Updated 26/07/2018
If your HP printer is giving you an error message such as HP cartridges locked or any other message that mentions something about HP cartridge protection, then it sounds like you have fallen victim to a printer firmware update and you will definitely be having trouble using compatible or remanufactured inks. You may also see a message like ‘ Used or counterfeit ink cartridge detected ’. You may also have an issue with a new ‘HP instant ink’ printer or ink cartridges and you do not wish to use the HP instant ink service.
We understand your frustration, and agree that everyone deserves to choose for themselves whether or not they want to use third party inks in their printer without having their HP cartridges locked to another printer. Don’t worry, I’m about to show you how to fix this issue and remove HP Cartridge Protection so that it can be bypassed…
Here’s what you’ll learn on this page:
- What HP cartridge protection means.
- Why this happens and why HP locked the cartridges.
- How to remove cartridge protection setting and bypass it in 2 easy steps.
- Which printer models and ink cartridges this affects.
- Also We’ll look at if it is possible to bypass HP instant ink.
Why are my HP cartridges locked / What is HP cartridge protection?
HP Cartridge protection or the message, ‘ ink cartridges locked to another printer ‘, is the message that appears on your printer when one of the following things happen:
The ink cartridges that you are trying to use are not original HP ink cartridges and….
- Your printer has the cartridge protection setting enabled
- The chip on the cartridges you are trying to use were made from empty original HP ink cartridges that have been used in a previous printer with the cartridge protection setting enabled. This in turn locks those cartridges to the last printer it had been used in rendering them unusable in your printer.
- You have purchased a HP instant ink printer and don’t intent to or no longer want to use the instant ink service but the printer or cartridges are locked.
Why does this happen?
With new printer models that are continuously connected to the internet, software and firmware (permanent software that is built into hardware devices) updates are routinely installed. These updates can change the way your printer operates or as in this case add new features.
If you see the message HP cartridges locked and you are experiencing this issue then it’s very likely that you have recently had a printer update to enable cartridge protection or you have a brand new printer with this feature already built in.
The printer can also be locked if purchased a new printer that can be used on the instant ink service and the screen prompt asked you if you would like to use the service and you clicked yes. This would mean that the printer is locked to instant ink services and any installed from that point would also be locked to the printer.
Why did HP introduce this?
Whilst HP cares about their customers and your satisfaction, they also above all else are a business and need to protect themselves. One of the largest issues that HP have as a business that costs them millions of pounds if not billions over the years is the problem with counterfeit or fake inks being produced and sold across the market.
Counterfeit cartridges, not to be confused with third party or compatible cartridges are completely fake copies of the original HP cartridges and are being sold as though they are the original HP cartridges. This is why HP introduced the update. To protect you as their customer and themselves as a business from counterfeit cartridges.
Also HP now provides a service called ‘instant ink’ where you pay a monthly fee instead of buying ink one cartridge at a time when you run out and this enables them to make sure you are purchasing genuine HP cartridges.
Unfortunately, this does also stop the use of compatible or remanufactured cartridges, however we are legally entitled to use a compatible or remanufactured cartridge if we choose to so there is a way of switching of cartridge protection and prevent the HP cartridges locked message from appearing.
How to remove cartridge protection in 2 easy steps
To remove, disable or bypass the cartridge protection setting on your HP printer you will need to use either the settings on the printer control panel (for printers not connected to the internet) or you will need the printers i.p address for printers that are connected to the internet.
- For non-internet connected printers – Find the devices and printers section in your control panel, then select your hp printer. Find the cartridge protection tab in the HP toolbox and click the disable cartridge protection option & save.
- For internet connected printers – Go to your printer and in the settings menu find your printers i.p address. Note this down and type it into a browser search bar which will take you to your printer configuration page. Click settings and disable cartridge protection.
Please note that when your printer updates again, this setting could be auto enabled again so you can prevent updates by switching them off in the web services section.
This should resolve your issue and any new cartridges that you install won’t be protected however if you do install a compatible or remanufactured cartridge that has been previously protected by another printer, this will not work and you’ll need to get a replacement from your supplier.
Unfortunately, if a cartridge has been previously locked to someone else’s printer then you won’t be able to use them in your printer as the lock cannot be removed from a cartridge. You’ll need to contact you ink supplier and get a replacement sent to you.
How to bypass HP instant ink
If you have purchased a HP instant ink printer and previously used ink cartridges provided by HP during the instant ink service, or maybe even accidentally clicked yes when the screen prompt asked if you’d like to set up instant ink (and really you didn’t want to) then here are some things that you can try to use HP instant inks and printers after cancelling.
- If your printer was previously used as an instant ink printer and you want to reset it then you will need to use the menu on the printer to go and reset the printer to it’s default settings (warning: you will lose all your previous settings and will need to set the printer up again, so be sure you want to go ahead before doing so). After this has been done, and the printer is started up again, make sure that you select ‘No’ when prompted to use the instant ink service.
- Follow the instructions earlier in this article to make sure that cartridge protection is disabled.
- Change the following setting. On the printer screen go to ‘Setup’ (cog icon) > Preferences > and set ‘Store anonymous usage information’ to off or no (this may also be called ‘data storage’).
- Install the ink cartridges.
The reason this setting is there is so that HP can track the usage of the cartridges such as when they were installed, what they are (genuine HP or compatible), number of pages printed, when they were last used, print mode used and any errors.
This should then stop HP checking the cartridges for HP instant ink compatibility but the downside is that it may stop the information correctly showing you how much ink is left in the cartridges. However, the cartridges should now work again. Please bear in mind that this may not work for everyone but if you’re at the end of your tether, it could help you out!
Which inks & printer models does cartridge protection affect?
