How to Fix HP 952 Cartridges Not Being Recognized After Refilling

Question:

A customer explains that after refilling their HP 952 ink cartridges, the printer refuses to accept them. They have already tried common troubleshooting steps such as unplugging the printer and swapping cartridges, but the issue persists. They want to know whether a chip reset tool exists, whether BCH Technologies offers a chip-resetting service, and what the best solution is-especially since they already have refill ink on hand.

Answer:

Here is a detailed explanation of why HP 952 cartridges stop working after refilling, and what options you realistically have.

Why HP 952 Cartridges Won't Reset After Refilling

The HP 952/952XL family uses electronic chips that are not resettable. HP designed these chips to permanently record usage, and they include:

• Ink level locking (cannot be reset by refilling)

• Security protocols (e.g., anti-counterfeit checks)

• Firmware behaviors that detect older cartridge IDs

Because of this, once an original 952 cartridge reports "empty," the printer will not recognize it again-even if it has been refilled perfectly.

Unfortunately:

There is no chip resetter for HP 952 cartridges.

And no third-party provider (including us) can reset them.

HP's chip encryption on the 952 series is one of their strongest and has never been defeated in a way that allows refilled OEM cartridges to be reused reliably.

What About Outside Chip Reset Services?

We do not offer chip-resetting services for HP 952, and no reputable company does.

Services advertising "reset chips" for these models are usually referring to:

• Replacement chips already preset to "full,"

• Or chips made for refillable cartridges, not OEM ones.

The Real Solution: Use Refillable HP 952-Compatible Cartridges

Since you already have refill ink available, the best and most practical path is:

Use third-party refillable cartridges designed for HP 952 printers.

These cartridges come with:

• Pre-attached ARC chips (Auto Reset Chips),

• Instructions on refilling and priming,

• The ability to automatically reset when removed/reinserted.

You can find these refillable 952/952XL cartridges easily through marketplaces such as eBay or Amazon.

This is also why my original recommendation is:

• Purchase a refillable cartridge set online.

• Follow the seller's specific instructions-they usually include proper priming steps and chip-handling guidance.

Once you switch to refillable cartridges, your existing refill ink can be used with no issues.

Important Notes About HP Firmware

Be aware that HP often pushes firmware updates that disable many third-party chips.

If you install refillable cartridges:

Disable automatic firmware updates.

If HP updates the printer, your working chips may suddenly stop being recognized.

Summary of Your Best Path Forward

• OEM HP 952 cartridges cannot be reset.

• BCH does not offer a chip reset service for these cartridges.

• No tool exists to reset the OEM 952 chip.

• The correct and realistic solution is to purchase refillable 952-compatible cartridges with ARC chips.

• You can then keep using your refill ink without issue.

Addressing printer issues is often very hands-on, and because of that we're unable to offer detailed remote troubleshooting or repair guidance. However, we do provide in-person printer evaluation through our diagnostic facility: BCH Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Our service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times can stretch a few weeks due to high demand. We repair complete printers or individual components depending on your needs. At the same time, we recognize that our repair costs may not be the most economical option, so we strongly encourage self-help through online research. You can start by checking our YouTube channel's homepage at BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on the right side of the menu to find videos about your model or ink system. With hundreds of videos created over nine years, the YouTube search tool is the fastest way to locate the exact tutorial you need-often faster than I can remember the specific video myself. YouTube may also recommend related content from other creators that can help you solve the issue.

Thank you again for reaching out, and welcome to BCH Technologies. We're always glad to help however we can.