HP released a firmware update on March 12, 2016 that rendered non-HP ink cartridges useless for several models of HP Officejet printers; they no longer recognize compatible brand smart chips. Error messages such as the following display to the user:
- “The ink cartridges appear to be missing or damaged”
- “Replace the ink cartridges to resume printing”
- “Cartridge problem”
- “Until cartridges are replaced, make sure the printer is turned on to avoid damage to the printer”
- “One or more cartridges are missing or damaged.”
The printers affected by the firmware upgrade:
| Product series | Compatible Inkjet Cartridges |
| OfficeJet Pro 6230 series | HP 934 and HP 935 |
| OfficeJet 6810/6820 series | HP 934 and HP 935 |
| OfficeJet Pro 6830 series | HP 934 and HP 935 |
| OfficeJet Pro 8610/8620/8630/8640/8660 series | HP 950 and HP 951 |
| OfficeJet Pro X451dn/dw, X476dn/dw, X551dw, X576dw | HP 970 and HP 971 |
There is obviously a chance that other models are affected as well.
As a result, customers began to voice their frustrations on various online forums. On September 28, 2016, HP issued a firmware update that removes this restriction from the affected printers, allowing compatible brand inks to be accepted by the printers again. To get the firmware update, visit HP Customer Support or type in this link – http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c05308850 Select the correct printer and click the download associated with the appropriate operating system. Follow the instructions provided.
This firmware update should eliminate the frustration of having new compatible brand ink cartridges display error messages in the future.
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