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How do you bypass an incompatible hp ink cartridge

by William Elward Published: Updated:
If you’re seeing a “non-HP chip detected” or “incompatible ink cartridge” message, your HP printer may be blocking the cartridge from being recognized. This is a common issue, especially when using compatible or remanufactured ink cartridges. Below are several proven troubleshooting steps that can help resolve the problem.


First, confirm that the ink cartridge has all protective plastic and seals fully removed. Gently wipe the cartridge’s contacts with a clean cotton ball or another soft, lint-free material to remove dust or residue that could interfere with detection.


Below is a general procedure that may help override an incompatible HP ink cartridge error:

  1. Remove all ink cartridges from the printer.
  2. Insert one incompatible ink cartridge into the printer.
  3. Power off the printer, then unplug the power cord from the wall. Wait 10–15 minutes.
  4. Plug the power cord back in and turn the printer on.
  5. Insert the next incompatible ink cartridge. Always install incompatible cartridges one at a time. Compatible or previously working cartridges can be installed later.
  6. Power off the printer for 30 seconds to 1 minute while keeping it plugged in.
  7. If your printer uses more than two cartridges, repeat steps 5 and 6 until all cartridges are successfully recognized.

Disable "Cartridge Protection"

If the steps above don’t resolve the issue, your printer’s firmware may have “Cartridge Protection” enabled. This feature is designed to restrict the use of non-HP cartridges, but it can be disabled in many models. Turning it off often resolves compatibility errors. Follow these steps:

1. Access Printer Settings:
   - On the printer’s display, open the Setup menu, usually accessed by tapping the gear icon.

2. Open Printer Preferences:
   - Select Printer Maintenance, Preferences, or Printer Settings (menu names may vary by model).

3. Locate Cartridge Settings:
   - Look for an option related to Ink or Cartridge Protection.

4. Disable Cartridge Protection:
   - Select the option and switch it to Disable or Off.

5. Save Changes and Exit:
   - Save your settings if prompted, then exit the menu.

If that doesn’t work, try disabling cartridge protection through the HP Smart App or printer software

1. Open HP Smart App or Software:
   - Launch the HP Smart app on your computer or mobile device. Download it from HP if it’s not already installed.

2. Select Your Printer:
   - Choose your printer from the list of available devices.

3. Access Printer Settings:
   - Navigate to the settings or configuration section of the app.

4. Disable Cartridge Protection:
   - Locate Cartridge Protection and turn it off.

5. Apply and Save Changes:
   - Apply your changes and exit the app.

Other solutions: 

From your non-Mac computer:

  1. Open Control Panel or Settings and navigate to Printers.
  2. Select Printer Properties or Advanced Printer Settings.
  3. Click on Ports and review the settings.
  4. Enable Bidirectional Support if it is disabled, then apply changes.

From your HP Smart App:

  1. Open the app and go to Printer Status.
  2. Select the printer showing the incompatible cartridge error.
  3. Disconnect the printer from Wi-Fi.
  4. Reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi and allow it to resync.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean when my printer says the ink cartridge is incompatible?
A: This message appears when the printer cannot verify or recognize the installed cartridge. Common causes include firmware restrictions, dirty contacts, or the use of third-party cartridges.

Q: Can I use non-HP cartridges in my HP printer?
A: Yes, many HP printers can use compatible or remanufactured cartridges, but cartridge protection or firmware updates may need to be adjusted to allow them.

Q: Is it safe to bypass an incompatible ink cartridge warning?
A: In most cases it is safe, especially when using high-quality compatible cartridges. Print quality and reliability depend on the cartridge supplier.

Q: How do I bypass the incompatible cartridge error on my HP printer?
A: Common solutions include power-cycling the printer, installing cartridges one at a time, disabling cartridge protection, or adjusting printer software settings.

Q: Will bypassing the incompatible cartridge void my printer’s warranty?
A: Using non-HP cartridges may impact warranty coverage. Review HP’s warranty terms if your printer is still under warranty.

About William Elward

Founder of Castle Ink, William Elward has 20 years experience in the printer industry. He's been featured on CNN Money, Yahoo, PC World, Computer World, and other top publications and frequently blogs about printers and ink cartridges. He's an expert at diagnosing printer issues and has published guides to fixing common printer issues across the internet. A graduate of Bryant University and Columbia's Sulzberger Executive Leadership Program, he's held various leadership positions at The College Board, Bankrate, Zocdoc, and Everyday Health. Follow him on Twitter at William Elward's Twitter Profile


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