How to Stop HP Firmware Updates From Blocking Your Ink

Last updated: November 9, 2026

Short answer: HP printers can reject non-HP cartridges after a firmware update that adds new cartridge checks (HP calls this "dynamic security"). To prevent it, turn off automatic firmware updates on the printer, in its Embedded Web Server, or in HP Smart — and don't enroll in HP+, which requires Original HP ink. If cartridges are already blocked, try reseating them and choosing Continue/OK on the warning, check whether an older firmware is offered for your model, or switch to compatible cartridges with an updated chip.

If you've bought an HP printer in the last few years, you may have run into this: you install a compatible cartridge and the printer refuses to print, showing "cartridge problem," "non-HP cartridge installed" or "the indicated cartridges have been blocked by the printer firmware." Here's what's happening and how to stop it.

Watch the 90-second version first, then read on for the detail.

Seeing "Non-HP Chip Detected" on a LaserJet or OfficeJet? See what "Non-HP Chip Detected" means and what to do first.

How HP Firmware Updates Block Compatible Ink

HP periodically releases firmware that can include new cartridge authentication checks alongside security and bug fixes. When the printer installs one automatically, it may start rejecting cartridges that worked the day before. Owners most often report this with HP 63, 64, 67, 902, 910, 952, 962 and 965 series cartridges, and with some LaserJet toner.

"The Indicated Cartridges Have Been Blocked by the Printer Firmware"

This message means the printer's current firmware doesn't accept the chip on one or more installed cartridges. The ink itself is fine — it's the chip that's being refused. Your options are the steps below: reseat and dismiss the warning, see whether a rollback is possible, or replace the cartridge with one whose chip works on your firmware.

Step 1: Disable Automatic Firmware Updates (Do This First)

If the printer can't update itself, a future update can't lock out cartridges that work today. Menu names vary slightly by model.

From the Printer Control Panel

1. Tap the Setup (wrench/gear) icon
2. Go to Printer Maintenance or Tools
3. Select Update the Printer or Printer Update
4. Choose Printer Update Options
5. Set to Do Not Check or Install Updates: No / Notify Me

From the Embedded Web Server (EWS)

1. Find the printer's IP address (on its network settings screen or a printed network configuration page)
2. Type that IP address into a browser on the same network
3. Go to Tools → Printer Updates / Firmware Updates (or Settings → Product Updates)
4. Turn off Automatically check for / install updates and click Apply

From the HP Smart App

1. Open HP Smart and select your printer
2. Go to Printer Settings → Advanced Settings (this opens the EWS)
3. Find the firmware update option and disable automatic updates

Also skip HP+ during setup if you plan to use non-HP cartridges: HP+ printers are designed to work only with Original HP supplies, and enrollment generally can't be undone.

Step 2: Roll Back a Firmware Update That Already Blocked Your Ink

On some models, HP has offered earlier firmware versions on its support site, or printer communities document how to restore older firmware. Search HP's support site for your exact model, open Software and Drivers, and look for firmware with earlier dates. On many newer models, downgrading is no longer possible. If you do roll back, disable automatic updates immediately afterward. Questions like "OfficeJet 8720 old firmware for any ink" come up often — check that any file you install comes from HP for your exact model, since the wrong firmware can brick a printer.

Step 3: Reseat the Cartridge and Dismiss the Warning

1. Remove the cartridge and check the copper contacts are clean
2. Reinsert it firmly until it clicks
3. If a warning appears, look for OK, Continue or Use non-HP cartridge and confirm
4. Print a test page

This works when the printer is only warning about a non-HP cartridge rather than fully blocking it. More fixes: HP printer not recognizing an ink cartridge.

Step 4: Use Compatible Cartridges With an Updated Chip

The most reliable long-term fix is a compatible or remanufactured cartridge whose chip works with current HP firmware. Reputable suppliers update chips as HP changes firmware, and Castle Ink cartridges are covered by a 1-year guarantee — if one is blocked, we'll replace or refund it. Commonly affected series:

• HP 63 / 63XL — ENVY 4500/4520, OfficeJet 3830
• HP 67 / 67XL — ENVY 6000/6400, DeskJet 2700
• HP 902 / 902XL — OfficeJet Pro 6968, 6978
• HP 910 / 910XL — OfficeJet Pro 8020/8025e, 9015e
• HP 952 / 952XL — OfficeJet Pro 7740, 8710, 8720

Shop HP ink cartridges at Castle Ink, or find the right cartridge by printer model.

How to Unblock an HP Printer

There's no switch that undoes a cartridge block. In practice, "unblocking" means one of: dismissing a warning (Step 3), restoring older firmware where HP allows it (Step 2), or installing cartridges whose chips the current firmware accepts (Step 4). Then turn off automatic updates so it doesn't happen again.

Is HP Being Sued Over This?

HP's cartridge-blocking firmware has drawn lawsuits and regulatory complaints in several countries. For the current status, see HP printer firmware lawsuit: what owners need to know.

The Safest HP Printers for Compatible Ink

• HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e — works with compatible HP 910 cartridges when auto-updates are disabled and HP+ is skipped at setup. View on Amazon.
• HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e — similar behavior; disable auto-updates at setup. View on Amazon.

As an Amazon Associate, Castle Ink earns from qualifying purchases. Tired of the firmware cat-and-mouse game? See the best printers that don't lock you into OEM ink and which printers work best with compatible ink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to turn off HP firmware updates?

It's a trade-off: updates can include security fixes as well as cartridge checks. On a home network behind a router, many owners choose to disable automatic updates and install updates manually only when needed.

Will using compatible ink void my HP warranty?

In the U.S., the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act generally prevents a manufacturer from voiding a warranty just because you used third-party supplies, though damage caused by a faulty cartridge may not be covered.

Why does HP block third-party ink?

HP says its security features protect printers and print quality. Critics point out that ink is a major profit source and that blocking competing cartridges protects those sales.

See exactly how much you'd save with compatible ink using our Printer Ink Cost Calculator.