The printers that seem to be affected by the HP cartridge protection setting are the HP Deskjet models, HP Envy, models, HP Officejet, HP Officejet Pro and HP OfficeJet Pro X models of printers listed below.
| Printer Range | Models |
| Envy 4500 range | HP Envy 4500, 4502, 4503, 4504, 4507, 4508 |
| Envy 5500 range | HP Envy 5530, 5532, 5534, 5535, 5536, 5540, 5542, 5543, 5544, 5546 |
| Envy 5600 range | HP Envy 5640, 5642, 5646 |
| Envy 7600 range | HP Envy 7640, 7644 |
| HP Deskjet 1000 range | HP Deskjet 1000, 1010, 1050, 1510, 1512, 1514, 1517 |
| HP Deskjet 2000 range | HP Deskjet 2050, 2054, 2510,2540, 2542, 2443, 2544, 2545, 2547 |
| HP Deskjet 3000 range | HP Deskjet 3000, 3050, 3052, 3054, 3057 |
| HP Deskjet F range | HP Deskjet F2410, F2418, F2423, F2430, F2476, F2483, F2488, F2492, F2493, F4583 |
| HP Officejet | HP Officejet 2610, 2620, 4630, 4632, 4634, 4636 |
| HP Officejet Pro | HP Officejet Pro all models |
| HP Officejet Pro X | HP Officejet Pro X all models |
So there you have it. Hopefully this will have helped with your frustrations and stop the HP cartridges locked meesage. Please comment below if you need further help or have any other points we may have missed. We’d love to hear from you!
About Stuart DeavallStu is the Digital Marketing Manager at TonerGiant.co.uk and is a big fan of gadgets, technology, and being creative!
Where do I find my printer’s IP address?
Hi Brett, to find your printers i.p address, on your computer go to the control panel and navigate to devices and printers, then manage printers. Find your printer in the list and right click and click properties. Click the ports tab in the dialogue box that appears and find your printer in the list (should be ticked). The first column will have the printers i.p address. If you need any more help please get in touch! Stu.
Hi, I have Deskjet 1050A J410, the cartridge it originaly has 122. I bought 61 from USA and now dicovered they have regions for cartridges ?? What can i do to make the 61 work ,
Regards
There isn’t a great deal you can do unfortunately. Region encoded cartridges won’t work in a printer from another region. Sometimes the region of the printer can be changed when it’s first set up but there’s no way to guarantee that will work.
Hi Stuart, I have done all that you said above (found i.p. address, gone onto disable cartridge protection which was already disabled) but printer insists I need to change 3rd party cartridges which were fine, even if I try to put back the old ones I have just removed!Is there nothing at all that I can do?
Hi Karen,
this is a different problem to the cartridge protection issue which would normally give the ‘cartridges locked to another printer’ message. Try the points on my other page, Printer not recognising compatible cartridges, if the tips on that page don’t work, it’s likely the software on the chips of the cartridges are too out of date and the cartridges will need to be replaced.
Stu
HOpe this thread is still active.
I installed a color cartridge from Cartridge World for my HP F4236, and it will print blue on a test page, but now it won’t print black text, and only hyperlink blue text. What’s going on?
I tried the remedies above, but the disable cartridge protection was not visible in any menu, yet I am the Admin for this computer. Do I need to try new cartridges?
Hi there, if you are managing to print with your inks (but in the wrong colours / missing black), I suspect the problem isn’t the cartridge protection issue but a fault with the ink cartridge. All you can do really is contact where it was bought from and try to get a replacement. If that doesn’t work then it could be a print head issue.
HP is really getting sneaky. When I go to my printer IP to disable cartridge protection, a warning page that leaving HP and into a bad website. I clicked anyway, guess what, I was taken directly to the page that had my printer cartridge information.
I refilled an original HP302B cartridge but it would not print. Resting the printhead on a damp tissue did not help. I punctured the tape I had placed on the top of the cartridge over one of the holes and blew into it. This expressed ink on to the tissue against the printhead and afterwards it printed properly.
Unfortunately my printer has suddenly stopped due to this underhand scam from HP. But following your instructions I find there are only three tabs on the printer configuration page and no option to disable cartridge protection. I suspect I am out of luck, would rather scrap the printer than give in to this Corporate blackmail.
Hi Bob, thanks for your comment. If you can let me know your printer model, I’ll do my best to find out if we can switch cartridge protection off. The option may just be hidden. Thanks, Stu.
I’ve the same problem. HP DJ 3050
On printer configuration page I’ve only:
» Scan
» Network
» Tools
This could be something to do with administrator privileges on the printer or PC that has stripped some of the other options out. Try the following instructions to make sure you are connected to the router correctly https://www.wikihow.com/Connect-the-HP-Deskjet-3050-to-a-Wireless-Router
Thank you for you quick answer. I was installing HP 3 times. Every time the same result. I’m sure that I’m connected to the router correctly.
Hi Andrzej, if this is happening with original HP cartridges, I would suggest contacting HP support. Original cartridges shouldn’t be locked to another printer to start with so there’s a fundamental issue with what you’ve been supplied with and they should replace them for you or even replace your printer. Thanks, Stu.
I would like to use refill one and before that I need to deactivated cartridge protrection but I cannot.
It may also be possible to do this through your computer rather than on the web. If you’re using a PC then navigate to control panel, printers and devices, find your printer and properties. You’re looking for the HP toolbox tab (may be in advanced settings) and the disable cartridge protection option should also be found there, un-tick and save settings.
I too have desk jet 1050. there is no way I can use your method, there is no toolbox I have spent hours and days trying to figure it out. I am very old woman struggling with this, like Bob I would rather ditch the printer than give in to HP blackmail
Hi,
I guess that this will not fix the anoying “Used or counterfeit” message which is always popping up when I am trying to print. I am using legit cartridges but black ink only. I do not want to use color ink. I am so anoyed by Hp that I will never, ever buy an HP product again. And I am about to throw that new printer directly in the garbage (not without giving it a good beating with my baseball bat) and just buy a different brand. What a waste of time and money.
