Compatible HP CF280X / CE505X toner: buying, installation and savings guide

The compatible HP CF280X / CE505X toner is a high-yield black cartridge designed for anyone who prints in volume and wants to reduce their cost per page without giving up consistent print quality. With a yield of 6,500 pages according to the ISO/IEC 19752 standard and manufacturing under an ISO 9001 quality system, it is a direct alternative to the original cartridges in the 80X and 05X series.

What it is and which printers it works with

This is a black toner cartridge that replaces the HP CF280X (80X) and CE505X (05X) references. It is exactly compatible with these models:

• HP LaserJet P2055, P2055d, P2055dn, P2055x
• HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401a, M401d, M401dn, M401dne, M401dw, M401n
• HP LaserJet Pro 400 MFP M425dn and M425dw

If your machine appears in this list, this cartridge fits both physically and electronically. Before buying, check the reference printed on the empty cartridge or in the printer's supplies menu.

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

Installation is identical to that of an original cartridge: switch off the printer, open the front cover, remove the used cartridge, take the new one out of its packaging, remove the sealing strip by pulling the tab, and rock it gently from side to side to distribute the toner. Insert it until it clicks into place and close the cover.

If, after installing it, a cartridge not recognised or "non-genuine" warning appears, this is usually down to the chip or the firmware, not a fault with the cartridge. Try these steps:

• Switch off the printer, wait 30 seconds and switch it back on to force the chip to be re-read.
• Reinstall the cartridge, making sure it makes good contact with the chip pins.
• If the machine lets you continue despite the warning, accept it and carry on printing as normal.

In many cases the block comes from HP firmware updates. We explain why this happens and how to avoid it in our article on how HP firmware blocks cartridges.

Yield and savings versus the original

At an equal ISO yield, a compatible cartridge lets you significantly cut your spending on consumables, especially when you print thousands of pages a month. The black density and text sharpness are perfectly suitable for documents, invoices and office reports.

Is it worth it? It depends on your actual print volume. You can work out your spending with our guide on the real cost of printing, and if you want to see the difference with your own eyes, we compare original and compatible side by side by printing the same page.

Why buy it from Star Toner

The compatible HP CF280X / CE505X toner is available for 14.98 €, with certified ISO 9001 manufacturing and shipping from Spain. Buying compatible is entirely legal and does not void your printer's warranty: we clarify this in our guide on the legal warranty for compatible cartridges in Spain.

And if you also work with colour machines, take a look at our compatible HP 508A CF360A toners to complete your consumables stock.

Frequently asked questions