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Stop HP Dynamic Security from blocking your compatible cartridges
Firmware updates can sometimes cause compatibility issues with third-party ink cartridges or change your HP printer's settings unexpectedly. This step-by-step guide walks you through disabling automatic firmware updates — using either your printer's built-in menu or the HP Smart App — so you stay in full control of when and if your HP printer updates.
What HP firmware updates can do to your printer
HP markets these updates as "security improvements" — and some of that is true. But the same updates also enforce HP's Dynamic Security system, which checks whether the cartridges in your printer are HP-branded.
HP's Dynamic Security checks every cartridge
HP's firmware uses a system called Dynamic Security to read the chip inside every ink or toner cartridge and decide whether it's "genuine HP". After a firmware update, compatible cartridges that worked yesterday can suddenly show a "cartridge problem" or "non-HP chip detected" error.
Updates run automatically by default
Most HP printers ship with auto-update switched on. The printer can update overnight on Wi-Fi without asking you — meaning a working printer can stop accepting your cartridges after a routine update.
You're entitled to use compatibles
Under Australian Consumer Law, using a non-HP cartridge does not void your printer warranty for unrelated faults. Disabling auto-updates simply keeps that choice in your hands.
One-time job, lasting effect. You only need to do this once per printer. After auto-updates are switched off, your printer keeps running on its current firmware indefinitely — and your compatible cartridges keep working.
Choose your printer type
The menus differ slightly between inkjet and laser printers. Pick the type that matches yours.
Disabling firmware updates on an HP Inkjet printer
Two ways to do this — pick whichever is easier. The HP Smart app is the fastest if you've already installed it.
Open HP Smart, tap your printer
Launch the HP Smart app on your phone or tablet. From the home screen, tap your printer's tile.
Tap "Printer Settings"
Scroll down on the printer's home tile and choose Printer Settings, then tap Advanced Settings.
Open Web Services » Product Update
In the side menu of the embedded settings page, choose Web Services (some models call it ePrint).
Switch the toggle to OFF and Apply
Slide Product Update (and Auto-check, if shown) to OFF, then tap Apply. Done.
Stay on this version — don't accept "update now" prompts laterTap Setup (gear icon)
From the printer's home screen, tap the Setup gear icon. On some models it's called Settings.
Choose "Printer Maintenance"
Tap Printer Maintenance (or Tools, depending on the model).
Tap "Update the Printer"
Then choose Printer Update Options from the next screen.
Select "Do Not Check"
Choose Do Not Check (or Off), then confirm. Your printer is now locked to its current firmware.
Print a test page to confirm everything still worksHow to confirm it worked
Reboot the printer once. Go back into the same menu and the auto-update setting should still show Off / Do Not Check. If a future firmware prompt appears on the screen, tap Decline — never Update Now.
Disabling firmware updates on an HP Laser printer
Two ways — the embedded web server (EWS) is fastest for most office printers. If your printer is on a network, you almost always have access to it.
Find the printer's IP address
Print a configuration / network page from the control panel, or check Setup » Reports » Network Summary. You'll see a line like 192.168.1.50.
Type that IP into a web browser
On any computer on the same network, open your browser and enter the printer's IP in the address bar — e.g. http://192.168.1.50
Open Settings » Services » Firmware
In the EWS, click the Settings tab, then in the side menu choose Services (or Firmware Update directly on Enterprise models).
Uncheck "Allow firmware updates" and Apply
Uncheck or set to Disabled. On Enterprise models the option may read Allow Firmware Update Downloads. Click Apply.
If prompted, sign in with admin / admin (or the password printed on the back)Press the Setup button
On the printer's control panel, press the Setup (wrench / gear) button. The small LCD will switch to a menu.
Use arrows to find "Service"
Use the up / down arrow keys to highlight Service, then press OK.
Choose "LaserJet Update"
Press OK on LaserJet Update (sometimes Firmware Update Configuration).
Select "Do Not Update" and press OK
Confirm with OK. The printer will stay on its current firmware until you change this setting back.
Print a test page to confirm everything still worksHow to confirm it worked
Open the EWS again at the same IP — the firmware-update setting should still be Disabled. If a "firmware update available" message appears in HP Smart or on the printer panel, decline it. Don't install through HP Print and Scan Doctor either — it can re-enable updates.
Things customers ask before disabling updates
What if my printer has already updated and stopped accepting compatibles?
You have two options. The first is to install fresh, fully-chipped compatible cartridges — modern compatible chips are updated frequently to keep up with HP firmware changes. The second is to roll back the firmware: HP allows downgrades to certain earlier versions via their support site. Search for your printer model + "firmware downgrade" on the HP Support site.
Once you're on working firmware again, follow the steps above to lock it down.
My HP printer won't let me turn off firmware updates — what's going on?
You almost certainly have an HP+ printer. HP+ is a subscription-style program where you commit to using genuine HP cartridges in exchange for extra warranty time and cloud features — and as part of that agreement, HP locks the firmware-update setting on. You can't disable automatic firmware updates on an HP+ printer without first leaving the HP+ program, which forfeits the bonus warranty.
If you're not in HP+ and the setting still appears greyed out, check whether your printer is enrolled in HP Smart Advance or HP Instant Ink — both of those programs can lock the firmware-update behaviour as well. Once you cancel the subscription, the setting becomes editable again.
Will disabling firmware updates void my HP printer warranty?
No. Disabling automatic firmware updates is a standard setting that HP exposes in their own menus — it's not a hack or workaround, so it can't void the warranty by itself. Under Australian Consumer Law, your warranty also can't be voided simply for using a compatible cartridge in cases where the cartridge isn't the cause of the fault.
Am I missing out on important security patches by doing this?
Realistically, no — for a home or small-office printer behind a normal router, the security risk of running stable firmware is very low. Most HP firmware updates focus on cartridge authentication and cloud-services features, not core security. If a genuinely important security advisory is released for your model, you can always re-enable updates, install just that update, and switch updates back off.
I have multiple HP printers — do I need to do this on each one?
Yes. Firmware update settings live on the printer itself, not on your computer or HP account. The good news: the process is the same on every printer of the same type, and it takes about three minutes per device.
What about HP Smart prompts that pop up after disabling?
HP Smart will sometimes show a banner saying "Firmware update available" even after you've disabled it on the printer. Just tap Later or Dismiss — never Update Now. The setting on the printer is the one that actually controls whether updates install.
Keep your HP printer running on your terms
Now that your HP printer is set to keep working with the cartridges you choose, browse our full range of HP ink cartridges and HP toner cartridges — all backed by our 100% money-back guarantee. We also stock the full range of HP office printers if you're ready for an upgrade, and offer easy HP cartridge recycling when you're done.