Hi Frank, unfortunately not. I think the reason for the message is that the cartridges may have been previously locked to another printer (if they are recycled versions). If they are actually original HP inks, they should not be displaying this message at all. I’d call HP and see what they say if that is the case. Thanks, Stu
I have 4520 all,in one will this have protection on iPad. How would I fix so I cant print
Hi Jeanette, I’ve never tried to access the settings of a printer on an ipad but it should technically be possible with any device if you access via a browser using the printer i.p address. If you follow the instructions above it should work for you.
I am having this issue with a very old printer that has, nonetheless, always worked with true HP color ink. It’s an HP Photosmart C3180 All-in-One. The issue came about when I bought a re-manufactured color ink cartridge from another supplier. When I go to print anything now, I can get error message (using Dell XPS 13) and the HP Support Center just tells me there is a cartridge problem. Unfortunately, I am not finding anything that allows me to disable cartridge protection. Any thoughts?
Hi Lauren, thanks for your comment. I don’t believe that cartridges protection software was implemented on some of the older printer models which is why you can’t find the cartridge protection setting to disable it. I’ve had a look around to see if I can find anyone else experiencing a similar issue and there is one small piece of advice that has worked for a few other people which is to clean the the connections on the cartridge and in the printer (where the two connect) with a damp earbud (q-tip). Make sure the earbud is not wet through but just very slightly damp so not to damage the printer. Give the connections a good clean and see how you get on. If that doesn’t work then it does sound like the software of the printer is preventing the re-manufactured ink from working and is technically faulty. You should be able to get a refund if that’s the case! This article explains and may also help: Printer not recognising cartridges Let us know how you get on! Thanks, Stu.
I am having this issue with compatible cartridges in my Deskjet 5940, can’t find a “switch cartridge protection off” tab either, any help appreciated, only one ink light blinking which would appear to be the black (aaaaagh)
Hi Toni, I’ve hunted around for a fix and it seems that this is a common error which also occurs with original ink cartridges. Here’s a link to the HP Forum with a few suggestions to try and fix the issue
I’m having the same problem… kind of. A remanufactured (generic) cartridge worked until empty. When another generic was added, the printer (OJ-8600) refused it. I disabled cartridge protection from the preferences menu but it still says there’s an error. No new cartridges can be installed. Generic and real HP cartridges are both being declined. The old empty cartridge, however, is accepted and clears the error. I’m stumped.
Hi Juanita, I can probably explain the reason the remanufactured cartridge isn’t working but it seems strange that the original isn’t. The cartridge Protection setting actually locks the ink cartridge and encodes it only to one printer, therefore if someone tries to use it in another printer, it’s locked to the first printer it was used in and won’t work. Therefore when recycled, the reman then can’t be used in another printer. Technically that could happen with the original as well but it would suggest that it has been locked to another printer somewhere else. I suppose it could be that some error with the software thinks that your printer wasn’t the original printer the ink was locked to. I’d contact HP and ask for their support
That makes sense and yet – yeah. Thank you, Stuart. I’ll talk with HP 🙂
hello! I cannot enter my IP address to try to uncheck the cartridge protection (chrome: This site can’t be reached).https://192.168.1.25/
I have a cp1025nw. I am trying to use an alternative compatible cartridge. I dont know what to do. thanks!
Hi there, could it be that your printer is installed on a network? If so then you would need to use the server pc to log in to the i.p address and change the setting. Alternatively if you can log on to the server PC from your PC you may be able to do it that way through the printer settings. Stu
I got HP envy 4500 model. I bought from UK where ink model number is 301. Recently, I have moved to my country where only ink 61 is compatible with my model. I bought 61 ink but when I insert the cartridge in the display of printer shows the cartridge is incompatible. Please suggest me.
Thanks
Apu
Hi Apu, if you bought your printer in the UK it will still be regionally encoded to the UK and will still take 301 inks not 61 inks. There may be a way to change the encoding but you would need to contact HP support for their help. Stu
Hello sir good day why my printer Hp deskjet 2130 printing blank and the ink i install the 123 is not compatible what should i do thank you so much
Hi Rose, did you buy your printer in the UK as the UK version takes the HP 302 ink cartridge so you may have the incorrect ink.
Hi Stuart,
My HP Deskjet F4500 has been fine with non-HP but compatible b/w cartridges and I stopped using colour. I recently replaced the b/w cartridge and then found I also still had an original HP colour cartridge so installed both. They worked fine together for a few pages and then the Error light came on for the b/w cartridge and I cannot get the printer to work anymore. I used the i.p. address but cannot find any cartridge protection tab for this printer. Any suggestions?
Hi Sophie, it sounds like you may have the common ‘ check cartridge’ error that affects a range of HP Deskjet printers including the F4500. There are a few ways to clear the problem if you haven’t already tried them, you can find a full list here but they include: Resetting the printer so the new cartridge is recognised properly, Wiping the metal contacts on the cartridge and inside the printer,and swapping old and new cartridges over to reset the printer. If you still have problems after that it could be an ink cartridge fault I’m afraid.
Hi
I’ve been battling for a while with the “non HP / compatible ” injet refills – spent an hour ( frustrating ) on phone arguing with HP – What there doing is simply illegal..
Is there anyway I can get my HP Deskjet 2540 to work with non HP manufactured cartridges?
Hi, the only thing that you can do is try some of the tips on our blog – Printer not recognising compatible cartridges
I found this whilst searching for compatible cartridges and HP’s instant ink. Having just purchased an Envy 5640 I followed your instruction to access the web interface, the setting HP Cartridge Protection was already set to disabled.
