Compatible HP CE285A (85A) toner: installation, compatibility and savings guide

The HP CE285A toner, also known as the 85A, is one of the most common monochrome consumables across HP's range of home and small-office laser printers. Here we explain exactly what its compatible version is for, how to install it, what to do if your printer doesn't recognise it, and what you can expect in terms of yield and savings.

What it is and which printers it fits

This is a black toner cartridge with a yield of 1,600 pages to the ISO/IEC standard (5% page coverage). It is an all-in-one cartridge: it includes both the drum and the toner in the same unit, so once it runs out you replace the complete unit.

This reference is compatible with the following models:

• HP LaserJet Pro M1132
• HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf MFP
• HP LaserJet Pro M1217nfw MFP
• HP LaserJet Pro P1102
• HP LaserJet Pro P1102w
• HP LaserJet Pro P1109
• HP LaserJet Pro P1109w

If your machine appears in this list, the compatible CE285A toner fits mechanically and electronically without any adapters.

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

Installation is identical to that of the original cartridge:

• Open the front cover and gently pull out the old cartridge.
• Take the new toner out of its packaging and remove the seal or sealing tab by pulling it out straight and firmly.
• Rock it carefully from side to side to distribute the toner evenly.
• Insert it until it clicks into place and close the cover.

The P1102/M1132 models and their family do not have an electronic chip in the cartridge, so they rarely display blocking messages. If a "cartridge not recognised" or "non-HP consumable" notice appears, it is usually enough to switch the printer off, wait 30 seconds and switch it back on, or remove and reinsert the cartridge so the machine detects it again. Many notices are informational and let you carry on printing by pressing OK/Continue. If the block persists after a firmware update, we recommend reading our article on how HP firmware blocks cartridges before you update.

Yield and savings compared with the original

The stated yield (1,600 ISO pages) is equivalent to that of the original cartridge of the same reference, so the life per cartridge is comparable under similar usage conditions. The difference lies in the cost per page: the compatible version significantly reduces the outlay per printed document compared with the branded consumable, while keeping crisp text and dense blacks for office tasks.

If you want to work out your real savings with concrete figures, take a look at the real cost of printing, and if you have any doubts about quality, in this side-by-side comparison we print both original and compatible so you can judge for yourself.

Why buy it at Star Toner

Our compatible CE285A is manufactured to ISO 9001 quality standards and is covered by the legal warranty for compatible cartridges in Spain: using non-OEM consumables does not void your printer's warranty. It is available for €8.98 with shipping from Spain.

And if you also manage colour machines, take a look at our high-yield compatible toners such as the HP 508A CF360A. Place your order for the compatible HP CE285A 85A toner and receive it ready to install.

Frequently asked questions