Introduction

The HP Color LaserJet Pro M256 is a high-performance color laser printer designed for small to medium-sized businesses that require fast, reliable, and high-quality printing. With its compact design, this printer delivers vibrant color prints at impressive speeds, making it ideal for producing professional documents, marketing materials, and more. The M256 offers intuitive controls, wireless connectivity, and robust security features, ensuring seamless integration into your office environment while keeping your data secure. Its energy-efficient operation and cost-effective toner usage make it a practical choice for businesses looking to maximize productivity and minimize operational costs.

Printer specifications

IMPORTANT: The following specifications are correct at the time of publication, but they are subject to change. For current information, see https://www.hp.com/support/ljM255 

Technical specifications

See https://www.hp.com/support/ljM255  for current information.

Supported operating systems

The following information applies to the printer-specific Windows PCL 6 and HP print drivers for macOS and to the software installer.
Windows: The HP Software Installer installs the “HP PCL.6” version 3 print driver, the “HP PCL 6” version 3 print driver, or the “HP PCL-6” version 4 print driver, depending on the Windows operating system, along with optional software when using the software installer. Download the "HP PCL.6" version 3 print driver, the "HP PCL 6" version 3 print driver, and the "HP PCL-6" version 4 print driver from the printer-support website for this printer: https://www.hp.com/support/ljM255 macOS: Mac computers are supported with this printer. Download HP Smart either from 123.hp.com or from the Printer Support page, and then use HP Smart to install the HP print driver. HP Smart is not included in the 
HP Software Installer.

1. Go to 123.hp.com.
2.  Follow the steps provided to download the printer software.

Linux: For information and print drivers for Linux, go to https://www.hp.com/go/linuxprinting  UNIX: For information and print drivers for UNIX, go to https://www.hp.com/go/unixmodelscripts 

Table 1-8  Minimum system requirements

Mobile printing solutions

HP offers multiple mobile and ePrint solutions to enable easy printing to an HP printer from a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or other mobile device. To see the full list and to determine the best choice, go to https://www.hp.com/go/LaserJetMobilePrinting 

NOTE: Update the printer firmware to ensure all mobile printing and ePrint capabilities are supported.

• Wi-Fi Direct (wireless models only)
• HP ePrint via email (Requires HP Web Services to be enabled and the printer to be registered with HP Connected)
• HP ePrint app (Available for Android, iOS, and Blackberry)
• HP Smart app for iOS and Android devices
• HP ePrint software
• Google Cloud Print
• AirPri
• Android Printing

Remove and replace the toner cartridges

1. Open the front door.
2. Grasp the blue handle on the toner cartridge drawer, and then pull out the drawer.

3. Grasp the handle on the toner cartridge, and then pull the toner cartridge straight up to remove it.

   

4. Remove the new toner cartridge package from the box, and then pull the release tab on the packaging.
5. Remove the toner cartridge from the opened packaging shell. Save all packaging for recycling the used toner cartridge.
   NOTE: Avoid touching the green imaging drum. Fingerprints on the imaging drum can cause print defects.

6. Holding the toner on both ends, gently rock the toner cartridge end to end to distribute the toner evenly inside the cartridge.

   

7. Install the new toner cartridge. Make sure that the color chip on the cartridge matches the color chip on the drawer.
   NOTE: Avoid touching the green imaging drum. Fingerprints on the imaging drum can cause print defects.
8. Close the toner cartridge drawer.

9. Close the front door.

   

Printer front view

Table 1-1  Printer front view legend

Printer back view

Table 1-2  Printer back view legend

2-line control-panel view (nw and dn models only)

Table 1-3  2-line control panel legend

Touchscreen control-panel view (dw models only)

Table 1-4  Touchscreen control panel legend

NOTE: While the control panel does not have a standard Cancel button, during many printer processes a Cancel button appears on the touchscreen. This permits users to cancel a process before the printer completes it.

Description

The HP Color LaserJet Pro M256 is a reliable and versatile color laser printer that offers fast printing speeds, sharp text and vibrant colors, and a range of advanced features to meet the needs of small to medium-sized businesses. With its wireless and Ethernet connectivity, this printer can be easily integrated into your network, and the HP Smart app allows for easy printing and scanning from your mobile device. The automatic duplex printing and high-yield toner cartridges help reduce paper usage and cost savings, making this printer a valuable investment for any business

Home screen layout

The Home screen provides access to the printer features and indicates the current status of the printer. Return to the Home screen at any time by touching the Home button on the printer control panel.

NOTE: The features that appear on the Home screen can vary, depending on the printer configuration.

Table 1-5  Home screen layout legend

How to use the touchscreen control panel

Use the following actions to use the printer touchscreen control panel. 

