10/19/22, 9:37 PM How to Replace a Toner Cartridge in a Laser Printer: 9 Steps

How to Replace a Toner Cartridge in a Laser Printer

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Last Updated: July 2, 2021

Laser printers eventually run out of toner after continued use. Being able to replace them swiftly and correctly lets you get back to
work faster. If you want to learn how to replace a toner cartridge in a laser printer, follow these steps.

Steps

Open the printer door to access the toner cartridges.

1
Remove the drum assembly from the printer by pulling it straight out.
2
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Remove the spent cartridge by pressing the release lever on the drum assembly.
3
Take the new cartridge out of the box, but keep it in its plastic packaging. Sometimes, during shipping, toner
4 can settle in the toner drum, resulting in poor-quality copies. To prevent this problem, gently shake the cartridge. This
helps fully distribute toner throughout the cartridge.

Remove the new cartridge from its packaging and pull off the sealing tape.
5
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10/19/22, 9:37 PM How to Replace a Toner Cartridge in a Laser Printer: 9 Steps

While doing this, be careful not to touch the imaging drum on the bottom of the toner cartridge. Smudges on the drum
can cause print-quality problems.

Put the replacement cartridge in. It should snap in place securely.

6
Slide the drum cleaning lever back and forth.
7
Reinsert the drum assembly completely, and close the printer's access port.
8
Your printer is ready to be used.
9
Print a test page. Your computer will automatically recognize that a new cartridge has been installed. Most computers
will ask you if you want to print a test page to ensure that the new cartridge is functional. Click "OK." The computer
will scan the printer settings and eventually produce a printed page.

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Community Q&A

Question

What can I do if I pressed the wrong button on the testing page?

Community Answer

There are a few types of reports that a printer can output; generally, at worst, you simply print out a page of specs, which
still serves as evidence that the printer is working.

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10/19/22, 9:37 PM How to Replace a Toner Cartridge in a Laser Printer: 9 Steps

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Tips

If you get toner on your clothing, wipe off as much as you can with a dry towel. Remove the rest using cold water. Do not
use hot water. It sets the stain.

Don't throw away your old cartridge - these things are valuable! You can mail the old toner cartridge back to the
manufacturer or return it to the store to be recycled. Some stores such as Staples and Office Depot will give you store
credit which can be applied toward the future purchase of a new cartridge. You can also save your old cartridges and
when you have enough of them, mail them off to a recycler such as tonerbuyer.com which will recycle your empty
cartridges and pay you for them.

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References

1. http://www.printerstop.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-toner-cartridge-in-a-hp-laser-printer-12/
2. http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Installing-Brother-HL-5240-Laser-Printer-Toner-Cartridge/1891/2
3. http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00585348.pdf
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