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Easy · 5 minInk & print quality

Toner low message on an imageCLASS laser

Laser printers warn early. You can usually get a few hundred more pages before quality actually drops.

01 · Identify — does this match what you see?

  • “Prepare cartridge” warning
  • Faded band down one side
  • Print gets lighter towards the end of a page

02 · Resolve — follow in order

  1. 1

    Open the front cover and take the cartridge out.

  2. 2

    Hold it level and rock it gently side to side five or six times to spread the remaining toner.

  3. 3

    Slide it back until it clicks and close the cover.

  4. 4

    Print a test page — the fade usually clears for a while.

  5. 5

    Order a replacement now so you are not caught out mid-job.

Pro tip

Never shake a cartridge vertically or over carpet; loose toner is very hard to clean up.

03 · Applies to

imageCLASS MF264dwimageCLASS MF445dwimageCLASS LBP6030w

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