What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M29w Use?
Last Updated:Shopping for this printer? See all HP 30A & 30X Toner Cartridges – CF230A & CF230X → Ships same day by 4 PM ET, 1-year guarantee.
Correction (October 2026): an earlier version of this guide said the M29w uses HP 30A/30X toner with a separate HP 32A imaging drum. Those are for the LaserJet Pro M203/M227 series. The M29w uses HP 48A (CF248A), with the drum built into the cartridge.
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M29w is a monochrome laser all-in-one 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.
CastleScore · October 2026
79/100 — Recommended
HP LaserJet Pro MFP M29w
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 86 | 4.40★ average across 5,135 ratings at Amazon (4.4) |
| Expert reviews (20%) | — | No published numeric expert score we could verify. |
| 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%) | 89 | Most-reported problems: error 30 with blinking amber light, which a community expert ties to the scanner assembly failing to initialise |
| Features (11%) | 56 | Print, copy, scan, Wi-Fi. No document feeder, no auto two-sided printing, no fax, no touchscreen. |
| Value (5%) | 80 | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Limited data: We could not find enough published expert scores for this printer, so that weight is spread across the other pillars.
Discontinued. HP no longer sells the M29w new and names the LaserJet MFP M140we, an HP+ model, as the newer model. HP 48A toner is 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 10, 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) |
| Introductory cartridge (in the box) | — | ~500 pages | Starter |
HP makes no high-yield version of the 48A, and there is no separate drum: you get a new drum with every cartridge. The same 48A fits the LaserJet Pro M15a/M15w, M16a/M16w and MFP M28a/M28w and M29a/M29w. We sell a compatible HP 48A (CF248A).
How to Replace the Toner
- Power on the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M29w 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: HP cartridges report their level through a chip. The M29w is an HP dynamic-security printer: HP says cartridges with a non-HP chip may not work, and ones that work today may stop working after a firmware update. A firmware update will not fix a rejected cartridge. If you use non-HP toner, turning off automatic firmware updates lowers the risk.
Faded or streaky prints: Gently rock the toner cartridge side-to-side to redistribute toner, then reinstall. The drum is part of the 48A, so a new cartridge also gives you a new drum.
Scans or copies look inconsistent: Clean the scanner glass (the M29w scans on a flatbed only; there is no document feeder), since print and scan quality issues are often unrelated.
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 MFP M29w 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.
Why did the first cartridge run out so quickly?
The M29w ships with an introductory cartridge that HP rates at about 500 pages, half of a retail HP 48A. Your first replacement will last about twice as long.
Can I connect it to my network with a cable?
No. HP lists no Ethernet port. It connects by Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) or Wi-Fi Direct.
It shows Error 30 with a blinking amber light. Is that the toner?
Usually not. An HP Community expert tied this error to the flatbed scanner assembly failing to start up, and in that thread a power reset did not clear it. A new toner cartridge won't fix it.
Printing works but scanning says "printer not found" on Windows 11.
This comes up on HP's forum for the M29w and M31w. HP's suggestion there is a printer firmware update. It is a software problem, not a toner problem.
What replaced the M29w?
HP marks the M29w discontinued and points to the LaserJet MFP M140we as the newer model. That is an HP+ model, so check its cartridge rules before you buy one.
LaserJet Pro MFP M29w quirks worth knowing
- There is a dedicated ID Copy button on the control panel that copies both sides of an ID card onto one page.
- HP rates it at up to 19 pages a minute (ISO), with the first page out in as little as 7.9 seconds.
- The 150-sheet tray takes up to 10 envelopes and custom sizes from 4.13 × 5.83 in up to 8.5 × 11.69 in.
- HP rates the duty cycle at up to 8,000 pages a month but recommends 100 to 1,000. At about 1,000 pages per 48A, a heavy month means a new cartridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What toner does the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M29w use?
A: The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M29w uses the HP 48A (CF248A) black toner cartridge, rated at about 1,000 pages. There is no high-yield version.
Q: Does the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M29w have a separate drum unit?
A: No. The drum is built into the HP 48A cartridge, so it is replaced every time you change the toner.
Q: Can I use compatible HP 48A cartridges?
A: HP doesn't guarantee it. HP labels the M29w “dynamic security enabled”: cartridges with a non-HP chip may not work, and ones that work today may stop working after a firmware update. Turning off automatic firmware updates lowers the risk.
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), with free U.S. shipping on orders over $50 and same-day shipping on orders placed by 4 PM ET.
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
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- HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw — CastleScore 82
Sources
Ratings and prices were checked on October 10, 2026 and will change over time.
Need replacement HP 30A & 30X Toner Cartridges – CF230A & CF230X? Shop HP 30A & 30X Toner Cartridges – CF230A & CF230X at Castle Ink. Compatible, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.