What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Enterprise MFP M527dn Use?
Last Updated:Shopping for this printer? See all HP 87A & 87X Toner Cartridges – CF287A & CF287X → Ships same day by 4 PM ET, 1-year guarantee.
Correction (October 2026): an earlier version of this guide called this printer the "LaserJet Pro MFP M527dn" and described it as a print-only laser printer. It is the HP LaserJet Enterprise MFP M527dn, a monochrome laser all-in-one that prints, copies and scans.
The HP LaserJet Enterprise MFP M527dn is a monochrome laser all-in-one (print, copy and scan) that uses the HP 87A (CF287A) toner cartridge or the high-yield HP 87X (CF287X). The cartridge has an integrated drum, so there is no separate drum unit to replace.
CastleScore · October 2026
88/100 — Highly Recommended
HP LaserJet Enterprise MFP M527dn
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | — | No retailer rating with enough reviews to use. |
| Expert reviews (20%) | 80 | PCMag 4.0/5 |
| Cost per page (18%) | 98 | About 0.2¢ per page all-in with our compatible 87X toner (18,000 pages; drum built in). |
| Reliability (18%) | 90 | No recurring hardware or connection complaints in owner reviews. |
| Features (11%) | 80 | Print, copy, scan, document feeder, auto two-sided printing, Ethernet, touchscreen, fast (20+ ppm). No fax. |
| Value (5%) | — | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Limited data: We could not find enough owner ratings for this printer, so that weight is spread across the other pillars.
Discontinued. Icecat's product record gives an end-of-life date of September 2020 for the M527dn. HP 87A and 87X toner is still widely 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 11, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The toner, pictured
HP 87X Toner
HP 87A TonerOur own compatible toner, photographed in-house.
HP 87A and 87X Toner at a Glance
| Consumable | Part Number | Page Yield | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Toner | HP 87A (CF287A) | ~9,000 pages | Standard |
| Black Toner (high yield) | HP 87X (CF287X) | ~18,000 pages | High yield |
The same 87A and 87X cartridges fit the LaserJet Enterprise M506n, M506dn, M506dh and M506x and the LaserJet Enterprise MFP M527f and M527z. We sell compatible HP 87A and HP 87X toner. U.S. orders over $50 ship free, and orders placed by 4 PM ET ship the same day.
How to Replace the Toner
- Power on the printer and open the toner access cover.
- Pull the used HP 87A 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 87A cartridge in until it clicks into place.
- Close the cover. The printer will recognize the new cartridge automatically.
Troubleshooting Tips
"Unauthorized cartridge" or "Protected cartridge" message: On this Enterprise printer these messages come from two settings an administrator can turn on: the Authorized HP cartridge policy, which rejects non-HP cartridges (10.0X.30), and HP Cartridge Protection, which locks a cartridge to one printer or fleet (10.0X.57). Both are off by default, but they are often left on in office and off-lease machines. Turn the policy off in the printer's Supplies settings or in the Embedded Web Server, then reinsert the cartridge. Don't update the firmware to fix a cartridge message.
Faded or streaky prints: Gently rock the toner cartridge side-to-side to redistribute toner, then reinstall.
Print quality declining over time: Because the drum is integrated, replacing the toner cartridge installs a fresh drum at the same time — no separate drum service required.
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 Enterprise MFP M527dn 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.
What is the difference between the 87A and the 87X?
Only capacity. The 87A (CF287A) is rated at about 9,000 pages and the 87X (CF287X) at about 18,000, and both fit the same printers.
The first cartridge ran out early. Is it faulty?
Probably not. HP lists the in-box cartridge for this printer family as an introductory cartridge rated at about 6,000 pages, against about 9,000 for a retail 87A.
Is the M527dn a LaserJet Pro?
No. It is a LaserJet Enterprise model running HP's FutureSmart firmware, which gives an administrator cartridge-policy settings that LaserJet Pro printers don't have.
Does it scan both sides of a page in one pass?
Yes. The 100-sheet document feeder scans two-sided originals in a single pass.
Can the M527dn fax?
No. Fax is on the M527f and M527z. The dn prints, copies and scans.
LaserJet Enterprise MFP M527dn quirks worth knowing
- HP rates it for up to 150,000 pages a month but recommends up to 7,500, for workgroups of up to 15 users. The first page comes out in about 5.7 seconds.
- It prints up to 45 pages a minute on letter paper and has an 8-inch color touchscreen that tilts.
- HP's product number for the M527dn is F2A76A. It shares the 87A and 87X with the LaserJet Enterprise M506 printers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What toner does the HP LaserJet Enterprise MFP M527dn use?
A: The HP 87A (CF287A) black toner, rated at about 9,000 pages, or the high-yield HP 87X (CF287X), rated at about 18,000.
Q: Does the M527dn have a separate drum unit?
A: No — the drum is built into the HP 87A cartridge, so replacing the toner refreshes the drum at the same time.
Q: Can I use compatible HP 87A cartridges?
A: Yes, as long as the Authorized HP cartridge policy is off. It is off by default, but check it if the printer came from an office or off-lease. We found no reports of HP dynamic security blocking compatible toner on this model.
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 87A toner?
A: We sell compatible HP 87A and HP 87X toner. U.S. orders over $50 ship free, and orders placed by 4 PM ET ship the same day.
Other printers that use HP 87A and 87X toner
HP LaserJet Pro M501dn · HP LaserJet Pro M506n · HP LaserJet Pro M506dn
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 11, 2026 and will change over time.
Need replacement HP 87A & 87X Toner Cartridges – CF287A & CF287X? Shop HP 87A & 87X Toner Cartridges – CF287A & CF287X at Castle Ink. Compatible, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.