Be careful if you have an HP printer! A firmware update could prevent you from using compatible ink cartridges, encouraging you to take only the brand’s models, which are much more expensive…
Although they experienced a resurgence of interest and success during the first confinement of the Covid pandemic, printers are no longer much in the news, with the computer news spotlight being turned towards other types of products and technology for years. However, for the past few weeks, many HP printer users have been complaining on forums and social networks about a particularly annoying malfunction. And the discontent is rising right now on Reddit, Twitter and the forum from the HP community. And for good reason: since a recent update of their firmware – the firmware – some models would purely and simply block the use of compatible ink cartridges from third-party companies, encouraging them to replace them with consumables stamped HP, obviously more expensive.
HP printers: an update that blocks compatible cartridges
According to their testimonies, these users who installed compatible cartridges without any problem until now are thus blocked, unable to print. Likeu/grhhullwho complained about Reddit, their only explanation is a message on the screen of their printer specifying that the banned cartridge does not have an HP chip. It’s unclear when exactly the problem started appearing or which models were affected, but some posts date back to November 2022 and several mention the OfficeJet 6950, OfficeJet Pro 6968, OfficeJet Pro 6970 and OfficeJet 7740. Contacted by Ars Technica And The VergeHP explains that this is a security measure put in place by its Dynamic Security system, simply referring to the support page devoted to this technology. Nice !
One thing is certain: the problem appeared following recent updates of the printer’s firmware, in particular those published in December 2022 and January 2023. In the technical notes that accompany them, HP mentions “dynamic security measures” used to block cartridges using a non-HP chip or modified or non-HP electronic circuitry”, specifying that “Periodic firmware updates will maintain the effectiveness of dynamic security measures and block cartridges that previously worked”. Clearly, this is absolutely not a bug, but new measures intended to prevent the use of non-HP cartridges. And therefore, under the guise of guaranteeing perfect operation, to impose the purchase of HP consumables, which are much more expensive.
Chip ink cartridges: an origin identification technique
You should know that for years, the cartridges are equipped with an electronic circuit to manage their operation but also to identify them. Used by all brands – HP, but also Epson and Canon – this system was strongly criticized when it was introduced on the market, precisely because it prohibited the use of compatible cartridges marketed by third-party companies. A practice that has raised numerous complaints resulting in sanctions in some countries, but which has eased over time, allowing consumers to install and use compatible cartridges much cheaper than the originals. HP has however been called to order on several occasions for this practice, going so far as to bail heavy fines in Europe and the United Statescompensating each plaintiff up to 150 euros.
We do not know why HP is backtracking today with this blockage, and even if the manufacturer – which is seeing its results decline in the printing field as we can see in its financial report… – planned to reconsider his decision. But we can only be indignant in the face of this brutal method, which, under the pretext of a security and quality guarantee measure, is akin to a forced sale and an anti-competitive practice. We can’t say it enough: printer manufacturers make money with consumables, especially on their entry-level models sold at very low prices – which is not the case with OfficeJet, by the way. passing – sometimes almost at a loss.
The laboratories and consumer associations that have studied the subject since the 1990s have repeatedly shown that the prices of printer inks reach staggering levels – several hundred or even several thousand euros per litre! – ensuring comfortable windfalls for builders. One would have thought that the generalization of ink reservoir systems, which are more economical, would mark the end of abuses. But it seems not. This is why, as we advise in our guide to buying inkjet printers, even more than for functions or quality, it is essential to choose a model that accepts compatible cartridges if you do not want break down with use. So let’s hope that HP users show their dissatisfaction so that the manufacturer quickly comes to their senses! Failing that, they know that their happiness is elsewhere…