Table 1-6  Touchscreen control panel actions

Table 1-6 Touchscreen control panel actions
Action			Description	Example
Touch			Touch an item on the screen to select that item or open that menu. Also, when scrolling through menus,briefly touch the screen to stop the scrolling.	Touch the Setup button     to open the Setup menu.
	Swipe		Touch the screenand then movethe finger  horizontally to move the screensideways.	Swipe the Homescreen to accessthe Setup button     .
Scroll			Touch the screen, and then, without lifting the finger, move the finger vertically to move the screen.	Scroll through the Setup menu.

Setup Guide

Setting up the HP Color LaserJet Pro M256 is quick and easy. 

• Simply unbox the printer, plug it in, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your network. 
• Once connected, you can use the touchscreen display to select your language, install the toner cartridges, and start printing. 
• The HP Smart app can also be used to easily print and scan from your mobile device.

Solve wired network problems

Introduction

Certain types of problems can indicate there is a network communication problem. These problems include the following issues:

• The periodic loss of ability to communicate with the printer
• The printer cannot be found during driver installation
• A periodic failure to print

NOTE: If you have been experiencing intermittent loss of network connectivity, first update the printer firmware. For instructions on how to update the printer firmware, go to http://support.hp.com, search for your printer, and then search on “update the firmware.”

Check the following items to verify that the printer is communicating with the network. Before beginning, print a configuration page from the printer control panel and locate the printer IP address that is listed on this page.

• Poor physical connection
• The computer is using the incorrect IP address for the printer
• The computer is unable to communicate with the printer
• The printer is using incorrect link and duplex settings for the network
• New software programs might be causing compatibility problems
• The computer or workstation might be set up incorrectly
• The printer is disabled, or other network settings are incorrect

Poor physical connection

1. Verify that the printer is attached to the correct network port using a cable of the correct length.
2. Verify that cable connections are secure.
3. Look at the network port connection on the back of the printer, and verify that the amber activity light flashes indicating network traffic, and the green link-status light is continuously lit indicating a network link.
4. If the problem continues, try a different cable or port on the hub.

The computer is using the incorrect IP address for the printer

1. Open the printer properties and click the Ports tab. Verify that the current IP address for the printer is selected. The printer IP address is listed on the printer configuration page.
2. If you installed the printer using the HP standard TCP/IP port, select the box labeled Always print to this printer, even if its IP address changes.
3. If you installed the printer using a Microsoft standard TCP/IP port, use the hostname instead of the IP address.
4. If the IP address is correct, delete the printer and then add it again.

The computer is unable to communicate with the printer

1. Test network communication by pinging the network.
   1. Open a command-line prompt on your computer.
      • For Windows, click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then press Enter.
      • For macOS, go to Applications, then Utilities, and open Terminal.
   2. Type ping followed by the IP address for your printer.
   3. If the window displays round-trip times, the network is working.
2. If the ping command failed, verify that the network hubs are on, and then verify that the network settings, the printer, and the computer are all configured for the same network (also known as subnet).
3. Open the printer properties and click the Ports tab. Verify that the current IP address for the printer is selected. The printer IP address is listed on the printer configuration page.
4. If you installed the printer using the HP standard TCP/IP port, select the box labeled Always print to this printer, even if its IP address changes.
5. If you installed the printer using a Microsoft standard TCP/IP port, use the printer’s hostname instead of the IP address.
6. If the IP address is correct, delete the printer and then add it again.

The printer is using incorrect link and duplex settings for the network

• HP recommends leaving these settings in automatic mode (the default setting). If you change these settings, you must also change them for your network.

New software programs might be causing compatibility problems

• Verify that any new software programs are correctly installed and that they use the correct print driver.

The computer or workstation might be set up incorrectly

1. Check the network drivers, print drivers, and the network redirection settings.
2. Verify that the operating system is configured correctly.

The printer is disabled, or other network settings are incorrect

1. Review the printer’s configuration/networking pages to check the status of the network settings and protocols.
2. Reconfigure the network settings if necessary.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fast printing speeds and high-quality color output
• Wide range of connectivity options, including wireless and Ethernet
• Automatic duplex printing and high-yield toner cartridges for reduced paper usage and cost savings
• Easy setup and use with the touchscreen display and HP Smart app

Cons

• Higher upfront cost compared to some other printers in its class
• Limited paper capacity compared to larger printers
• May be overkill for very small businesses or home offices

Customer Reviews

Customers love the HP Color LaserJet Pro M256 for its fast printing speeds, high-quality color output, and wide range of connectivity options. However, some have noted that the upfront cost is higher than some other printers in its class, and the paper capacity is limited compared to larger printers. Overall, the HP Color LaserJet Pro M256 is a reliable and versatile printer that offers great value for small to medium-sized businesses.