I have always used original cartridges, past experience of compatibles has been either poor quality print, cartridge never appears to print the number of pages specified, content of the cartridge never displays/updates, or the print head continually needs cleaning or worst still the print head just dies.
I don’t doubt that ‘some’ compatible cartridges do work and work well, but there are some that do not. You could say that printer manufacturers are selling printers cheaper just to get you to purchase their cartridges, that may be true, but if it extends the life of the printer surely that’s a better option.
I used to do IT support for a school, they replaced their laser printer, they purchased an Enterprise HP, and they started using compatible toners….6 months later it’s been sidelined because they were constantly buying toner, or the toner would ‘leak’, or the toner cartridge simply would not work….why did they use compatibles, they were nearly £100 cheaper!!
So in my opinion compatibles are not always the way to go unless you can find something that works the same as an original.
Sorry that was a soap box mode 🙂
Hi Geoff, thanks for your comment. You’re spot on, it really can be a risk depending on where you buy your compatibles. No one wants the printer to be sidelined after such a short space of time. So my advice is if you do really want to risk buying compatibles because of the saving, then make sure they are from a reputable supplier who offers a guarantee that also protects the printer from any damage.
Shameless plug here, but that’s what we offer. I’ve been working at the company over 10 years and a printer has had issues using our compatibles only once, so we replaced the printer.
On a side note, I agree that a compatible will never equal the quality of an original due to patents and due to it having recycled parts but you can get very close.
Stu
Hi Stu,
Thanks for the reply, that was no shameless plug, I did notice your guarantee when searching on your sight for cartridges for the Envy 5640 very commendable….Oh BTW there’s a typo on that page 🙂
Going back to compatibles, most will not display the approx. ink left either on the printer software or the printer itself, do yours? or is that something that is not possible.
Thanks for pointing out the typo! 🙂 We manufacture ours in the UK and test the chips before we ship, however some brands of printers are extremely difficult and sometimes firmware updates cause them to not work correctly. Our failure rate is around 1.5% so pretty good but I can’t absolutely say that the printer will always read the volumes perfectly but they should.
Will disabling this feature let my hp printer use the cartridges I have from the instant ink program, even if I cancelled it? It seems like such a waste to throw them out, but as if niw, I can not use them.
Hi Debbie,
no you shouldn’t have any issues at all with the inks you have left from the instant ink program. Disabling the feature just means that any new cartridges you insert just don’t lock to your printer.
Thanks,
Stu
Did u have luck at using ur instant ink cartridges after cancelling ?
Thank you for this information. I was able to resolve this issue and disable this function. Very, very helpful.
Hi thanks for this advice. Unfortunately I cant find the cartridge protection option in the settings for my HP C4180. Could it be hidden?
Hi Richard, the older printers such as Photosmart models don’t have cartridge protection options, it tends to be newer models such as deskjet and Officejet models.
I have an HP2180 and cannot find where to disable this irritating problem. Can you advise how I find it please?
Hi there, this issue shouldn’t affect HP DeskJet printers including the 2180 model. If you#re having trouble with compatible inks, it’s most likely for another reason. Have a look at the following article which may help: Printer not recognising compatible inks
I have followed your instructions for HP Officejet Pro 276dw and disabled Cartridge Protection, it was disabled already though, but I went through the motions. I had opened the front door and released all the cartridges so that there were none actually fitted. Then pressed OK. It still thinks that there is no Yellow cartridge. There is one and it has some ink sloshing around inside it. Any further ideas?
Best bet is to have a look at this page. A coupe of suggestions as to why the toner is not being read correctly: https://www.tonergiant.co.uk/blog/2014/07/printer-not-recognising-compatible-cartridges/
I have a HP ENVY 5643. Can not find the disable feature for “protected Cartridge Installed”. I bought what I thought to be genuine HP 62XL cartridges. The black works OK but the color cartridge locks up the printer. HP customer service offered to fix if I bought service contract. I’m not spending another $ on HP products or services unless a solution to this issue is found. HP caused the problem, they should fix it. Can you help me please?
Thanks,
Larry
Hi Larry, it’s likely that if you have some remanufactured inks installed, they have been previously locked to someone else’s printer (most likely the colour ink). The only thing that you can really do is return them to the place you purchased them for a refund.
Hi, thank you for your helpful article. However can you help me with a couple of things. I can’t find my hp toolbox, I click on the printer icon and get hp assistant and there’s no settings option.
Then I have a wifi enabled deskjet 3050a j611 but am not using the wifi option, just the USB route. Which should I use?
Is it possible to do more screen shots of the steps and am not able to follow.
Thanks!
Hi Barbara, here are the steps that you need to follow to get to the toolbox on a PC:
Hi is there any way to fool hp 3700 printer to use same cartridge by refilling it again and again
Hi Tushar, there’s no way to fool the printer without resetting the microchip on the toner. There are companies out there that will refill toner cartridges and reset the chip for you but I wouldn’t advise it because of the potential problems caused.
I had a HP Officejet 6500A Plus and had only problems with it, until one day I got the message General Failure 8bd9e.msi. That is a death sentence for HP printer and can happen in a month or in couple of years. It works as a scanner but not as a printer anymore. Lets go to the Ink Cartridge Issue. Most of HP ink cartridges, without printing heads, cost almost as the printer itself. This is legal, because a provider can charge as much as he wants unless customer is adequately informed. Before making a decision to buy a printer, do the homework regarding the cost of the Ink Cartridges. The Illegal part of HP starts at the point where dictates to buy their products, denying you the right to choose. From the moment I paid in full, the printer is mine, and HP has no right to tell me what to do with the printer. I do not relay to HP customer services, and warranty. And do not be stupid to sign for a HP instant Ink replacement service, because if you change your mind, they bait you hard, and legally they are right because you are hucked up to HP, with a contract.
