After firmware update: “cartridge not supported” — what you can do

Joe B.

Expert ★★★★★ 27,853 satisfied customers

Specialities: Windows 11/10, macOS (Sonoma/Ventura/Monterey), Printers, Networking, Office Equipment

HP, Epson, Canon, Brother — cartridge not recognized after firmware update (Windows 10/11 & macOS)

Technician

Hey! Let’s fix the “cartridge not supported / not recognized” after firmware update issue. Tell me your brand (HP, Epson, Canon, Brother) and whether you’re using original OEM cartridges or third‑party/compatible cartridges. Also say if the error started right after an automatic firmware update in the printer or the app (HP Smart, Epson iPrint, Canon PRINT, Brother iPrint&Scan).

Customer

HP OfficeJet Pro. After last night’s update it says cartridge not supported and won’t print. I’m using compatible (non‑HP) ink, worked fine yesterday.

Technician

Got it. This typically happens when a printer firmware update blocks third‑party cartridges (sometimes called dynamic security). The update can change the chip authentication rules so previously working compatibles are rejected. It can also flag expired OEM chips or incorrectly seated cartridges. Our plan: disable auto‑updates, try a rollback/downgrade firmware where the brand allows it, reseat/reset cartridges, and if needed replace with OEM or newly chipped compatibles.

Customer

Where do I turn off automatic updates so this doesn’t happen again?

Technician

Disable printer firmware auto‑updates:
HP: On the printer panel go to Setup → Printer Maintenance → Update Printer → Printer Update Options → set to Do Not Check. In HP Smart, open the device → Advanced Settings (EWS) → Tools → Printer Updates and disable auto‑updates.
Epson: In Epson Software Updater uncheck Firmware Updater and disable scheduled checks; in the printer’s web page (EWS) toggle Auto software update off.
Canon: On many PIXMA/MAXIFY models use Device settings → Firmware settings and turn off Auto update.
Brother: Use Settings → Machine Info → Firmware Auto and set to Off; in Brother iPrint&Scan disable update reminders.

Customer

Can we roll back the firmware? I just want it to print again with my current cartridges.

Technician

Options to fix “cartridge not supported”:
1) Firmware rollback / downgrade (where available). Some HP OfficeJet/DeskJet and Epson WorkForce/EcoTank models allow installing a prior firmware from the support page or via the built‑in Restore previous firmware option. We’ll fetch the right package and guide the downgrade.
2) Reseat & chip reset. Power off, remove all cartridges, clean contacts with a lint‑free swab, power on and insert one‑by‑one. For some compatibles, a chip resetter or updated chip from the supplier fixes the error.
3) Use OEM cartridges to confirm the printer hardware is OK. If OEM works, the block is chip‑related; you can switch brands to a supplier that offers post‑update compatible chips.
4) Disable cartridge protection (HP): in the printer’s EWS go to Security → Cartridge Protection and turn it off.

Customer

It’s an Epson EcoTank photo model. Message says Service required / Ink pad end of life sometimes, and other times the cartridge/chip error. Can we still print?

Technician

Epson specifics: EcoTank/WorkForce updates may tighten chip validation. We’ll install a compatible firmware if allowed, reseat tanks, and clear the waste ink pad counter through Epson service if it’s blocking prints. For chip errors, ask your supplier for new version chips designed for the latest firmware.

Customer

What about Canon and Brother — any brand tips?

Technician

Canon: Disable Auto update, reseat the carts, and try OEM starter cartridges to test. Many PIXMA models accept updated compatible chips from reputable suppliers.
Brother: Turn off Firmware Auto; with LC/ TN series, reseat and clean contacts. If you see Cannot Detect after an update, use genuine Brother or compatibles labeled “works with latest firmware”.

Customer

If I switch to OEM now, can I go back to compatibles later?

Technician

Yes. Use OEM ink/toner to restore printing immediately, then once we roll back firmware or a supplier releases updated chipped cartridges, you can switch back. Just keep auto‑updates disabled so the fix persists.

Customer

Do I need to change drivers on Windows or Mac for this?

Technician

Firmware blocks are in the printer, not the PC, but it’s still smart to repair the printer driver if the queue errors persist. On Windows 10/11 reinstall the vendor package (HP Smart, Epson Driver & Utilities, Canon/ Brother suites). On macOS, re‑add the printer as AirPrint or vendor queue after the firmware change.

Customer

Great — what’s the short version?

Technician

Summary: When a firmware update causes “cartridge not supported / not recognized”, disable auto‑updates, roll back firmware if possible, reseat/clean the cartridges, and use OEM or updated compatible chips. Need hands‑on help? Open the chat.

Quick answer: the accepted fix

Accepted fix for “cartridge not supported” after firmware update: Disable automatic firmware updates, downgrade/restore previous firmware when available, reseat & clean cartridge contacts, and use OEM cartridges or compatibles with updated chips. Optional: turn off HP Cartridge Protection.

FAQ

Step‑by‑step (Windows 10/11)

1. Open your printer’s web page (EWS) → disable firmware auto‑updates; for HP also turn off Cartridge Protection.
2. Download and install a previous firmware if the model supports rollback.
3. Power cycle; reseat cartridges one at a time; clean contacts.
4. Repair/reinstall the vendor driver (HP Smart, Epson Driver & Utilities, Canon, Brother).

Step‑by‑step (macOS)

1. From the printer’s EWS disable auto‑update.
2. Apply a firmware downgrade if available.
3. Remove and re‑add the printer as AirPrint or vendor driver; test with OEM or updated compatible chips.

Sources

• Printer won’t print (but is connected)
• Printer prints blank pages or very faint — get an Expert to restore color
• Black ink not printing but color works — quick fix
• Color not printing but black works — quick fixes (HP/Epson/Brother)
• “Cartridge missing or incompatible” after replacement
• Paper jam won’t clear — safe step-by-step for all brands
• Set up a Wi-Fi printer without WPS or USB (HP/Epson/Brother)
• AirPrint can’t find your printer (iPhone/iPad)

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