Do Firmware Updates Intentionally 'Kill' Third-Party Cartridges
Your third-party cartridges stopped working after a firmware update. Is it a conspiracy, a bug, or intentional? Here's what's really happening.
What's Happening
Your printer has been working perfectly with third-party ink cartridges for months or years, saving you a fortune. Then one day, after what seems like a routine firmware update, your printer suddenly refuses to recognize those same cartridges. It displays error messages saying the cartridges are incompatible, non-genuine, or simply won't print at all. You're wondering: did the manufacturer intentionally break compatibility with third-party cartridges to force you to buy their expensive ones? The short answer is yes, this practice exists, and it's been the subject of lawsuits against both HP and Epson.
Quick Checks (Do These First)
- Confirm timing - Did the problem start immediately after a firmware update or Windows update?
- Check for error messages - Look for messages mentioning "non-HP," "non-Epson," or "incompatible cartridge."
- Try removing and reinserting cartridges - Sometimes the issue is a poor contact, not the firmware.
- Search your printer model + "firmware blocks cartridges" - See if others have reported this specific issue.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Fix 1: Disable Automatic Firmware Updates
Prevent future updates from breaking your third-party cartridges.
- Access your printer's control panel or web interface (type printer's IP address in browser)
- Navigate to Settings, Preferences, or Tools
- Find "Firmware Update" or "Automatic Updates" settings
- Change from "Automatic" to "Never" or "Notify Only"
- On HP printers, look for "Web Services" and disable if you don't use HP ePrint
- For Epson printers, disable "Software Update" in the settings menu
- Confirm and save your changes
This prevents future firmware from being installed that might break compatibility, but doesn't fix current issues.
Fix 2: Block Firmware Updates at Router Level (Advanced)
For network printers, you can block update servers entirely.
- Log into your router's admin interface
- Find "Parental Controls," "Access Control," or "Firewall" settings
- Block these domains for HP printers: h30495.www3.hp.com, h20143.www2.hp.com
- Block these domains for Epson: esupport.epson-europe.com, support.epson.net
- Save router settings
- Your printer will no longer be able to download firmware updates
This is more reliable than printer-level settings that might be overridden by Windows Update.
Fix 3: Attempt Firmware Downgrade (Risky)
Some users have successfully downgraded firmware to restore third-party cartridge support.
- Warning: Firmware downgrades can brick your printer if done incorrectly
- Search for your exact printer model + "firmware downgrade" for specific instructions
- Download an older firmware version from the manufacturer's archive or third-party repositories
- Follow downgrade instructions very carefully
- Never turn off the printer during a firmware update or downgrade
- After downgrading, immediately disable automatic updates
Unfortunately, HP and some other manufacturers have made firmware downgrades increasingly difficult or impossible on newer models.
Fix 4: Use Chip Resetters or Modified Chips (Last Resort)
Some third-party vendors now offer chips specifically designed to bypass firmware lockouts.
- Contact your third-party cartridge supplier
- Ask if they have updated chips compatible with the latest firmware
- Some companies release new chip versions specifically to work around manufacturer blocks
- Replace the chips on your existing cartridges if possible
- Consider switching to a different third-party brand that offers firmware-resistant chips
This is an ongoing cat-and-mouse game between manufacturers and third-party suppliers.
If Nothing Worked
If you can't downgrade firmware, can't find compatible third-party cartridges, and don't want to pay for OEM cartridges, you have limited options. Some users have successfully used continuous ink supply systems (CISS) that bypass cartridge chips entirely, though these void warranties and require modification. Others simply accept defeat and switch back to OEM cartridges for that printer. The most drastic option is to buy a different brand of printer—research carefully before purchasing to find manufacturers with better third-party cartridge support records.
When to Call a Pro
If you're managing multiple printers in a business environment and firmware lockouts are causing significant expense, consider consulting with an IT professional or managed print service provider. They may have solutions like enterprise agreements with manufacturers that include ink costs, or access to commercial-grade printers with better third-party support. For home users, this is typically a DIY issue, but if you're uncomfortable with router configuration or firmware manipulation, professional help can prevent you from accidentally making things worse.
Need Professional Help?
If you're in the Tampa Bay area and need hands-on assistance, Geeks in Sneaks provides friendly, on-site tech support in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and Dunedin.
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