HP Envy 6155e "Used or Counterfeit Cartridge Detected" After Refilling: Why It Happens and What You Can Do

Question: I bought a spongeless refill kit for my HP Envy 6155e (order S34795). After printing about 75 pages, the printer suddenly says the cartridge is counterfeit and won't let me print. How do I get past that message?

Answer: 

First, let's name the issue clearly: the message you're seeing is typically worded like "Used or counterfeit cartridge detected" (or very similar wording). That warning is part of HP's cartridge authentication behavior. Even if you started with an original HP cartridge, once it has been refilled and reused, the printer may still classify it as "used" or "not genuine" depending on the cartridge chip status and the printer's current firmware policy.

What likely happened

Most HP Envy "e" models use a cartridge chip plus firmware checks to determine whether a cartridge is "genuine" and whether the printer will continue printing. There are a few common triggers:

• Chip status didn't change:
  Refilling adds ink physically, but it usually does not change the cartridge chip's internal status the way a brand-new cartridge would. The printer may decide the cartridge is "used," and on certain firmware versions it may escalate to refusing to print.

• Delayed validation explains "it worked for a day":
  Your timeline (prints fine initially, then stops later) is common. Some HP printers re-check cartridge status after a restart, after an ink-level polling cycle, or after background maintenance. That's why it can print normally at first and then later decide to block the cartridge.

• Firmware updates or stricter supply policy:
  If the printer firmware updates (automatically, or after connecting to the internet), the rules for cartridge validation can change. Some updates increase how aggressively the printer flags refilled/third-party supplies.

• HP+ / Instant Ink enrollment restrictions (model dependent):
  Some HP "e" printers can be configured in ways that strongly prefer (or require) specific supply types. If the printer is enrolled in certain programs, supply flexibility may be reduced.

What we can and can't help with regarding "bypassing"

You asked how to "bypass" the message. We can't help with defeating or circumventing cartridge authentication, chips, firmware locks, or other technical restrictions. However, we can share practical, legitimate steps that often resolve the situation or help you regain printing without attempting to break protections.

Steps you can try that are legitimate and often effective

1) Do a full power reset (clears some temporary states)

1. Turn the printer on.

2. Disconnect the power cord from the printer (while it's on).

3. Unplug the power cord from the wall.

4. Wait 60 seconds.

5. Plug back into the wall, then into the printer, and power on.

This won't change the cartridge chip, but it can clear temporary error states and handshake glitches.

2) Remove and reseat cartridges and clean the chip contacts

• Remove the cartridges.

• Inspect the copper-colored chip/contact area-look for ink smears, fingerprints, or residue.

• Lightly wipe with a lint-free cloth (slightly dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol if needed), then let it dry fully.

• Reinstall firmly until they click.

Poor electrical contact can make a normal "used" warning turn into a more aggressive "refused to print" behavior.

3) Check printer settings that may block non-HP supplies

On many HP printers there is a setting often called "Cartridge Protection" (or similar) in the printer menu or HP software. If enabled, it can make cartridge reuse more difficult (especially if cartridges were tied to a specific printer/account).

• Look in the printer's Settings / Tools / Supplies menu, and also in the HP printer software on your computer.

• If you find Cartridge Protection, consider turning it off (if it's available on your model).

This isn't a "bypass" technique-it's using the printer's own allowed setting to reduce how tightly supplies are locked to a device.

4) Avoid automatic firmware updates if you rely on refilled cartridges

If the printer is online, firmware updates may happen automatically and may change cartridge acceptance behavior. If your workflow depends on refilling, it's often safer to:

• Disable automatic updates (if the menu/software provides that option), or

• Keep the printer offline except when needed

This won't fix an already-blocked cartridge, but it helps prevent sudden behavior changes later.

5) Use a new, genuine cartridge to recover printing immediately

If you need printing right away and nothing else works, the most reliable path is installing a new genuine HP cartridge. That often clears the "refused" state because the printer sees a clean supply handshake.

If you then reinstall the refilled cartridge afterward, results vary-some firmware versions will still refuse it, but this at least gets you printing again quickly.

Our detailed guide for this exact message

We published a more complete walkthrough here:
HP Printer Error: Used or Counterfeit Cartridge Detected - Ink Sensor Warning - What to Do (https://support.bchtechnologies.com/hc/en-us/articles/200676949)

Error codes

In your case, the "error" is the on-screen warning text (for example "Used or counterfeit cartridge detected"). You didn't mention a numeric error code (like an "E" code). If your printer shows a specific code along with the message, that exact code matters and can narrow down whether it's a contact issue, supply policy issue, or a general supply authentication block.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Because of that, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility: BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it may take a few weeks before we can schedule a drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either an entire printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we understand our rates aren't the most economical, so we strongly recommend self-help through online research first. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage: BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics, and after nine years of making videos it's difficult to remember every single one-YouTube search is usually the fastest approach. Plus, YouTube may suggest helpful videos from other channels that match your exact printer and message.

Thanks again for reaching out and for your order and support. I hope the reset + reseating/cleaning steps and checking Cartridge Protection settings get you printing again quickly.