How to Solve HP Firmware Updates

HP is against the use of compatible toner cartridges. They are constantly looking for ways to prevent you from using them.

The company claims that they do not cover damages caused by third-party products. That deterrence has not been enough, though. They have again launched a firmware update that prevents the use of non-HP cartridges.

This guide takes you through creative ways to maneuver through the firmware updates.

What’s This Firmware Update?

Firmware update refers to an improvement in the printer’s software. The world of technology is advancing, and there is a constant need to improve. Printer companies regularly update their software to reflect the latest developments. They do so to improve the printer’s functionality and better respond to security threats.

Soms, they can update the system for other reasons unrelated to functionally. The recent updates mainly targeted the use of non-HP cartridges. They want to make it impossible for you to use those other cartridges.

And you might be wondering:

Why Is HP Skeptical About the Use of Third-Party Toner Cartridges?

Supplying toner cartridges is more profitable than selling the printer itself. Printer manufacturers can even lower the cost of printers to attract more sales. Once you buy a printer, they know that you will undoubtedly need a toner cartridge.

But their toner cartridges are more expensive.

After reducing the cost of the printer, they hike the price of the toner cartridge to balance it. Plus they spend more overheads on the production of the printer. Buying their cartridges is thus expensive to consumers.

But here is the deal:

There are third-party cartridge manufacturers whose products are way cheaper. These products are known as compatible toner cartridges. They work the same way as HP products yet are more affordable.

HP knows that consumers buy these third-party products to lower their printing costs. But they do not want that. They want to dominate the supply of printers and that of toner cartridges. They want to enjoy the monopoly.

They have warned customers that they will not cover damages from these products. That has not helped, as consumers know that such products are safe.

And what do they do?

They have now devised ways to force you to use their products. HP has now released software updates targeting the printer’s dynamic security. They make your printer detect original cartridges only.

How Does the Firmware Update Work?

HP has enabled dynamic security on some printers. According to them, these features protect their intellectual property and innovations. This update enhances those dynamic security features.

These features are linked with the chips in the HP toner cartridges. The system will not detect chips used in toner cartridges from third-party manufacturers. HP wanted to preserve the effectiveness of the printer’s dynamic security.

That doesn’t mean that you will never use compatible toner cartridges anymore. There is a way to maneuver.

How to Solve HP Firmware Update

They are four ways to solve this Firmware Update

Solution 1: Using the HP Smart App

1. Download the HP Smart App from the app store and install it on your smartphone
2. Switch on the option for wireless connection on your printer
3. Open the Wi-Fi on your smartphone, search your printer, and connect it
4. Now open the HP Smart App on your phone and locate the ink volume icon
5. Click on Advanced Settings
6. On the drop-down menu, click “Security” and then choose “Administrator Settings.”
7. Look for “Printer Update” and click to uncheck “All Firmware Updates” button. This will turn off the option for automatic updates.

Solution 2: Using the IP Address

1. Connect the printer to a network and
2. Search “Network” on your computer and find the printer’s IP address
3. Copy the IP address and enter it on the browser page on your computer
4. Locate the menu “Settings” and select option “Security.”
5. Look for “Administrator Settings” and click to open it
6. Scroll down and locate the “Printer Update” and click to uncheck it.

This will deactivate the option for automatic updates.

Solution 3: Using the Service Mode of Your Printer

1. Fine the operation panel of your printer and click the “back button” four times. It will open the support menu.
2. Press to open the “on/off” menu
3. Locate the “Firmware Update” and click on the down or up button. Choose to switch off automatic upgrades
4. The screen should display that the firmware update is disabled

Solution 4: Using Setting Pattern of Your Printer

1. Locate the printer “Settings” and click to open the “Printer Maintenance.”
2. Locate the option of “Update Printer.”
3. Click to uncheck the option for checking updates
4. You will find a pop-up page. Click “No,” which switches off push functions for automatic firmware update

Installing a Firmware Downgrade

The above steps prevent your printer from installing the firmware upgrade. Is your printer already running the new firmware? If so, then there is a chance that it can no longer work with compatible toner cartridges. There is a way out, luckily.

Follow these steps to revert it to the original firmware.

1. Connect your printer to the computer using the data cable
2. Deactivate firmware updates using one of the methods above
3. Go to settings, and choose “Manage Updates.”
4. Click “Yes” to “Allow Downgrade”
5. Once you downgrade, you will need to download the old firmware from the HP website.
6. Go to HP.com and look for the software and driver matching your printer.

Downgrading could be impossible sometimes. It depends on your printer model.

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Does Preventing HP Firmware Update Affect My Printing Experience?

Your printer can work perfectly well with the old HP firmware. HP brings these updates to allow them to cut you from using third-party products. It is a way of making you loyal to their expensive products. If you decide to work without these firmware updates, your printer will still work as usual. If your update to the latest updates, you will have to stick to HP products.

How Can I Tell if HP Firmware Has Been Updated on My Printer?

Your printer settings might have been set to automatic updates. Your printer may automatically take up updates as they arise. It can happen when you are connected to Wi-Fi. It can also update itself when you tether your computer to your phone.

You will know it when your printer takes up the new firmware. You might get error messages such as:

• The toner cartridge is missing
• The toner cartridge is damaged
• The toner cartridge is not recognized
• The toner cartridge is no longer working

Such error messages come while using compatible or remanufactured toner cartridges. The alert comes suddenly, even if you have been using these cartridges all along.

You don’t have to panic, as you can revert to the old firmware. You would then be able to keep using compatible and remanufactured cartridges.

Can Compatible Toner Cartridges Damage My Printer?

Compatible toner cartridges cannot damage your printer. They work the same way as original cartridges. All you need to do is do business with reputable suppliers. Those that make quality products offer the chance to print more while spending less.

We know it better when it comes to compatible toner cartridges. We have been in this industry for a long while. You can Neem contact met ons op and enjoy our factory-direct pricing.