Because government isn’t able to stop the monopoly of HP, it sounds to me more like the “Wise Mafia”.
What I did with my HP Officejet 6500 Plus.
I bought the second set of genuine cartridges, and a good Ink Refill Kit. I kept one in use and the other in refill. Looks like HP remember the serial number of cartridge in use, but installing the other cartridge it worked. I never had a problem with the printing head assembly but, once per year, with the printer on, removed all ink cartridges, removed the printing head assembly, rinsed with lukewarm water both sides until no trace of ink appeared, rinsed with distilled water, dried out and reinstalled to the printer.
And the last, it is much better to buy a brand new printing head assembly for $60, in a couple of years, than buying over and over again the ink kit for $66.
So it looks then like hp have seen apples forced obscelecence program and thought yes pls we`ll have some of that the fact that its a .msi file means its software related main service interface kill that the printer dies. a bit like pp3bus g3 hot on mac books kill that it dies no g3 hot = no power on
I have a printer hp deskjet ink advantage 1115 the problem is this,, when i bought a new cartridge (not original) when i insert this the printer messaging “hp cartridge protected” how many times i chossed the “cartridge dissable protected.. an still protected… i hit this kind of printer its sucks
Hi Larry, the reason for the issue you’re having is because the compatible cartridges that you are trying to use have been locked to someone else’s printer (when they were originals), then they were remanufactured and not they can’t be used in your printer. You would need to get the company you bought them from to replace them. Stu
I appreciate and very thankful your for this kind of information about HP-printer.
Hi,i have a question about hp 2131 all in one printer…can I use hp 680 ink in this printer?
Hi, the HP Deskjet 2131 printer takes HP 63 and HP 63XL ink only.
Help!!! I’ve tried the IP fix and it still keeps saying about the stupid HP Instant ink (these are HP own cartridges). am I doing something wrong? having little patience this thing is going out of the window very shortly.
Hi Dave, sounds like you’re having a nightmare! I’ll try to help, what’s the exact message you get and are you currently subscribed to instant ink?
If you could also let me know your printer model that would be great.
Stu
Any update on this issue?
I’ve tried those “2 easy steps” and didn’t do a damn thing.
Pretty frustrating when you buy “remanufactured catridges” in this day of trying to be “environmentally friendly” and trying to “recycle” everything you possibly can, but HP pulls this BS proving they obviously care more about their corporate dollar than recycling for a better environment. I’m on the verge of getting rid of my HP laptop, HP 8600 Printer & everything HP I own like the rest of these frustrated lifelong HP consumers. 100% BS!
Hi Eric, you make a very valid point, it’s massively frustrating and actually against the law to prevent customers from making their own choice about which cartridges they use however on the other side of the coin, and I’m not trying to defend them but they are a business and they don’t make any money selling printers, they make money selling cartridges so if you don’t buy HP, they don’t make money so it’s in their interest to convince customers to buy HP ink. What they should do is sell their own remanufactured cartridges if you ask me!
With regards to your issue, how far did you get? Did you find the option to disable cartridge protection. If you did, it may be that the remans are already locked to another printer.
thanks
Stu
Hi! Thanks so much for this info. I have an HP Deskjet 1010. I disabled the cartridge protection option but it still isn’t working. Any suggestions?
If you are using a remanufactured cartridge that was previously locked to another printer other than yours (before it became a reman) there won’t be a way around that. you would need to get them replaced by your supplier.
Hi
Thanks for the article. Mine is an hp photosmart b110 printer and I can’t find any tabs that allow you to disable any function of the cartridge. Any help?
Hi there, photosmart printers don’t have the cartridge protection setting so it seems like the issue you are experiencing won’t be due to that.
Hi there
I bought a HP Envy 4527 online it came without the starter ink cartridges, is there a way I can buy new ones or bypass the need for them and go straight to using cartridges? what use is this feature, seems to be a real hassle.
If you’ve bought a instant ink printer you should still be able to buy your own cartridges instead of the subscription.
Found IP address for up officejet 4500 but no settings tab just information and networking, any suggestions on how to enable non hp cartridge if. 901. It likes the non hp colour cartridge but not the black
Hi Paul, if it allows one cartridge but not the other, it’s likely that the setting is now off. However if the black in was previously locked to someone else’s printer, unfortunately it will never be able to work in your printer so would need replacing by who you bought them off.
Hi
I deactivated the instant ink, sent out the original cartridges and bought new ones. First, I kept getting the error notification but was able to continue printing. Once my cartridges were low, I refilled them at Costco and now they are blocked. I tried deactivating them online with the steps shown here and it still shows as blocked. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Chris, I’m not sure what exactly would cause them to not work. When you used them as originals is it possible they were locked to your printer (instant ink settings were on) and when they were refilled were the chips reset?
If so it’s possible the printer detects that and it will definitely make it difficult for you to reuse them.
I don’t see a way around that unfortunately. I’m sorry I couldn’t be much help. Stu
I’m getting an error message on my hp1025nw, says that a non hp ink cartridge is installed. I tried both of the tips you gave above, but nothing works.
I got a new computer at Christmas and this is the only computer that will not print to my printer. I can print from my phone and other computers in the house… any advice?
I would initially try to install the most up to date printer drivers on your new PC, you can find them here: https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-laserjet-pro-cp1025-color-printer-series/4052955/model/4052971/drivers
I have an HP Envy 5646 (more’s the pity!) which however I have to live with. I have been using the same make compatibles for about 3 years now and all of a sudden, mid cartridge, the printer has stopped working, with an error message saying re-install the cartridges. I’ve done this several times but cannot get it printing again. I know there is still ink in them as it will print out printer reports very well, no fading or anything untoward. Any ideas pleas?
