M28w: Toner 44A empty after 300 printed pages

[markuja82]

After 2 years of using my newly bought toner cartridge 44A, I get the message that it is nearly empty. Although I have only printed below 300 pages. Why doesn't it last longer?

It is not the 1st cartridge delivered with the printer and I only print normal stuff, not black pages.

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @markuja82 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I’m really sorry your 44A toner cartridge is showing low levels after fewer than 300 pages—it’s genuinely frustrating when you expect more longevity, especially with light usage. You’ve done everything right by monitoring your print habits and checking the supply status. 

Let’s walk through what affects toner yield and how to interpret it more clearly.

 

Understanding toner yield and why it may vary

1. Standard page yield for HP 44A toner

• The HP 44A (CF244A) toner cartridge is rated for approximately 1,000 pages.
• This estimate is based on ISO/IEC 19752, which assumes:
  • 5% page coverage (roughly a short paragraph per page)
  • Standard letter-size paper
  • Normal environmental conditions

If your documents include logos, tables, bold text, or multiple paragraphs, actual coverage may exceed 5%, reducing yield significantly.

 

Why your cartridge may show low after ~300 pages

2. Factors that reduce toner longevity

• Higher page coverage: Even simple documents can exceed 5% coverage.
• Frequent start/stop printing: Each cycle uses extra toner for calibration.
• Environmental exposure: Toner can degrade over time, especially if unused for long periods.
• Power-on cleaning cycles: Some toner is consumed during automatic maintenance.

Since your cartridge was installed two years ago, even with low usage, age and ambient conditions may have affected its performance.

 

What you can do next

3. Check toner usage history

• On the printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS), go to:
  • Home > Supplies Status > Pages Printed with This Supply
• This shows how many pages were printed and when the cartridge was first installed.

From your image, the cartridge printed 276 pages and is now below 10%, which aligns with moderate coverage and aging.

 

4. Use Draft mode for longer life

• In the HP App or print dialog:
  • Select Print Settings > Quality > Draft or Eco Mode
• This reduces toner usage per page and extends cartridge life.

 

5. Order genuine replacement toner

• Visit: HP 44A Toner Cartridge – HP Store

Let me know if you'd like help checking your printer’s usage logs or adjusting print settings for better efficiency. You’ve done everything right by staying observant—I’ll be here to guide you further if needed.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[markuja82]

Thanks for your very detailed explanation! As I am not happy with this very high printing price, I will now consider  using a non-original toner. Sorry about that.

[Hawks_Eye]

Thanks for the update @markuja82 

I completely understand your concern—printing costs can feel unexpectedly high when a cartridge runs out sooner than expected. You’ve already taken the right step by evaluating your options carefully.

Take care, and stay fantastic! 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[markuja82]

I want to mention one positive thing: I appreciate the transparent information about the toner usage and printed pages of my device. Even if this leads to dissatisfaction...