HP 117A W2070A compatible black toner: installation, reset and savings

The HP 117A compatible toner (reference W2070A) is the black cartridge for HP's entry-level colour laser printer range. It is a compatible consumable manufactured to the ISO 9001 standard (not an original HP cartridge), with an approximate yield of 1,000 pages according to the ISO standard at 5% coverage.

What it is and which printers it works with

The 117A black is designed for compact small-office and home devices. This cartridge is compatible specifically with the following models:

• HP Color Laser 150a
• HP Color Laser 150nw
• HP Color Laser MFP 178nw
• HP Color Laser MFP 178nwg
• HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw
• HP Color Laser MFP 179fwg

If your device doesn't appear on this list, it isn't the right consumable: check the reference printed on the cartridge you're removing before you buy.

How to install it and what to do if the "cartridge is not recognised"

Installation is straightforward: switch off the printer, open the front cover, remove the empty black cartridge, take off the seals and the protective tab from the new cartridge, shake it gently from side to side to distribute the toner and insert it until you hear it click into place. Close the cover and switch on.

This cartridge features a chip, so the printer normally detects it instantly. If a cartridge not recognised warning or a non-original consumable notice appears, try these steps:

• Switch off the printer, wait 30-60 seconds and switch it back on to force the chip to be re-read.
• Remove and reinsert the cartridge, making sure it is fully seated.
• Wipe the gold chip contacts with a dry cloth in case there is any residue.
• Accept the non-HP consumable notice when the panel allows it: it is informational and doesn't prevent printing.

Bear in mind that HP releases firmware updates that can tighten the recognition of non-original cartridges. We explain how to handle this in our guide on HP firmware and cartridge blocking.

Yield and savings compared with the original

With its 1,000-page ISO yield, this cartridge covers the same volume as the standard black consumable in this range, but with a cost per page notably lower than the original. The typical saving on a quality compatible sits within a wide range compared with the OEM price, and it is especially noticeable when you print in colour frequently.

If you want to work out your own case, take a look at our analysis of the real cost of printing and our original vs. compatible printed side by side comparison. To check print quality once you've installed it, you can use our downloadable CMYK test page.

Why buy it from Star Toner

The HP 117A W2070A compatible toner costs €11.99 in our shop, with an integrated chip and manufacturing under ISO 9001 quality control. All our cartridges include a legal guarantee: using a compatible does not void your printer's warranty.

If, as well as black, you need to cover larger print volumes on other HP devices, you have higher-yield options such as the HP CF450A compatible toner (12,500 pages) or the HP 508A CF360A compatible toner (6,000 pages).

Frequently asked questions