This sort of behavior is usually because of a printer auto update in the background (assuming your printer is connected to the wifi or internet) and it’s likely the data on the ink cartridge chips is now out of date. This is normally how HP stop compatibles from working in their printers. The only thing you can do is get your supplier to replace them unfortunately.
Dear Stuart, I am looking to buy a new printer and would like to avoid the ink problems I have read in the blog. What would you suggest is the best way to go about it? I have an internet connection but I am happy to do all of my printing offline. I would prefer not to be tied into a contract for ink preferring “pay as you go” after the purchase of the printer. Your advice would be most welcome.
Hi Diane, thanks for your comment. The ink problems on this page are with regards to HP printers so if you want to avoid the issues it may be worth buying a different brand? The best thing to do so we can help is to let us know which features you’d like on a printer (like fax, wifi, scan, copy etc…) and we can go and have a look at what’s available and might suit your needs. We can help over the phone as well if you like and you can get in touch with us on 0845 365 3605.
I have a Envy 4520 all in one printer and the color non-hp replacement cartridge works fine but not the black one. It says, “damaged…” Tried the way you described (internet connected) but problem persists. Any suggestion?
I’ve never actually seen the ‘damaged’ message before and can’t seem to find any information on it. It’s possible the cartridge is actually faulty.
“Cartridges listed above are damaged or failed. Remove them or buy new cartridges.” This is the message that I see on my screen. Any suggestions?
Ah, well it’s as it says, the cartridges will be faulty.
Hi, I have 4520 all in one. HP instant ink locked my cartdridges after I complained about Not receiving ink in 6 months. They mailed cartridges but did not say they were going to charge my account. I called & had my account (instant ink) closed & they locked my brand new cartridges. If I follow your instructions to disconnect my printer from their grasp, will I be able to use the cartridges that I have?
Hi Susan,
that sounds like a bit of an annoying experience you’ve had. Unfortunately, once cartridges are locked, they can’t be unlocked. I’m really sorry to give you news you didn’t want!
Stu
Hello ,
I have Hp 3630 printer which uses hp 302 cartridge but it isn’t easily available in my area . Can I replace with any other hp ink (Hp 685) ?
Regards,
Shr
Hi there, unfortunately not. Each printer takes a specific range of cartridges and others cannot be used in the printer. HP 302 are the only ones compatible with the Deskjet 3630 printer.
I have a HP Envy 4527 and it rejects the refilled original HP cartridge (HP302). I can’t find the setting to unprotect the cartridge. Can you help?
Many thanks
I don’t believe that this particular model has HP cartridge protection. It could be that the software on the ink cartridge chips is out of date and HP sees them as empty.
I have an HP Envy 4527, too, which I bought last year at a car boot sale. There is an option to unprotect the cartridges, under ‘Settings’ and then ‘Preferences’ down the left hand column, and under that you will find ‘HP cartridge protection’. I went through this a few weeks ago when replacing an original cartridge with a recycled one from Asda. It worked, and I printed off a dozen or more documents. However, it has stopped working, and in spite of resetting several times, it’s now coming up with ‘Used, refilled or counterfeit cartridge detected’, although it did print off a status report! However, I’ve just tried reloading the old cartridge, which it recognised, then put the recycled one back in and it has managed to print OK this time. However, on checking, the ‘Used etc. message is back, so looks like I may have to keep switching between them whenever I want to print anything, until this cartridge is empty (maybe by Christmas!)
Hi there
I recently bought a hp OfficeJet 3831, which uses 302 ink. I have been left with £100 worth of 301 ink from my last hp deskjet. Will they work in my new printer? All ink still sealed, so I don’t want to break seals in case they don’t work and I can sell them at reduced price.
Thanks
Jose
Hi there, unfortunately not. HP Officejet 3831 printers only use 302 inks.
For the OfficeJet Pro 8720 series, having a fixed number of pages with the printer purchase (rather than a monthly subscription), when do the cartridges become “tied” to that printer? Is it on allocation from HP or when they are first installed?
Hi there, I believe that they get locked to the printer once they are installed, so shouldn’t be locked until they are inserted into the printer.
Just called HP support, and it’s worth noting that I was told they can’t do a region reset unless you’re on a PC ::eyeroll:: Hang on while I lug my printer down to the Internet cafe…
Hi Stuart,
I bought an ink for my Deskjet 3050a that turned out having this problem. When I access the printer, I notice there is no option such the one highlighted in the post. You can see a screenshot here https://postimg.org/image/5s114m3ph.
Is it possible to reverse the firmware update?
Best Regards,
Hi Joao, it’s possible that HP may have moved the setting to another location but you can also do this from your PC settings. Try the following method which is based on the computer rather than the web:
1. Open Devices and Printers Window from the Control panel and then find the printer model number from the list displayed and double click to open it’s settings.
2. Under ‘Shopping Resources’ click ‘estimated ink levels’. This will open the HP Toolbox window, then click the Cartridge Protection tab.
3. Deselect the cartridge Protection flag and save settings / close the box.
thanks
Stu
I have HP office jet pro 6978 is there any way to get around using HP ink if not i will give it to good will and buy some other brand, i am fed up with HP.
Compatible or remanufactured inks should work in your machine but it really depends on if they are manufactured to a good standard. The cheaper they are, the more likely you’ll have issues with the chips in the inks.
Hi, I have a hp4650 printer, I installed a greencycle remanufactured cartridge and hp message that it iis not compatable. I did go to ip address and disabled printing protection, but my printer still does not recognize the cartridge. what should I do next. thank you
Hi John, if this still does not work then it’s likely that the cartridge chip software is out of date and you’ll need to get a replacement from the company that you purchased it with.
