HP 212A (W2120A) compatible toner: installation, compatibility and savings guide

The HP 212A (W2120A) compatible toner is a certified alternative manufactured under ISO 9001 for the HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M554, M555 and M578 series printers. It delivers a yield of 5,500 pages, includes a chip and covers the same functions as the original cartridge without the brand premium. Below we explain what it is for, how to install it, what to do if your printer doesn't recognise it, and what savings to expect.

What it is and which printers it works with

This is a colour laser toner cartridge with the reference HP 212A / W2120A. It is a compatible consumable (not OEM), manufactured by a third party to work in an equivalent way to the original. It is designed specifically for these machines:

• HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M554dn
• HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M555dn
• HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M555x
• HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP M578f
• HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP M578dn
• HP Color LaserJet Enterprise Flow MFP M578z

Before buying, check that the code printed on your current cartridge matches 212A or W2120A. If your machine is different, take a look at our toners for HP 655 (CF450A) or HP 508A (CF360A).

How to install it and what to do if it "doesn't recognise the cartridge"

Installation is identical to that of an original cartridge:

• Open the printer's front door and remove the cartridge of the corresponding colour.
• Take the new toner out of its packaging, remove the protective seals and distribute the toner by gently rocking it from side to side.
• Insert it into its rail until it clicks into place and close the door.

If a message such as "incompatible cartridge" or "cartridge not recognised" appears, it does not mean the consumable is faulty. It is usually resolved by switching the printer off and on again so it re-reads the chip, or by reinstalling the cartridge while making sure it makes good contact. These messages are related to HP firmware updates; we explain this in detail in HP firmware and cartridge blocking. Remember that using a compatible consumable does not void your legal warranty, as we set out in the legal warranty on compatible cartridges in Spain.

Yield and savings versus the original

This cartridge declares 5,500 pages according to the ISO measurement standard, the same criterion used to measure the originals, so the yield comparison is direct. In practice, print quality on office text and graphics is equivalent for everyday use on these Enterprise machines.

The main saving is in the price per cartridge: an own-brand compatible substantially reduces the cost compared with the OEM while maintaining the pages per cartridge. If you want to work out your real cost per page, our article on the real cost of printing will help. And if you have doubts about the quality, take a look at our comparison of original vs compatible printed side by side.

Why buy it from Star Toner

We manufacture and select consumables under ISO 9001 quality control, with a chip included so the printer reads the toner levels correctly. The HP 212A compatible toner is available for €43.99, with fast delivery and support to resolve any installation or compatibility queries.

Once installed, check all four colours with our downloadable CMYK test page. When you're ready, you can buy it here: HP 212A (W2120A) compatible toner · 5,500 pages.

Frequently asked questions