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.