Printer denies non-HP ink cartridge

[stadelmann]

My HP OfficeJet Pro 9022 printer suddenly stopped accepting my non-HP ink cartridges.

These cartridges have worked without issue for the past three years. I cancelled Instant Ink and disabled HP+ 'smart' cloud features shortly after purchasing the printer. Ink cartridge protection is also disabled.

The cartridges in question are nearly full, and I've checked the electrical contacts. Now, I can't print or even clean the printhead, even when using a genuine HP black ink cartridge.

[Garp_senchau]

@stadelmann,

Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

It sounds like you've already done a few things right by checking the electrical contacts and making sure you're using the correct settings, but there are still a few additional steps you can try to resolve this issue. 

Reset the Printer

• Perform a hard reset by turning off the printer, unplugging it from the power outlet, and waiting for 30 seconds. Then plug it back in and turn it on.
• Factory reset: You can also perform a factory reset through the printer’s settings menu. This will restore default settings but be sure to back up any Wi-Fi credentials and preferences beforehand.

Reinstall the Ink Cartridges

• Remove all the ink cartridges, clean the contacts gently with a lint-free cloth (dampened with water or rubbing alcohol if necessary), and reinstall them one at a time.
• Ensure they are seated properly.
• Sometimes a poor connection can cause errors with the printer recognizing the cartridge.

Check for Firmware Updates

• It’s possible a recent firmware update is causing compatibility issues. You can check for updates from the HP Smart app or the printer's embedded web server.
  • Open a browser and type the printer’s IP address (usually found on the printer display or through the HP Smart app).
  • From the web interface, check for any available firmware updates.
• If the issue arose after a firmware update, you could try rolling back the firmware, though it’s not always possible through the printer’s settings.

Disable Cartridge Protection

• Although you mentioned that cartridge protection is disabled, let’s double-check that it’s properly turned off.
  • On the printer’s display panel, navigate to the Settings or Setup menu.
  • Go to Cartridge Protection or Anti-fraud Protection and ensure it’s fully disabled.

[Garp_senchau]

Print a Diagnostic Page

• Some printers have the ability to print a diagnostic page to check for issues with the ink cartridges.
• If you’re able to print a diagnostic page, this can help identify whether there are any hardware issues with the cartridges or printhead.

Clear the Print Queue

• Check the print queue on your computer to make sure no print jobs are stuck.
  • On Windows: Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers > HP OfficeJet Pro 9022 > See what's printing. Clear any stuck print jobs.

Clean the Printhead

• If the printhead is clogged or dirty, it can prevent ink from flowing properly. The printhead might be part of the cartridge, or it could be separate, depending on your printer model.
  • On the printer’s control panel, navigate to Tools or Maintenance and select the option to Clean Printhead.
  • You can also do this manually by following the printer’s specific cleaning process (refer to the user manual for more details).
  • If your printhead is integrated into the cartridge and is non-removable, you may need to replace the cartridge itself.

Try a Different Set of Cartridges (Genuine or Compatible)

• Test the printer with a new set of genuine HP cartridges if you have them available. If this works, the issue could be with the non-HP ink cartridges.
• Sometimes, printers can block third-party ink after an update or an issue with the chip on the cartridge. A fresh, known-good cartridge can help rule out problems.

You may also refer this guide HP ink cartridge issues

I hope these steps help resolve the issue

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

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Regards,

[stadelmann]

I have since been in contact with HP's customer support and application management. They confirmed that the firmware has been adjusted to block cartridges from other manufacturers. It is not possible to print with cartridges from other manufacturers. In my opinion, this represents a subsequent serious restriction of use and is not compatible with applicable consumer protection law. HP has not responded to my request for compensation. I will examine further steps and contact the consumer protection center. I advise everyone not to buy HP printers, as HP uses rigid methods to exclude competitors and makes it impossible for consumers to use inexpensive cartridges. My lesson: no more HP printers.

[Garp_senchau]

@stadelmann, 

Thank you for sharing your concerns. I understand your frustration, and I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you've experienced 😔. At HP, we are committed to providing high-quality products and supporting our customers' needs.

Regarding the firmware update and the issue, you’ve mentioned with third-party cartridges, we have implemented measures to ensure the performance, reliability, and safety of our printers. Our intention is to protect our customers from potential issues such as damage or poor print quality, which can arise from using non-HP cartridges that may not meet our quality standards.

However, we do appreciate your feedback and take it seriously.

While HP strives to deliver products that meet high standards of both quality and legal requirements, we respect your right to seek the best solution that fits your needs ✅.

Again, we appreciate your feedback and sincerely regret any frustration you have encountered.

Regards,

[stadelmann]

Dear Garp_Senchau,

I am profoundly disappointed and frankly, angry, at HP's response. This 'explanation' does nothing to alleviate my concerns. I feel my freedom of choice as a consumer is being severely limited. For 20 years, I have used third-party cartridges without a single instance of 'damage' or 'poor print quality.' This is a blatant attempt to force customers into purchasing overpriced HP cartridges. Let's be clear: this isn't about protecting customers; it's about maximizing profits. HP's claims of 'performance, reliability, and safety' are simply a smokescreen to justify this anti-consumer practice. I refuse to accept this limitation on my choices and strongly object to HP's monopolistic tactics.

Best regards

J. Stadelmann

[Garp_senchau]

@stadelmann, 

I totally get how frustrating this must be for you! 😤 It really feels like your freedom to choose is being taken away, especially when you’ve had a smooth experience with third-party cartridges for 20 years. 

But I want to assure you that you’re not completely out of options! You can still use third-party cartridges by simply disabling the "cartridge protection" option in your printer settings. It’s a small workaround that lets you continue with the cartridges you trust. 😊

You can do this using the HP Smart app or via the control panel itself.

HP Printers - Dynamic Security enabled printers | HP® Support

I hope this helps ease some of the concerns you’ve raised, but I totally get your frustration with the whole situation.

Take care and have a good day. 

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Regards,

[stadelmann]

Dear Garp_Senchau,

I understand you're trying to be helpful, but unfortunately, disabling "cartridge protection" is not a viable solution in this case. I've personally attempted this, and it did not work.

Furthermore, I've received official confirmation from both an HP service technician and the customer complaint team that disabling this feature to bypass the restrictions on third-party cartridges is simply not an option. They've stated explicitly that the printer's firmware is designed to prevent the usage of third-party cartridges.

I sincerely believe it's time to seriously reconsider whether HP's current practices align with a truly customer-oriented approach.The responses I've received indicate a clear lack of flexibility and customer consideration. Please trust me on this.

[Garp_senchau]

@stadelmann,

I completely understand how disappointing it must be to feel restricted in your choices, especially when it comes to something as essential as printing. 😞

HP’s intention with cartridge protection is to ensure quality, security, and reliability, but I absolutely recognize that this can feel limiting for customers who prefer third-party options. I appreciate you taking the time to not only test potential solutions but also seek official confirmation—your persistence and effort truly show how much this matters to you.

While I may not be able to change HP’s current policies, I want you to know that your feedback is valuable and does not go unheard. We always strive to improve and balance security with customer flexibility, and I sincerely hope that future updates bring more satisfying options. Your concerns are completely valid, and I’m genuinely sorry for any inconvenience this has caused. 💙

If there’s anything else I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask. I truly appreciate your patience and understanding. 😇

Regards,