Almost new printer - toner already needs replacing?!

[Squibb1]

Can anyone advise, please? I bought my HP LaserJet M140W in April 2026, connected it to my laptop about 6 weeks later, and since then, have only printed about 30 - 40 sheets in total.

Yesterday, the orange ink light lit up on the printer. The app says that my supplies are low, and I should consider buying a replacement toner cartridge.

I’d understood I could expect a yield of about 1000 copies, from a toner cartridge that would probably last a couple of years - perfect for an occasional user to replace an inkjet printer, where the cartridges were always drying out. The printer sits in a cool spot in the living room, away from direct sunlight. Nothing ‘high intensity’, just printed off a few letters and charts.

Were my expectations unrealistic? Where have I gone wrong? Feeling angry and disappointed that this printer was not a sensible purchase – at this rate, the cost of the toner will exceed the cost of the printer in less than a year!

Any tips, comments, advice or reassurance gratefully received. Thank you.

[ferRX]

Hi @Squibb1 

For checking the printed pages go to print a Test page using front panel Green button,

pressing down by 5 seconds.

Please check steps in the next video:

>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD0_giwDlsE

Test page should look like the next one, just go check where it says "Page Counts"

• 

* Click YES   to say thank you, 

* Click Accepted as Solution when question is answered.

ferRX.

[Squibb1]

Thanks for your response, FerRX, I've printed off the report.  The page count says 150, which is surprisingly more than I thought...mysterious!  Sadly, still far fewer than the possible 1000 copies that I was expecting from the toner cartridge, though  😒  

[ferRX]

Hi @Squibb1 

Thank you for following up 😇 and providing more details about printed pages.

1. Ok, about that 150 pages already printer do you remember if you printed Text only pages or maybe some large images or photos ?

2. And about the toner cartridge, checking on printer specifications for Laserjet M140w (1),

for first or initial toner cartridge it should last about around 300 pages, because it is just the "initial test" toner cartridge.

1. Spoiler

   Laserjet M140w - Printer specifications
   https://www8.hp.com/h20195/V2/GetPDF.aspx/c07979733
   What's in the box 
   HP LaserJet MFP M140w Printer; Power cord;
   HP Black Toner Cartridge (yield: 300 pages)
   Setup Poster; Reference Guide; Warranty Guide.

3. When you replace and buy a new toner cartridge then it should last at least 900 pages or 1,000 pages.

* Click YES   to say thank you, 

* Click Accepted as Solution when question is answered.

ferRX.

,.-

[Squibb1]

Thanks, FerFX.  The pages were all text, maybe the occasional bar code on a ticket, definitely no photo's or large images, nothing high density.  Still hoping I'll get a few more copies before the toner cartridge expires completely -  I'll try strategies provided online, to try to maximise it's shelf life. 

Your explanation of a 'test' cartridge makes sense, though. Your help is much appreciated.

[ferRX · Accepted solution]

Hi @Squibb1 

Ok, it is good to know that previous explanation was helpful. 😇 

Spoiler

Thank you for following up 😇 and providing more details about printed pages.

1. Ok, about that 150 pages already printer do you remember if you printed Text only pages or maybe some large images or photos ?

2. And about the toner cartridge, checking on printer specifications for Laserjet M140w (1),

for first or initial toner cartridge it should last about around 300 pages, because it is just the "initial test" toner cartridge.

3. When you replace and buy a new toner cartridge then it should last at least 900 pages or 1,000 pages.

Best regards,

ferRX.

....-.