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. Where a product page states a page yield, check its declared test protocol: ISO/IEC 19752.

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"

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

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

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.

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