HP CE278A compatible toner (78A): installation, chip reset and savings | Star Toner

The compatible HP CE278A toner (equivalent to the HP 78A) is a black toner cartridge for HP's entry-level and small-office monochrome laser printers. It delivers an approximate yield of 2,100 pages in accordance with the ISO/IEC 19752 standard and is manufactured under an ISO 9001 quality system. Here we explain which models it fits, how to install it, what to do if the printer doesn't recognise it and what real savings you can expect.

What it is and which printers it fits

The CE278A is an all-in-one cartridge: it combines the toner and the drum in a single unit, so every time you replace the consumable you also renew the imaging drum. This compatible version is valid for the following models:

• HP LaserJet P1566
• HP LaserJet P1606dn
• HP LaserJet Pro M1530 MFP series
• HP LaserJet Pro M1536dnf MFP
• HP LaserJet Pro P1560 series

Before you buy, confirm that the code on your current cartridge is CE278A or 78A. If your machine isn't on the list, don't force the installation: the physical format may not fit.

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

Installation is straightforward: open the front cover, remove the used cartridge, take the new one out of the packaging, remove the protective seal and the toner sealing tab, gently rock it from side to side to distribute the powder and slot it in until you hear the click. Close the cover and run a test print.

If a message such as "incompatible cartridge" or "toner not recognised" appears, don't be alarmed: on this range it is usually down to an informational message, not a block. Try these steps:

• Switch the printer off, wait 30 seconds and switch it back on to force the chip to be re-read.
• Remove and reinsert the cartridge, making sure the side chip is properly seated and clean.
• If the message persists, it can usually be dismissed by pressing OK or Continue on the panel; printing carries on as normal.

Bear in mind that HP periodically releases firmware updates that can make these messages stricter. We recommend reading our guide on how HP firmware blocks cartridges and disabling automatic updates if you use compatible consumables. To check print quality after the change, you can use our downloadable print test page.

Yield and savings versus the original

This compatible cartridge delivers the same 2,100 ISO pages as the reference consumable, with comparable density and text sharpness on office documents. The difference is in the cost per page: by choosing compatible, the cost of each print is reduced significantly compared with the original, while maintaining the same standard 5% page coverage.

If you want to fully understand the calculation before deciding, in the real cost of printing we break down how to work out the price per page, and in original vs compatible printed side by side we compare real results on paper.

Why buy it at Star Toner

The compatible HP CE278A toner is available for €8.98, manufactured to the ISO 9001 standard, with batch quality control and fast dispatch from Spain. All our compatible cartridges come with a legal guarantee; if you have any doubts about your rights, see the legal guarantee for compatible cartridges in Spain.

If, alongside monochrome printers, you also have colour machines in the office, our catalogue offers high-yield compatible alternatives such as the HP CF450A toner or the HP 508A CF360A toner, with the same value for money.

Frequently asked questions