Grrr! HP Printer Owners Outraged By Update That Blocks Non-HP Cartridges

Posted by Rob Errera on 03/24/2023

HP’s “dynamic security” has struck printer owners again, this time as a firmware update that blocks the use of third-party ink cartridges in HP printers.

HP Printer Update “Bricks” Non-HP Cartridges

Many users complained that a recent firmware update blocks the use of third-party ink cartridges in HP printers. Before the firmware update, HP warned customers against using third-party cartridges. After the update, third-party cartridges are “bricked,” rendered nonfunctional.

The Verge and ARS Technica report that many HP printer owners are frustrated by the firmware update, which has left their printers unusable unless they install genuine HP ink cartridges.

Non-HP Chip Detected Notification Image

HP’s latest firmware blocks non-HP cartridges in many printer models. (Photo source: Reddit)

HP Update is The Latest Example of Dynamic Security

HP warns future firmware updates may continue to render third-party cartridges unusable. HP claims these “dynamic security system” updates are designed “to protect the quality of our customer experience, maintain the integrity of our printing systems, and protect our intellectual property.”

Critics say the move is another way for HP to force customers to buy more expensive HP ink cartridges instead of cheaper, compatible brands.

What HP Printers Use Dynamic Security?

It’s difficult to tell which HP printer models use the dynamic security system and are affected by the latest firmware update. According to HP’s site, all new OfficeJet Pro printers require original HP toner cartridges exclusively for the printer's life.

Printers advertised as HP+ use dynamic security and will require the exclusive use of original HP ink cartridges.

HP’s Mixed Messages on Dynamic Security

HP has released another firmware update that completely disables its dynamic security system, but it only works on the following printers.

HP OfficeJet 6810, 6820
OfficeJet Pro 6230, 6830, 8610, 8620, 8630, 8640, 8660
X451dn/dw, X476dn/dw
X551dw
X576dw printers

This firmware update will also work with the following printer models if manufactured before December 1, 2016.

HP Officejet Pro 6970, 7740, 8210, 8700,
Officejet 6950,
PageWide 300, 400, 500

If you own one of the HP printers listed above made after December 2016, there is still no way to disable HP’s dynamic security feature.

Non-HP Chip Detected - How to Fix Your Printer

This YouTuber suggests downgrading your firmware to allow the use of non-HP cartridges in your HP printer.

How To Disable HP’s Dynamic Security

Not all HP printer users were affected by the latest firmware update. If that’s you, you may be able to disable HP’s cartridge-blocking feature.

Depending on your printer model, you can disable HP’s dynamic security settings. Note, however, that current or future HP firmware updates may not allow the dynamic security system to be disabled.

HP printers have two settings under the Supply Settings menu related to dynamic security. The first is the Cartridge Policy, which blocks non-HP cartridges. The second is Cartridge Protection, which registers the installed cartridges to your specific printer.

Here’s how to turn off HP’s Cartridge Police and Cartridge Protection features.

Open your printer’s menu
Choose “System Setup”
Choose “Supply Settings”
Select “Off” under “Cartridge Policy”
Click “OK”
Choose “Supply Settings” again
Select “Off” under “Cartridge Protection”
Click “OK”

HP Printers Might 'Brick' If You Use Non-HP Ink

An attorney questions the legality of HP's dynamic security feature.

HP Sticks With Dynamic Security Despite Costly Lawsuits

HP has paid millions to settle its dynamic security system lawsuits. In 2020, it paid $1.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit in the US that argued HP’s dynamic security updates acted as “malware,” which diminished the capabilities of HP printers.

The company has also paid millions to settle similar lawsuits in Europe and Australia. Despite this, the company continues to stick with dynamic security features that block non-HP cartridges.

HP Users Unhappy

HP angered loyal users late last year by hiking prices by 5% on its most popular ink and toner cartridges. That price hike followed a December 2021 price increase on HP products. As global inflation increases in 2023, expect HP to announce additional price hikes.