What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw Use?
Last Updated:Correction (October 2026): an earlier version of this guide said compatible cartridges work reliably in the M479fdw and suggested updating the firmware to clear a non-genuine warning. HP firmware updates have blocked non-HP toner on this printer, so we now advise leaving automatic updates off.
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw (W1A80A) is a color laser all-in-one that uses the HP 414A (standard) or HP 414X (high yield) toner cartridges in Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. Each cartridge has an integrated drum, so there is no separate drum unit to replace.
CastleScore · October 2026
82/100 — Highly Recommended
HP LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 86 | 4.40★ average across 3,962 ratings at Amazon (4.4) |
| Expert reviews (20%) | 70 | PCMag 3.5/5 |
| Cost per page (18%) | 80 | About 3¢ per page blended (black + color) with our compatible 414X toner with chip (7,500 black / 6,000 color pages). Docked because firmware can reject toner without the maker's chip. |
| Reliability (18%) | 87 | Most-reported problems: inconsistent or slow scanning and fiddly one-touch scan setup |
| Features (11%) | 88 | Print, copy, scan, document feeder, auto two-sided printing, fax, Wi-Fi, touchscreen, fast (20+ ppm). |
| Value (5%) | 83 | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Discontinued. HP no longer sells the M479fdw and points buyers to the Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw. HP still sells 414A/414X toner for it.
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 414X BlackW2020X · with chip · ~7,500 pages
HP 414X CyanW2021X · with chip · ~6,000 pages
HP 414X MagentaW2023X · with chip · ~6,000 pages
HP 414X YellowW2022X · with chip · ~6,000 pages
HP 414X Black
HP 414X Cyan
HP 414X Magenta
HP 414X YellowOur own compatible toner, photographed in-house.
HP 414A / 414X Toner at a Glance
| Consumable | Part Number | Page Yield | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Toner (standard) | HP 414A (W2020A) | ~2,400 pages | Standard |
| Cyan / Magenta / Yellow (standard) | HP 414A (W2021A / W2023A / W2022A) | ~2,100 pages each | Standard |
| Black Toner (high-yield) | HP 414X (W2020X) | ~7,500 pages | High Yield |
| Cyan / Magenta / Yellow (high-yield) | HP 414X (W2021X / W2023X / W2022X) | ~6,000 pages each | High Yield |
HP 414A / 414X also fits the Color LaserJet Pro M454dn and M454dw, the MFP M479dw, M479fnw and M479fdn, and the Enterprise M455dn and MFP M480f. The older LaserJet Pro M452dn and M477 series use HP 410A/410X, which won't fit this printer.
How to Replace the Toner
- Power on the M479fdw and open the front cover to access the toner cartridges.
- Pull the depleted cartridge straight out by its handle.
- Unbox the new HP 414A or 414X cartridge and gently rock it side to side 5–6 times, then remove the protective seal.
- Align the new cartridge with its color-coded slot and slide it in until it clicks into place.
- Close the front cover. The printer will recognize the new cartridge automatically.
Troubleshooting Tips
"Replace Toner" or low-toner warning: HP cartridges report level via chip. If a known-good cartridge shows low, try power-cycling the printer. Don't update the firmware to clear a non-genuine warning: on this printer, HP firmware updates are what have blocked non-HP toner.
Faded, streaky, or color-shifted prints: Confirm all four cartridges are 414A/414X parts for your region (HP region-locks them) and run the printer's built-in cleaning page from the maintenance menu.
Print quality declining over time: Because each cartridge has an integrated drum, replacing the toner installs a fresh drum for that color at the same time — no separate drum service required.
Paper jams or smudges: Inspect the paper path and pickup rollers for wear, and keep the printer dust-free to prevent repeated print-quality issues.
What M479fdw 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.
Will compatible 414A/414X toner stop working after an HP update?
It can. The M479fdw has HP dynamic security, and owners reported non-HP toner being blocked after a late-2022 firmware update. Our compatible 414X uses its own chip, so turn off automatic updates before you fit it. HP's 2025 class-action settlement commits it to keep letting owners choose whether to install these updates.
How do I stop automatic firmware updates?
On the touchscreen, go to Settings > Printer Maintenance > Update the Printer > Printer Update Options and choose Do not Check.
An update already blocked my toner. Can I roll the firmware back?
Not through HP. Owners linked the blocking to firmware CLRWTRXXXN002.2247A.00 from November 2022, and HP no longer posts older firmware publicly.
Can I use 414A/414X cartridges bought outside North America?
No. HP sells separate 414A/414X part numbers for North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, and each only works in printers from its own region.
Is the M479fdw still sold, and what replaced it?
HP lists it as discontinued and points to the Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw as the newer model.
M479fdw quirks worth knowing
- Automatic two-sided printing is switched on from the factory. Turn it off in the print settings if you want single-sided pages.
- It is rated for up to 50,000 pages a month, and HP recommends 750 to 4,000.
- Paper holds 250 sheets in the main tray plus 50 in the multipurpose tray, and an optional third tray adds more. The document feeder takes 50 sheets.
- It has a 4.3-inch color touchscreen, dual-band (2.4/5 GHz) Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What toner does the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw use?
A: The M479fdw uses HP 414A (standard yield) or HP 414X (high yield) toner cartridges in Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow.
Q: Does the M479fdw have a separate drum unit?
A: No — each of the four toner cartridges has its own integrated drum, so replacing a cartridge refreshes that color's drum at the same time.
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 414A / 414X toner?
A: Browse HP 414A / 414X cartridges at Castle Ink. We sell compatible HP 414X with its own chip.
Other printers that use HP 414A and 414X 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.