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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- Re: Toner error on HP laser jet MFP M281fdw

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04-10-2025 12:25 PM
I'm unemployed and disabled and can't afford the cost of HP toners so I bought a set off eBay. The black worked a few times but now says Indicated cartridge blocked for containing a non HP chip. How can I get around this? The hack I've seen on Reddit doesn't work as I use an Android device and connect to the printer via WiFi. Any help would be appreciated.
Paul
04-11-2025 11:31 AM
@1963Paul, 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
HP doesn't recommend using third-party ink cartridges because they can cause problems with your printer. These cartridges may not work as well as the original HP ones, leading to poor print quality or even damage to your printer. The printer and the ink are designed to work together, so using third-party ink can cause long-term issues, like damaging the printhead or other parts.
If cost is an issue, HP offers affordable options like the Instant Ink program, which helps you save money while still using HP-approved ink.
For reference: HP Printers - Dynamic Security enabled printers | HP® Support
I hope this helps.
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.
If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊
Regards,
Garp_Senchau
I am an HP Employee
04-11-2025 11:35 AM - edited 04-11-2025 11:43 AM
Hi and thanks for your reply.
Yes, I understand that HP does not recommend using third party toners/ink but that is my choice! If I wish to take the risk then I have every right to do so. Put it this way - the law says that you must stick to the speed limit BUT should you not then it is your own risk. What's the difference? Yes, warn people but don't 'brick' their printers!!! You state in the link you supplied:-
Please note that while the use of a non-HP cartridge does not void the HP Limited Warranty or any HP Support contract for the printer, any printer or printhead failure or damage that is attributable to the use of a non-HP cartridge will not be covered by the Limited Warranty or any such support contract.
It does not say that by doing so will 'brick' your printer.
It seems that HP now wants to lose customers because you are no longer giving people the choice. Heinz does not 'disable' can openers just because you use Tesco's own brand baked beans.
AND in case you don't know, there is no Instant Ink program for toners.
Regards
Paul
04-14-2025 06:33 AM
Hey @1963Paul,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, we completely understand where you're coming from. At HP, our goal is always to provide the best possible experience while also being transparent about potential risks when using non-HP supplies.
You're absolutely right that the choice is yours, and we respect that.
That said, for models that support it, you can disable cartridge protection to help ensure continued use of third-party cartridges:
You can do this either via the HP Smart App or the Embedded Web Server (EWS) (via browser):
Please note:
⚠️ Not all printer models support turning off cartridge protection.
We appreciate your feedback and understand your frustration — your voice matters, and we're always working on ways to improve the user experience.
Take care and have a good day.
If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊
Regards,
Garp_Senchau
I am an HP Employee
04-16-2025 06:04 AM - edited 04-16-2025 10:37 AM
Hey @1963Paul
Thank you for your response
Unfortunately, we don't have an option to disable the same.
I seem to have shared the steps for the M4301 printer; however, that doesn't apply to your query or the printer in question.
Take care and have a good day.
If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊
Regards,
Garp_Senchau
I am an HP Employee