built in). Docked because the printer can reject cartridges without the maker's chip.
Reliability (18%)	82	Most-reported problems: Wi-Fi drop-outs after sleep; touchscreen freezes; crooked or doubled ADF scans
Features (11%)	86	Print, copy, scan, fax, 50-sheet document feeder, auto two-sided printing, dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, touchscreen, 35 ppm. One-sided ADF scanning.
Value (5%)	84	Running cost and owner satisfaction against a street price of about $260

Limited data: No expert site has published a numeric score for the 3101fdw, so the expert weight is spread across the other five pillars.

Still sold new. Staples and Best Buy list it at $259.99 (regular $379.99).

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 9, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.

The toner, pictured

Our own compatible toner, photographed in-house.

What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw Take?

Cartridge	HP part no.	Approx. yield (ISO)	Castle Ink option
HP 138A Black	W1380A	~1,500 pages	Compatible 138A with chip
HP 138X Black (high yield)	W1380X	~4,000 pages	Compatible 138X with chip
Introductory cartridge (in the box)	—	~1,000 pages	—

Yields are HP's ISO/IEC 19752 figures. The drum is built into the cartridge, so there is nothing else to replace.

Is HP 138X Worth It Over 138A?

For almost everyone, yes. The 138X is rated for 4,000 pages against 1,500, more than two and a half times as many, for well under twice the price. With our compatible 138X at $79.95 that is about 2¢ a page, against about 3.3¢ for a compatible 138A. The 3101fdw is built for up to 2,500 pages a month, so the high-yield cartridge also means far fewer changes.

Will Compatible 138A/138X Toner Work in the 3101fdw?

It depends on the model and on firmware. HP says the standard 3101fdw uses dynamic security, which blocks cartridges with non-HP chips, and that firmware updates can block cartridges that worked before. The 3101fdwe and 3001dwe are HP+ models: HP says they work only with Original HP toner and need an HP account and an internet connection, so no aftermarket cartridge is a safe bet in those. On a non-"e" 3101fdw, turn off automatic firmware updates before installing compatible toner. See compatible vs remanufactured vs OEM.

How Do I Replace the Toner in the 3101fdw?

Open the printer's front door.
Grip the used cartridge by its handle and pull it straight out.
Unpack the new 138A or 138X and rock it gently side to side to spread the toner.
Remove the packing material and any seal without touching the drum.
Slide the cartridge in until it seats, then close the front door.

Which Other Printers Use HP 138A and 138X?

The HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw, 3001dwe, MFP 3101fdwe, MFP 3101sdw and MFP 3105sdw use the same cartridges.

What 3101fdw owners ask

These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, manufacturer support communities and owner reviews, answered in our words.

Does it scan both sides of a page automatically?

No. The 50-sheet document feeder scans one side only; HP's spec sheet lists two-sided ADF scanning as "No." It does print on both sides automatically.

What does error 8AF30001 mean?

It is a failed firmware update. HP's knowledge base blames a corrupt or wrong firmware file, an unstable connection or a power interruption. Re-download the firmware for your exact model, unplug the printer for 60 seconds and update again through HP Smart or the Embedded Web Server.

Why does it keep dropping off Wi-Fi?

Owners on Best Buy and the HP Store report the printer going offline after sleep. It supports 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi and has a 10/100 Ethernet port, which is the steadiest option if it sits near your router.

Does it work with a Mac?

Yes. HP lists macOS and AirPrint support. A Staples reviewer had trouble on macOS Sequoia, so install the latest HP software rather than an old driver.

Can I use 148A toner in it?

No. HP 148A/148X fits the LaserJet Pro 4001 and 4101 series. The 3101fdw takes 138A/138X only.

3101fdw quirks worth knowing

The "e" versions (3101fdwe, 3001dwe) are HP+ printers locked to Original HP toner. Check the model label before buying aftermarket cartridges.
It prints up to 35 pages a minute, with a 250-sheet tray, 2.7-inch color touchscreen and a fax line.
The 50-sheet document feeder is one-sided, so double-sided originals have to be flipped by hand.
HP's 138A compatibility list also includes a newer 3101sdw and the 3105sdw, so the cartridge family will be around for years.

Frequently Asked Questions