HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf right for you?

The LaserJet Pro M1212nf was the go-to tiny mono fax machine for small offices in the early 2010s, combining the P1102 engine with a flatbed, document feeder, fax and Ethernet. Its 85A cartridge is cheap and the print side is nearly bulletproof. The scanner and ADF are the age-related weak points, with scanner errors and double feeds common on well-used units, and scanning from modern operating systems depends on HP's older driver package.

Best for: Tiny offices that still need a mono laser with fax

Setting up the HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf

Install HP's full M1210 series software on Windows, then connect by Ethernet with a fixed IP or by USB; scanning requires the full driver, not the basic one. On macOS use HP's legacy driver and Image Capture. Fax setup is in the Fax Setup menu on the two-line display with the phone line in the port marked L.

1. Unbox and prepare. Remove every piece of shipping tape and packing material, install the toner cartridge and drum unit, and load paper in the tray.
2. Join your Wi-Fi. Keep the printer close to the router for setup. Most printers only connect to the 2.4GHz band, so if your router broadcasts one merged network name you may need to split the bands temporarily. See our Wi-Fi guide if it will not join.
3. Install the setup app. Use HP's official app rather than a driver you found on a search result — third-party driver sites are the most common source of printer malware.
4. Add the printer. On Windows 11: Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners › Add device. On macOS: System Settings › Printers & Scanners › Add Printer.
5. Print a test page and run a scan if this is an all-in-one, so you find any problem now rather than when you are in a hurry.

Ink, toner and supplies

The HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• HP 85A (CE285A) toner

High-yield (XL) versions almost always cost less per page if you print regularly. On third-party ink and toner, read our honest assessment first, and note that some manufacturers push firmware that rejects non-original chips.

Full specifications