Compatible HP CF226A (26A) toner: installation, chip reset and savings

The compatible HP CF226A (26A) toner is a black laser cartridge with an approximate yield of 3,100 pages under the ISO/IEC 19752 standard, designed to replace the original consumable in HP LaserJet Pro printers without changing the way you print. Here we explain which models it fits, how to install it, what to do if the printer doesn't recognise it and how much you can save.

What it is and which printers it fits

The CF226A is a monochrome (black) toner cartridge.

• HP LaserJet Pro M402d
• HP LaserJet Pro M402dn
• HP LaserJet Pro M402dw
• HP LaserJet Pro M402n
• HP LaserJet Pro MFP M426dw
• HP LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdn
• HP LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdw

If your model appears in this list, the cartridge fits mechanically and communicates with the printer just like the original. You can view and buy it on the compatible HP CF226A toner page.

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

Installation is identical to that of the factory consumable: open the front cover, remove the used cartridge, take off the protective seal from the new one, shake it gently horizontally to distribute the toner and slot it in until it clicks firmly into place. Close the cover and wait for the printer to complete its start-up cycle.

If a message such as "cartridge not recognised", "not genuine HP" or "problem with the consumable" appears, in most cases it can be resolved as follows:

• Switch the printer off, wait around 30 seconds and turn it back on so it re-reads the chip.
• Remove and reinsert the cartridge, checking that it is properly seated and that you have removed all the seals.
• If the message persists, it is usually enough to press OK or Continue: it is an informational notice from HP that does not block printing.

Bear in mind that HP releases firmware updates that can tighten the recognition of non-genuine consumables. Before accepting an automatic update, we recommend reading our article on how HP firmware can block cartridges.

Yield and savings compared with the original

Browse the available products and check compatibility, declared yield and price on each product page.

The savings compared with the branded consumable are usually a very high percentage per printed page, especially in offices that print every day. To work out your specific case you can use our guide to the real cost of printing, and if you have any doubts about reliability, you will find our comparison of original vs. compatible toner printed side by side useful.

Why buy it at Star Toner

Your Startoner consumable is covered by a three-year legal conformity guarantee. Printer coverage is governed by the manufacturer’s terms and may exclude damage caused by consumables. Using a compatible cartridge does not by itself establish the cause of a fault; keep your documentation and contact us if a problem occurs.

If you manage several machines, you may also need colour toner: check out options such as the compatible HP CF450A toner or the compatible HP 508A CF360A toner. And to check the quality after changing it, download our CMYK print test page.

Frequently asked questions