HP forcing us to us HP cartridges. HP bricks our printers.

[RamblinManGuy]

Very unhappy with HP pushing out firmware that disables third party ink cartridges.  This has happened to me and I'm unable to complete a project because of these shenanigans.  Apple was doing this at one time with their headphones on the iPhones and they wisened up that the class action lawsuits were not worth it.  My printer worked fine for years using third party ink of my choosing, so this is clearly a money grab.  

No way to downgrade the firmware either that I can find.  So, I'll probably have to drive an hour round-trip to print this off at a copy place to finish a project.  Then, I'm still faced with what I'm going to do after this.  Sounds like time to move away from HP.  This is for the OfficeJet Pro 9015.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @RamblinManGuy 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

 It seems like you're experiencing an issue with your printer cartridges. We always recommend using genuine HP ink cartridges.

I see that you have an issue using non-HP ink cartridges on your printer.

 Please refer to the below links for more information related to your issue.

  https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_1692853-70737-16

  https://support.hp.com/hk-en/document/c05308850

  https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_7470520-7449625-16?

If you are using generic or Non HP ink cartridges and the above links do not help. You will have to contact the generic ink cartridge manufacturer to assist you further with it or you will have to use genuine HP ink cartridges to resume printing.

If this solution hit the spot, please come back and click "Accepted Solution" to help others find the answer. And if you'd like to say thanks, select "Yes" on the bottom left of the public post, as that would make our day! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[RamblinManGuy]

While I appreciate the response, I'm giving up on HP.  It is no surprise HP would "recommend" HP ink, but I and many others have zero problems with third party ink until HP purposely blocks them with firmware updates.  It should be up to me as the consumer to decide which brand ink I use in my own printer.   No firmware downgrade or upgrade attempt I've made resolves the issue.

I purchased two new printers from another company yesterday and plan to use them going forward.  I'm selling my used HP printers as I'm tired of being forced to use HP branded ink. 

The third link was not in English.  No idea what it said on that page, FYI. 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @RamblinManGuy 

I understand your concern.

While off-brand ink cartridges may offer initial cost savings, it’s crucial to consider factors such as print quality, reliability, page yield, environmental impact, and potential long-term costs when making your decision. 

For those who prioritize consistent, high-quality prints and worry-free operation, name-brand cartridges often provide the best value. However, if you primarily print draft-quality documents and are willing to accept some potential trade-offs, off-brand options might be worth exploring.

Ultimately, the choice between off-brand and name-brand ink cartridges depends on your specific needs, budget, and priorities. 

By weighing all the factors discussed in this guide, you can make an informed decision that best suits your printing requirements.

For more information on printers, ink, and accessories, visit our printer accessories page and explore our range of printing solutions.

Thanks,

Hawks_Eye

[RamblinManGuy]

Well, that's the point.  HP has removed the option for me as the customer to make a decision by bricking two of our printers and forcing us to use HP ink.  I have had zero problems with third party ink notwithstanding the constant marketing by HP that all hell will break loose if we use third party ink.  Yet, by blocking third party ink, you have forced us into a "monopoly" situation that will likely result in class action lawsuits at some point similar to other companies.   So, unfortunately, I have already purchased two new non-HP printers that accept third party ink. 

No solution offered has resolved this for my printers as upgrading or downgrading the firmware did not work.  I have the latest firmware that blocks the third party ink on both, and neither printer will downgrade back to a working firmware.  

[TheHelper0007]

I completely understand your frustration, and I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. HP’s security features are designed to protect your printer’s integrity and ensure consistent performance. While HP printers verify ink compatibility for optimal functionality, they do not intentionally block third-party cartridges, these security measures only activate if a cartridge is detected as potentially harmful to the system.

I regret that the steps provided didn’t resolve the issue, and I truly appreciate your patience throughout this process. If there's anything else I can assist you with, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you the best and thank you for your time! 😊

[RamblinManGuy]

I realize that I'm being provided the HP standard answer.  I'm not sure I accept the premise that HP does not intentionally block third party cartridges.  You go on to say this active if it is detected as potentially harmful.  It seems the only criteria is if HP detects....a third party cartridge, so you are intentionally blocking them. 

As a customer, I have not asked HP to "protect" me from the dangers of using third party ink.   You don't bother protecting me from other things that could harm the printer, like a power surge.  If it's not plugged into a surge protector, you don't disable the printer.  I guess if HP made surge protectors that we had to buy, then maybe it would.  

This whole thing is a racket. 

[TheHelper0007]

I completely understand your frustration, and I truly appreciate you sharing your concerns. HP’s security features are designed to protect the printer’s integrity and ensure consistent performance. While HP printers verify ink compatibility for optimal functionality, they do not intentionally block third-party cartridges, these security measures activate only if a cartridge is detected as potentially harmful to the system.

I regret that the steps provided didn’t resolve the issue, and I truly appreciate your patience throughout this process. If there’s anything else I can assist you with, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you the best, and thank you for your time!

Regards,