Can you suggest some other printers which will accept non manufacturer cartridges or ink refilled cartridges.
My Photosmart 5510 is heading for the Recycle bin
All printers will accept compatible or remanufactured inks as it’s illegal for manufacturers to prevent them from working but you will tend to get issues when you buy cheaper remanufactured cartridges that have a higher failure rate.
My envy screen is locked and is displaying “incompatible ink cartridges
Not intended for use in this printer as currently configured.”
I bought these cartridges as refurbished. They were working well until a week or so ago.
There is no way that I can get the printer touch screen working in order to give commands.
I use an iPad : WiFi to the printer.
Have you any ideas ?
Regards.
Do you have a computer that you originally set the printer up on? The only way to access the settings (aside from directly on the printer) is to use the control panel settings on a PC.
Hi, thanks for complete instructions! “Cartridge protection” is however “Disabled”, and HP still refuses it: Does that mean I bought a badly recycled cartridge, which is still protected? Is there anything else but to return it?
Hi there, yes unfortunately it sounds like the cartridges are locked already. The only option is to return them or exchange them.
Hello Stuart,
I wonder if you could help me. I have 8500 a909g, I have tried the steps above however among many settings and preferences I can’t find an option to remove cartridge protection via its IP address.
I also have read through some of the links you posted related to similar issues but none of actually helped with my printer.
My printer’s firmware is the available on the HP website – DLM1FN1344AR. I wonder if there’s anything else I could do in order to find that option. Your help would be very much appreciated.
Kind regards,
Jack (UK)
Hi Jack,
in some printer models I believe the cartridge protection option has since been removed due to back lash that HP had. The only other option is to try to locate the setting via a PC in control panel and printer settings. Out of interest, what is the error message that you see on the printer?
Thanks
Stu
Hi,
I can not find the “cartridge protection tab” on my HP Deskjet 2050 All-in-One Printer series – J510 anywhere, not in toolbox, not in ink level, not anywhere.
Can you tell me where it is hidden?
Don.
Hi there, I believe on some models, HP have started to remove the tab due to the number of issues and annoyance it caused with customers. What is the error message you received on the printer? There could be another reason.
thanks
Stu
Hi Stuart. I just got off the phone with HP and learned about how sneaky they are in locking a person into their “Instant-Ink” scam. I was told that, once I cancel my monthly subscription, none of the toner cartridges that I received in the mail will work in my HP-ENVY printer – even the cartridges that are already IN the printer. I have read through this blog. I found my printer’s IP address, and my preference was already set at “Disable HP Cartridge Protection.” To say that I am furious is an understatement. Do you have any words of advice? Is there a way I can use up the cartridges that are sitting on my desk?
Hi Karen, unfortunately there’s nothing you can do once you cancel the instant ink subscription then the instant ink cartridges will no longer work in yours or any other printer.
Hi Stuart. I bought a Desk Jet Ink Advantage 2135 and I still have some unused cartridges for my older printer (which doesn’t work anymore). Those cartridges are #122 (both for color and black) and this printer uses #664. Before opening the old ones, I would like to know if the old ones would work in this machine…
Thank you
Hi there, the DeskJet 2135 will only take the cartridges that you are currently using so the No. 122 inks wouldn’t work.
have replaced the pack of cartridges on hp 6700 all in one officejet original for original…..all indicators give the correct levels…..but when printing in color ,2 colors are not engaging…did everything in the book and then some to no avail…is there a magic sleight of finger??? cheers mm
Hi, sounds like the print head is blocked. This normally only happens if some of the protective strips weren’t removed or there is a blockage of some kind.
I have a HP Laserjet Pro M254DW. I am trying to get a 3rd party Cartridges and it says supply memory error. The protection is off in my settings! Is there anything that I can do to bypass this?
Hi there, supply memory error is normally caused by packing material being left on the cartridge inside the printer. Have a look and make sure no protective strips or loose packaging is inside the printer. They might look like orange tabs on the toner.
I made sure all of the tabs were off. I’ve turned off the printer and tried to but the toner in as well. I thought maybe it was just the black toner, so I put in another color and I’m still getting the same message as I was before.
Hi Austin, I’ve looked into this a bit more and the advice I found suggested that the problem lies where the connectors touch the chip on the cartridge. Take the cartridge out and have a look at where the chip is located on the cartridge and where that should connect in the printer. There should be 2 wires that touch the chip, but it’s probable that they are not sitting proud as they should be and so aren’t connecting to the chip on the cartridge. If that’s the case gently pull them out again so that when the cartridge is inserted they will connect correctly to the toner.
I just tried to do that as well. I don’t think that is the issue. I just bought the printer and I need to replace the black toner. I have 2 sets of Cavdle toner that I tried but don’t work. When I put the HP back in however, it starts working again. I’ve tried to email Cavdle but haven’t gotten anything back yet.
Thank you for your help, I appreciate it!
No problem, it’s probably along the same lines in the sense that the chips on the toners are not working correctly.
I ended up taking the chip out of the HP Cartridge and put it with the new cartridge. It actually worked! Now I just need to find out how to reset the chip to show that it is full and not empty.
Ah OK, I’m sorry I can’t help you there though I do know that chip reset devices exist. I’ve only ever seen OKI and Lexmark ones.
Hi,
I am struggling for a while with my HP ENVY 5530. I lived in the UK then I had to relocate abroad. I brought my late husband’s printer with me as well and now, I just can’t use it. It is connected to the WIFi, as my laptop recognise it but for any reason, the ink cartridge is blocked and cannot add the toner.
Once I start it, it says ‘ Improper shutdown/To avoid damage, use On button to turn off the printer.’
