Question:
I have an HP 6950 printer, and after switching from original HP ink to third-party cartridges, the printer locked itself. I tried turning it off and waiting 8 hours, but it still doesn’t work. The printer says "auto" and won’t let me do anything. Do you know how to fix this?
Answer:
The issue you’re describing is a common problem with HP printers, particularly after switching from original HP ink to third-party cartridges. HP firmware updates are designed to enforce the use of genuine HP ink, often blocking third-party alternatives. Here are a few steps you can try to resolve this issue:
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Disable Automatic Firmware Updates: If you can get the printer working again, disable automatic updates to prevent HP’s firmware from blocking third-party cartridges in the future. Although my blog post primarily focuses on Epson printers, the same principles apply to HP models: How to Disable Printer Firmware Updates (https://bchtechnologies.com/blogs/blog/how-to-disable-an-epson-printers-automatic-updates).
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Reset the Printer: Disconnect the printer completely from power and leave it off for at least 15-20 minutes (waiting 8 hours was a great step, so you’re on the right track). Reconnect it, restart the printer, and try using either the original HP cartridges or third-party cartridges known to bypass HP restrictions.
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Downgrade the Firmware: If the printer still doesn’t work, you might need to downgrade the firmware to a previous version that allows third-party ink. Some third-party cartridge suppliers provide instructions for this process, so reach out to your cartridge provider for specific firmware downgrade guidance.
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Check Third-Party Cartridges: Not all third-party cartridges are equal. If the cartridge chip isn’t properly configured, the printer may fail to recognize it. I recommend trying a different cartridge supplier or contacting your current provider for clarification.
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Update the Printer Firmware: If none of the above works and you want to try official firmware updates, visit HP’s website to download the latest firmware for your printer model. Go to the HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads page and search for your printer: HP Printer Firmware Update (https://support.hp.com).
Addressing printer issues can be tricky because they often require hands-on troubleshooting. Unfortunately, we cannot provide remote repair services, but we do offer in-person diagnostics and repairs at our local facility: BCH Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, repairs are on a first-come, first-served basis, and there might be a wait time.
If professional repair isn’t an option, I highly recommend searching for video tutorials or guides on our YouTube channel (BCH Technologies YouTube [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]). Use the search bar on the channel homepage to find relevant videos quickly. YouTube might also suggest helpful content from other creators that addresses similar issues.