HP 78A Black Toner Cartridge (CE278A) – Compatible

HP 78A at a glance: one compatible black toner cartridge replacing HP CE278A, rated at about 2,100 pages. Newly manufactured to HP's specifications, it fits 3 HP LaserJet Pro printers: the P1606dn, P1566 and M1536dnf MFP. Backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee; orders by 4 PM ET (Mon–Fri) ship the same day from Georgia.

Key Facts

What's in the Box

• 1 × HP 78A Black (CE278A) compatible toner cartridge — about 2,100 pages

Page yields are HP's rating for the matching original cartridge, measured at roughly 5% page coverage under ISO/IEC 19752 testing. Your results will vary with what you print.

Compatible Printers (3 models)

• HP LaserJet Pro P1566
• HP LaserJet Pro P1606dn
• HP LaserJet Pro M1536dnf MFP

Not sure? Look up your exact model on our Find Ink by Printer page, or contact us and we'll confirm the right toner for you.

Printer guides: P1606dn toner guide · M1536dnf toner guide

Will Not Fit

• HP 78A vs. HP 85A: the look-alike LaserJet Pro P1102w, P1109w, M1212nf and M1217nfw use HP 85A (CE285A). The two cartridges are close in size but not interchangeable.
• Other P1500/P1600 numbers: only the P1566 and P1606dn take 78A. If your model number is different, check it before ordering.

Part Numbers & Also Known As

Also searched for as: HP 78A, HP78A, 78A toner, CE-278A, CE278A toner, P1606dn toner, M1536dnf toner.

Chips, Printer Messages & Installation

Installing: open the top cover, pull the empty cartridge out by its handle, rock the new cartridge gently side to side five or six times to spread the toner, pull the sealing tape straight out by its tab, slide it in until it seats and close the cover.

Supply messages: the printer may show a "non-HP supply" or "used supply" notice; press OK or Continue to keep printing. If the cartridge isn't recognized, check that all packing tape and the plastic clip are off and reseat it firmly. See our guide to fixing a cartridge that isn't recognized.

Streaks or faint print: rock the cartridge again and print a cleaning page. See laser printer streaks and lines.

Quality: Compatible, Newly Manufactured

This is compatible toner: newly manufactured by a third party to the original's size and page-yield specifications and tested before shipping. It is not a refilled original. Castle Ink sells compatible (newly manufactured) toner and drums, and remanufactured inkjet cartridges.

Other Options for the Same Printers

• HP 78A Jumbo black, about 3,000 pages

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pages does the HP 78A print?

About 2,100 pages, based on HP's ISO/IEC 19752 rating at roughly 5% coverage.

Is HP 78A the same as HP 85A?

No. They look alike but fit different printers. 78A is for the P1566, P1606dn and M1536dnf; 85A is for the P1102w, M1212nf and similar models.

Is there an HP 78X high-yield version?

No. HP only made the 78A. If you want more pages per cartridge, our Jumbo version holds extra toner for about 3,000 pages.

Will this void my printer warranty?

No. Under the U.S. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer can't void your printer warranty just because you used a third-party supply. If a non-original supply directly caused damage, that specific repair might not be covered.

When will my order ship?

Orders placed by 4 PM ET, Monday through Friday, ship the same business day from Georgia, by USPS (2–5 business days). Expedited 1–2 day delivery is available at checkout for $25. Shipping is $4.95 under $50 and free over $50.

Shipping & guarantee: ships the same business day when ordered by 4 PM ET (Mon–Fri) from Georgia; free USPS shipping over $50 ($4.95 under $50). Covered by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Castle Ink has served 100,000+ customers since 2005 and is BBB-accredited.

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