Compatible HP CF287A toner (87A): a guide for the M501, M506 and M527

What the CF287A toner is and which printers it works with

The compatible HP CF287A toner (also known as HP 87A) is a high-yield monochrome cartridge designed for office LaserJet machines with a medium-to-high volume. It delivers roughly 9,000 pages under the ISO/IEC 19752 standard (5% coverage) and is manufactured under an ISO 9001 quality system.

It is exactly compatible with these models:

• HP LaserJet Pro M501dn and HP LaserJet Pro M501n
• HP LaserJet Enterprise M506dn, M506n and M506x
• HP LaserJet Enterprise MFP M527c, M527dn and M527f
• HP LaserJet Enterprise Flow MFP M527z

If your machine appears in this list, the cartridge fits mechanically and electronically without adapters. You can view it here: Compatible HP CF287A (87A) toner with chip.

How to install it and what to do if the cartridge "isn't recognised"

Installation is identical to that of an original cartridge: open the front door, remove the used cartridge, take the new one out of its packaging, remove the protective seal and slide it in until it clicks into place. Close the door and wait for the machine to detect it.

Every CF287A we sell includes a chip, so the printer should recognise it and display the toner level. If you see a "cartridge not recognised", "not compatible" or "non-HP" warning, try the following:

• Remove the cartridge, wipe the gold chip contacts with a dry cloth and refit it so it is properly seated.
• Switch the printer off, wait 30 seconds and switch it back on to force the chip to be read again.
• If the warning reappears after an update, look at how HP firmware can block cartridges and how to avoid it.

In many cases the message is simply an informational notice: you can carry on printing by pressing "OK" or "Continue". Quality and performance are not affected.

Yield and savings versus the original

A well-made compatible cartridge offers print density and sharpness equivalent to those of an original for office text and graphics. The difference is in the cost: the compatible CF287A significantly reduces the cost per page without giving up the 9,000-page nominal yield.

If you want to work out your real savings taking your monthly volume into account, our article on the real cost of printing will help. And if you have any doubts about quality, take a look at our original vs. compatible toner printed side by side comparison.

Why buy it at Star Toner

At Star Toner we sell the compatible CF287A toner for €17.98, manufactured to the ISO 9001 standard, chip included and with fast dispatch from Spain. All our cartridges are covered by the legal guarantee for compatible cartridges in Spain, so using a compatible consumable does not void your printer's warranty.

You can complete your purchase directly on the compatible HP CF287A toner page. And if you also manage colour machines, take a look at the compatible HP 508A CF360A toner for other printers in your office.

Frequently asked questions