Firmware updates are typically released to address firmware bugs, crashes, or issues in order to improve printer performance. However, if you use remanufactured or third-party ink cartridges, this is not the case.

Dynamic Security-enabled HP Printers

Since 2016, HP has included dynamic security in their firmware update, designed to limit third-party ink cartridges' use. As per HP, dynamic security-enabled printers are only meant to function with cartridges that have brand-new or repurposed HP chips or electronic circuitry. This feature has been added by them to block non-HP chips, modified, or non-HP electronic circuitry.

How Would I Know if my Printer's Firmware has been Updated?

Printer manufacturers can automatically update your printer's firmware without your knowledge, especially if it is connected to your Wi-Fi or via a cable directly connected to your computer with an internet connection.

The firmware update may impact you if you are receiving error messages like "Cartridge is missing or damaged", "Remove and reinstall ink cartridge", "Cartridge not being recognized," or if your ink cartridges suddenly stop working after initially working flawlessly.

Please note that once your firmware has been updated, your printer will only accept OEM or original ink cartridges unless you remove the dynamic security feature, reset printer to its default settings, or download its older firmware version, which will be discussed later in this how to downgrade hp printer firmware article.

How can I Avoid this Update?

We highly suggest you check and read carefully any message that pops up on your computer or printer screen and not accept it if prompted for a firmware update. It will also be best to disable the auto-update feature in printer settings or remove the dynamic security feature.

How to Remove HP's Dynamic Security?

There is now a firmware update from HP that gives you the option to disable the dynamic security feature. Before you can access and remove it, you must complete the process of installing the most recent firmware. To prevent further problems, we strongly advise you to disable the auto-update feature if you prefer this solution. Only the printers listed below can use the update:

  • This update disables dynamic security for printers made before December 1, 2016, including the HP Officejet Pro 6970, 7740, 8210, 8700, Officejet 6950, PageWide 300, 400, and 500 printers. With this update, dynamic security is still usable on printers made on or after December 1, 2016.
  • This update disables dynamic security for all printers, regardless of the date of manufacture, including HP OfficeJet 6810, 6820, OfficeJet Pro 6230, 6830, 8610, 8620, 8630, 8640, 8660, X451dn/dw, X476dn/dw, X551dw, and X576dw printers.

If you prefer this approach, you can follow the instructions in HP's update the firmware on an HP printer guide to install the most recent firmware while disabling the dynamic security feature. You can reset or downgrade firmware if you don't want to take the chance.

HP Printer Firmware Reset Instructions

Restoring the printer to its factory default settings is the simplest way to turn off cartridge protection. This can be done by pressing the control panel display buttons on the printer.

  1. Click Setup from the control panel display of the printer.
  2. Click Tools under the Setup menu.
  3. On the Tools menu, click Restore Factory Defaults.
  4. Once done, the Restore Factory Defaults window will show a warning message. To continue with Restore Factory Defaults, click Yes.
  5. After selecting Yes, the printer will restart automatically and return to its factory settings.
  6. The "Protected Cartridge" function is no longer available.

NOTE: If you currently have an installed "protected" ink cartridge, you must replace it with a new cartridge and dispose of the old one. Any new HP ink cartridge you install in your printer going forward won't be protected; it can be filled and used again, recycled, and then remanufactured for use by another customer.

HP Printer Firmware Downgrade Download Tips for HP 90x/95x/97x Series Printers

Recently, HP released a firmware update. If you are not yet affected by this, you can refer to the instructions below on disabling future HP firmware upgrades to avoid auto-updates. Otherwise, if you are one of those that are affected by these recent HP firmware changes, then you can refer to our HP printer firmware downgrade download tips below.

NOTE:  There might be some cases that you won't be able to downgrade the new firmware in your printer. Please proceed with caution.

How to Downgrade HP Printer Firmware

  1. Make sure your printer is in good condition. Turn off or disable the "Automatically Update Check" function.
    Update settings on HP Printer
  2. Check if your printer is connected to the computer via USB cable.
  3. Download and run the older version of the firmware installation package on your computer. Find the proper link from the printer model list below. HP 90x Series
    Printer Model Download Link
    HP OfficeJet Pro 6950 All-in-One Printer Download HP 90x Series Firmware
    HP OfficeJet Pro 6954 All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 6960 All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 6962 All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 6970 All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 6975 All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer
    HP 95x Series
    Printer Model Download Link
    HP OfficeJet Pro 8210 All-in-One Printer Download HP 95x Series Firmware
    HP OfficeJet Pro 8216 All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 8218 All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 8715 All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 8718 All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 8725 All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 8728 All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 8730 All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 8740 All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 8745 All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 7720 Wide Format All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 7730 Wide Format All-in-One Printer
    HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format All-in-One Printer
    HP 97x Series
    Printer Model Download Link
    HP Pagewide 352dw Download HP 97x Series Firmware
    HP Pagewide MFP 677dw/dn
    HP Pagewide Pro 452dw/dn
    HP Pagewide Pro MFP 477dw/dn
    HP Pagewide Pro 552dw
    HP Pagewide Pro MFP 577dw/Z
    HP Pagewide Managed P55250dw
    HP Pagewide Managed MFP P57750dw
  4. Open the downloaded firmware downgrade software. Wait for the software to automatically search for your printer.
    Update settings on HP Printer
    Searching for printers
  5. Once your printer is detected, the name will be shown on the software window title bar.
    Printer detected
  6. Check on the printer that you want to downgrade, and click on the 'Update' button to start the process.
    Start printer downgrade process
  7. Please make sure that both the printer and computer power is always on and doesn't get interrupted beyond this point.
    Updating printer firmware progress bar
    Updating printer firmware shown on printer control panel
  8. Once the downgrade process is done, it will show the notification saying the printer has been successfully updated. Click 'OK' to close the notification.
    Printer has been successfully updated notification
  9. Your firmware has been successfully downgraded. You will be able to see the new firmware version like shown below. Click 'Exit' to finish and close the software window box. After this, you should be able to start printing with your compatible cartridge again.
    Printer downgrade process done

Conclusion

Downgrading or disabling the firmware update on your HP printer could solve cartridge issues or troubleshoot printer problems. This is because newer updates may make it impossible to use certain cartridges, but if you go back to an older version, you can use remanufactured cartridges and may be able to fix the problem. It's like reverting to a previous version of an app that works better on your device!

If you're experiencing any issues with your remanufactured HP cartridges orders or have any inquiries, you can contact our customer service at toll-free: 1-833-465-6888 from Monday to Friday, 6am-4pm PT. They can also answer questions about your orders or provide additional information about CompAndSave products.