How Often Should You Update Printer Firmware?

The General Rule for Firmware Updates

Update If:

• The update fixes a bug you're experiencing. Check the release notes.
• It's a security update. Network printers with security flaws can be exploited.
• You're having connectivity issues and the update mentions WiFi/network improvements.
• The manufacturer recommends it before installing new drivers. Sometimes driver updates require firmware updates first.
• You just bought the printer and it's running old firmware. Getting up to date initially is smart.

Don't Update If:

• Your printer is working perfectly and the update is just "general improvements." If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
• Reviews of the update show it causes new problems. Google "[your printer model] firmware [version]" before updating to see if others are complaining.
• You're using third-party ink/toner and the update mentions "cartridge authentication improvements." That's code for "we're blocking cheap ink."
• Your printer is very old and out of support. Late-life firmware updates are rare and risky.

How to Check for and Install Firmware Updates

Method 1: Through the Printer's Control Panel (Network Printers)

1. Press the Settings or Setup button on your printer.
2. Navigate to Printer Maintenance, Tools, or Firmware Update. The exact menu varies by model.
3. Select "Check for Updates" or "Update Firmware."
4. If an update is available, read the description. What does it fix or improve?
5. If you decide to proceed, select "Download and Install" or "Update Now."
6. Wait. Do not turn off the printer or unplug it during the update. This can brick the printer.
7. The printer will restart when done. Print a test page to confirm everything works.

Method 2: Through the Manufacturer's Software (Windows/Mac)

Most printer manufacturers have utility software (HP Smart, Epson Print and Scan, Canon IJ Printer Utility, Brother iPrint&Scan) that can check for and install firmware updates.

1. Open the manufacturer's printer utility software. If you don't have it, download it from the manufacturer's website.
2. Look for a "Printer Settings," "Tools," or "Maintenance" section.
3. Find "Firmware Update" or "Update Printer."
4. Click "Check for Updates." The software will contact the manufacturer's server.
5. If an update is available, review the release notes.
6. Click "Install" or "Update." Make sure the printer is on and connected.
7. Do not turn off the printer or computer during the update.
8. The printer will restart when finished.

Method 3: Manual Download from Manufacturer Website (Advanced)

For older printers or if automatic updates don't work, you can manually download firmware.

1. Go to the manufacturer's support website. (HP, Epson, Canon, Brother, etc.)
2. Enter your printer model number. Look for "Downloads," "Drivers," or "Support."
3. Find the Firmware section. Download the latest firmware file.
4. Read the installation instructions carefully. Some firmware updates are installed via USB, others via the printer's web interface.
5. Follow the instructions exactly. Each manufacturer has a different process.
6. Do not interrupt the update process.

Firmware Update Best Practices

Before You Update:

1. Read the release notes. Know what you're getting. Is it worth the risk?
2. Google the update. Search for "[printer model] firmware [version] problems" to see if others have had issues.
3. Make sure the printer has stable power. Use a surge protector or UPS. A power outage during a firmware update can destroy the printer.
4. Ensure a stable connection. For WiFi printers, use a wired connection if possible for the update. Network interruptions can corrupt the update.
5. Close all other programs. Don't print or scan while updating firmware.

During the Update:

1. Do not turn off the printer. Even if it seems frozen. Give it at least 15-20 minutes.
2. Do not unplug it. Losing power during a firmware update can brick the printer permanently.
3. Do not press buttons or send print jobs. Let the update complete undisturbed.
4. The printer may restart multiple times. This is normal for some updates.

After the Update:

1. Print a test page. Make sure basic printing works.
2. Test all functions. Print, scan, copy, WiFi—make sure nothing broke.
3. Check settings. Some firmware updates reset settings to defaults. You may need to reconfigure WiFi, paper sizes, etc.
4. If something broke, check for a newer update. Sometimes manufacturers quickly release a fix for a bad update.

Automatic vs. Manual Updates

Automatic Updates

Many modern printers can check for and install updates automatically.

Pros:

• Convenient—you don't have to remember
• Ensures you get security patches quickly
• Keeps the printer current with minimal effort

Cons:

• Can install buggy updates before you know they're problematic
• May update at inconvenient times
• Some updates block third-party ink without warning

Recommendation: Turn off automatic updates and check manually every 3-6 months. This gives you control and lets you research updates before installing.

How to Disable Automatic Firmware Updates:

Look in your printer's settings menu (usually under Printer Settings > Firmware Update > Automatic Updates > Off) or in the manufacturer's software preferences.

When Firmware Updates Go Wrong

Common Issues:

• Printer won't turn on after update: May need to be reset or reflashed by a technician.
• WiFi stops working: Reconfigure network settings; they may have been reset.
• Third-party cartridges suddenly don't work: The update blocked them. You may need to buy genuine cartridges or downgrade firmware (difficult).
• New error messages or weird behavior: Check for a newer firmware version that fixes the issue, or contact support.
• Printer seems bricked (won't respond at all): Contact manufacturer support. Some can be recovered with special firmware recovery tools.

Can You Downgrade Firmware?

Usually no, but sometimes yes. Most printers don't officially support firmware downgrades, and manufacturers actively prevent it. However, some tech-savvy users have found ways to downgrade specific models (search YouTube or printer forums for your model).

Risks of downgrading: Can permanently damage the printer, void warranty, and is generally unsupported. Only attempt if you're comfortable with the risk and have found a proven method for your exact model.

Special Considerations

Business/Network Printers

Update more frequently. Network printers are vulnerable to security exploits. Apply security updates promptly, especially if the printer is accessible from the internet.

Using Third-Party Ink or Toner

Be cautious. HP in particular is notorious for firmware updates that block third-party cartridges. Read the release notes carefully and search forums before updating if you rely on third-party consumables.

Older Printers (5+ Years Old)

Updates are rare and usually not necessary. If your old printer is working fine, leave the firmware alone. Updating an old printer rarely provides benefits and can introduce instability.

Just-Released Printers

Initial firmware updates are common and often important. Early production runs sometimes ship with buggy firmware. Updating a brand new printer is usually safe and beneficial.

How Often Should You Check for Updates?

Home Users with Working Printers

Every 6 months. Check for updates twice a year, read the release notes, and only install if there's a clear benefit or security fix.

Business/Network Printers

Monthly or quarterly. Security is more critical for networked printers. Check more often and apply security updates promptly.

If You're Experiencing Problems

Check immediately. Before troubleshooting or calling support, check if a firmware update addresses your issue.

After Buying a New Printer

Check right away. Get the printer up to date out of the box, then settle into a regular check schedule.

The Bottom Line

Don't update just because an update exists. Read the release notes and decide if it's relevant to you.

Do update for security fixes, bug fixes that affect you, or connectivity improvements.

Be cautious if you use third-party ink/toner. Some updates are designed to block non-genuine cartridges.

Never interrupt a firmware update in progress. This can permanently damage the printer.

Check for updates every 6 months for home printers, more often for business/network printers.

If your printer works perfectly, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" is reasonable advice.