Then I press ‘Ok’ and it says ‘Carriage Jam’/ The print carriage cannot move. Open the ink cartridge access door, clear any paper jam or obstruction, ensure ink cartridge levers are lowered and snapped into place’
Pressed ‘Ok’, a bum-bum, like a struggle and nothing else.
Please help me and instruct me how to manoeuvre this delicate tool as I really need it!
Kind regards,
Petra
Hi Petra, thanks for your question. Are you buying the replacement cartridges from where you currently live?
If the printer is a UK bought printer but you’re trying to install cartridges bought from outside the UK, the cartridges may not be recognised as they have regional encoding. In some cartridges the cartridge numbers can also be different which would mean you may be installing the wrong cartridges for a UK machine, possibly causing the jam’s or trouble that you’ve experienced.
Stuart, I have an HP Photosmart 6510. When I go to properties, there is no IP address or ports tab. My printer is connected via wireless. I checked the printers settings, and there is no cartridge protection function listed. There is a “cartridge chip” on/off toggle. What happens if I turn off cartridge chip? I’m assuming it will not recognize the cartridges, therefore, not print? Thanks!!
Hi there, I don’t believe there is a cartridge protection setting on the Photosmart printer range which tells me that your issue may be more related to the ‘cartridge not recognised issue’ have a look at our article on resolving that issue here.
Hi Stu, good explanation by the way. Im having a problem with my HP2545 (2540series). It says the same things and i have tried to disable the protection. But the ink indicator still blinking and at the printer properties show no cartridge are installed in my printer. Does windows 10 having problem with this. Thanks in advance. really need your help…
Hi Amzar,
it could be an issue with the memory not resetting. If you haven’t already tried, take the inks out and power off the printer. Unplug at the wall for 10 minutes, power on and reinstall the inks and see if you get the same message. This is the equivalent to doing a hard reboot on a computer or mobile phone.
Stu
how can i put out the ink if i put wrong side ink
Please Help
Hi there, do you mean that the inks have been put into the incorrect compartment? If so you should be able to just remove them.
What about the iMac? I changed the settings online, but I am still getting the same error. What can I do in the iMac settings to fix this issue. Thanks for your time.
Hi Anthony, if you’ve managed to change the setting via a browser there won’t be any additional setting you can now change on your iMac, it’s possible that the cartridges are locked and are now the problem.
I have an improper shoutdown message how do I correct? And a paper jam message
Hi Gail, I take it that your printer is HP? This is a memory issue, to fix it:
This should then work! A paper Jam is likely as it sounds so all you can do is check through the paper input and see if you can spot a jam anywhere. I hope this helps.
Hi, I’ve got a HP Deskjet 2132 model. I’ve been via the Control Panel but can’t find a cartridge protection tab anywhere.
Can you help please?
Hi Robert, can you tell me what error message you’re getting or what the problem you’ve experienced is? HP Deskjet 2132 models shouldn’t have the cartridge protection setting so this will likely be another issue.
I have a HP Officejet Pro 6968 and by using IP address can access Embedded Web Server but settings does not display a preferences tab and as I open each tab and seem to get close to accessing the toolbox I get an Error page that says
This site is not secure
This might mean that someone’s trying to fool you or steal any info you send to the server. You should close this site immediately.
Go to your Start page and I have to start all over again. Is this a new failsafe that HP has applied to not give you access to the page that lets you disable Cartridge Protection any feedback would be appreciated.
Hi there, this probably isn’t anything to do with HP but rather the browser is detecting a non secure page and assumes it is a dangerous website. You are only trying to access the printer so it should be no problem but if you would rather not use this method, it may be best to go through the PC settings.
Have HP ENVY 5050 printer and had instant ink for about 8 months. I have about a dozen color and same black cartridges still and be nice to use them without the service. The setting menu you refer too here dont apply to mine check every category and sub category and no choice close. Have other ideas? THX
Hi there, unfortunately if you’ve now stopped your instant ink service, the cartridges will be unusable. HP have made it that way so you have to be subscribed to use the ink provided during the subscription. The only thing you can do now is buy new inks or possibly try rebooting the printer to factory settings but I’m not sure that would correct the issue.
Hi, I have a HP Deskjet 1050 printer. Currently I am in Russia.I bought HP 122 black and tri color cartridges for it. But when I install the them, it says that those cartridges are “imcompetible”. Pl tell me how to fix this problem and what is the exact cartridge for Russia for my printer. Thanks in advance
Hi there, unfortunately I don’t have the cartridge compatibility matrix for Russia to let you know which cartridge you would need (they differ by region) as we only have the data for the UK.
The option to disable Cartridge Protection has been removed from the web service, i am having really problems, i need to print 70 documents before tomorrow and cannot use the printer, i have the Office Jet Pro 6960.
The only thing you can try are the steps on this page for non internet connected printers. This instructs how to do it via your PC.
Hi! Because Instant Ink was such a crappy scheme, i phoned the help line and was sent loads of free ink cartridges.
I’ve now cancelled the scheme, and can’t use the cartridges! Is there a way around it
Hi Felicity, the only thing you can really try is to set the printer back to factory / default settings and see if that workd. Technically that should set the printer back to what it was like before you subscribed to instant ink.
Hello,
I have an HP Envy 5530, and followed all of your steps above, and even restarted both the printer and the computer to be sure and double-checked that the new setting was maintained, but still no luck.
I am trying to use a refilled ink cartridge from Costco. We thought it didn’t work, talked to Costco and they said it should, then brought it back home and tried it again with your instructions.
Any additional help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!
Hi Jen, it’s likely the chip is now out of date, costco really should replace it for you but I’m unfamiliar with their returns policy. Telling you ‘it should work’ is not very helpful at all!