HP caught sneaking code into printers to reject third-party ink

It was 2016 that HP sent millions of inkjet Pro printer owners a spurious ‘security update’. In truth, it was a ploy which would result in an outpouring of anger close to an erupting volcano.

A virtual ticking time bomb had been installed in HP printer software which would, in time, render their printer useless. Come September 2016, the installed update would instruct the printer to start rejecting third party ink, prompting over 15,000 complaints from HP owners arguing their freedom of choice has been stolen. A story soon to be picked up by news channels such as Sky News & the BBC.

HP soon issued an apology and provided a link where a customer could update their firmware (again), thus removing the block on remanufactured / third party printer cartridges.

Somewhat surprisingly given the backlash experienced in 2016, in 2018 HP decided to revert to their habits again & a recent update request for its printers secretly turns on the anti-feature of checking for and rejecting third-party ink.

The user is presented with a message along the lines of “One or more cartridges appear to be damaged. Remove them and replace with new cartridges.”

Now, some printers use up to 5 inkjets and it may prove almost impossible to one or two without getting this error.

Our research shows that the firmware potentially impacts HP printers in the OfficeJet 6800 series, OfficeJet Pro 6200 series, OfficeJet Pro X 450 series, OfficeJet Pro 8600 series and more. Some remanufactured printer cartridge suppliers, ourselves included, have been able to circumvent this action and continue to provide a viable quality & value for money printer ink cartridge - Illustrating just how important it is to select your supplier carefully.

Blog Author: Simon Cross is the engaging and knowledgeable voice behind the insightful articles on printers and printer consumables at IJT Direct, an ecommerce store renowned for its comprehensive selection of printers, printer consumables, and hardware. View Simons author page to find out more about him.