While toner lasts longer than the printing ink used in inkjet printers, a toner cartridge has a finite shelf life and should be used before it goes bad. Using toner after its expiration date has passed can have negative effects on your print jobs and the devices they're used in.

Does toner expire?

It's probably not surprising that ink and toner don't last forever. Lifespans will vary, but they are typically somewhere between 1.5 and 2 years. ... The dates are in place to ensure that the product inside the ink or toner cartridges is still the same quality it was when it was made.

How long does unused toner last?

Over time, air can get inside the box and antistatic bag in which manufacturers package cartridges, and degrade the ink or toner's composition. Nevertheless, you can usually still use cartridges from unopened packaging up to about two years after purchase if you store them properly.