<h1 data-path-to-node="0"><strong data-path-to-node="0" data-index-in-node="0">{FIXED} HP Printer Firmware "Dynamic Security" Lock &amp; Unlock Guide</strong></h1> <p data-path-to-node="1">If your HP printer recently updated and now displays a <strong data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="55">"Cartridge Problem,"</strong><strong data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="76">"Indicated cartridge is blocked,"</strong> or <strong data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="113">"UA_200"</strong> error, your device has likely been locked by a <strong data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="169">Dynamic Security</strong> firmware update. In 2026, these updates are designed to detect and block non-HP chips. For <strong data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="277">HP+ (e-series)</strong> users, this lock is often permanent as part of the initial cloud activation agreement.</p> <p data-path-to-node="2">For immediate help with a 2026 firmware reset or to verify if your model supports a downgrade, you can talk to a technical specialist at <strong data-path-to-node="2" data-index-in-node="137">+1-855-508-8955</strong>.</p> <hr data-path-to-node="3" /> <h3 data-path-to-node="4"><strong data-path-to-node="4" data-index-in-node="0">I. Why Your Firmware Is Locked in 2026</strong></h3> <ul data-path-to-node="5"> <li> <p data-path-to-node="5,0,0"><strong data-path-to-node="5,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Dynamic Security Update:</strong> HP frequently pushes silent updates that refresh the list of "authorized" chip serial numbers. If your third-party ink isn't on the new 2026 list, it is instantly disabled.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="5,1,0"><strong data-path-to-node="5,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">HP+ Permanent Mode:</strong> If you enrolled in <strong data-path-to-node="5,1,0" data-index-in-node="39">HP+</strong> during setup, your printer is locked into a "Genuine Only" mode for the life of the hardware. This cannot be undone through standard settings.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="5,2,0"><strong data-path-to-node="5,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Remote Firmware Upgrade (RFU):</strong> This hidden setting allows HP to update your printer even if you have "Auto-Update" turned off in the main menu.</p> </li> </ul> <hr data-path-to-node="6" /> <h3 data-path-to-node="7"><strong data-path-to-node="7" data-index-in-node="0">II. Step-by-Step Unlock &amp; Downgrade Methods</strong></h3> <h4 data-path-to-node="8"><strong data-path-to-node="8" data-index-in-node="0">1. Enabling the "Allow Downgrade" Setting</strong></h4> <p data-path-to-node="9">Before you can install older, "unlocked" firmware, you must give the printer permission:</p> <ol start="1" data-path-to-node="10"> <li> <p data-path-to-node="10,0,0">On the printer control panel, go to <strong data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="36">Setup &gt; Printer Maintenance &gt; Update the Printer</strong>.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="10,1,0">Select <strong data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="7">Manage Updates</strong> and find the <strong data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="35">Allow Downgrade</strong> option.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="10,2,0">Set this to <strong data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="12">YES</strong>.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="10,3,0"><strong data-path-to-node="10,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Note:</strong> If this option is missing or greyed out, your 2026 firmware version has "locked the bootloader," and you may need a manual override from a technician at <strong data-path-to-node="10,3,0" data-index-in-node="159">+1-855-508-8955</strong>.</p> </li> </ol> <h4 data-path-to-node="11"><strong data-path-to-node="11" data-index-in-node="0">2. Performing a Firmware Rollback</strong></h4> <p data-path-to-node="12">If you have a non-HP+ printer, you can often revert to a 2024 or 2025 version:</p> <ol start="1" data-path-to-node="13"> <li> <p data-path-to-node="13,0,0">Download an older firmware <code data-path-to-node="13,0,0" data-index-in-node="27">.ful</code> or <code data-path-to-node="13,0,0" data-index-in-node="35">.exe</code> file from a trusted third-party archive (HP does not host old versions).</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="13,1,0">Connect your printer via <strong data-path-to-node="13,1,0" data-index-in-node="25">USB cable</strong> (Wi-Fi updates often fail during downgrades).</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="13,2,0">Run the firmware utility and select your printer. If it says "Not Applicable," you must first perform a <strong data-path-to-node="13,2,0" data-index-in-node="104">Preboot Menu Reset</strong> by holding the Power and Cancel buttons during startup.</p> </li> </ol> <h4 data-path-to-node="14"><strong data-path-to-node="14" data-index-in-node="0">3. Disabling "Cartridge Policy"</strong></h4> <ol start="1" data-path-to-node="15"> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,0,0">Enter the printer's IP address into a web browser to open the <strong data-path-to-node="15,0,0" data-index-in-node="62">EWS (Embedded Web Server)</strong>.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,1,0">Navigate to <strong data-path-to-node="15,1,0" data-index-in-node="12">Settings &gt; Supply Settings &gt; Cartridge Policy</strong>.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="15,2,0">Change this to <strong data-path-to-node="15,2,0" data-index-in-node="15">OFF</strong>. This prevents the printer from checking for "Official" 2026 signatures on your ink chips.</p> </li> </ol> <hr data-path-to-node="16" /> <h3 data-path-to-node="17"><strong data-path-to-node="17" data-index-in-node="0">III. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</strong></h3> <p data-path-to-node="18"><strong data-path-to-node="18" data-index-in-node="0">Q: Can I unlock an HP+ (e-series) printer to use generic ink?</strong><strong data-path-to-node="18" data-index-in-node="62">A:</strong> Generally, no. HP+ printers are hard-coded during the 2026 activation process to only recognize original HP chips. However, some "chip-swapping" kits exist. For a list of 2026-compatible bypass methods, call <strong data-path-to-node="18" data-index-in-node="273">+1-855-508-8955</strong>.</p> <p data-path-to-node="19"><strong data-path-to-node="19" data-index-in-node="0">Q: Why did my printer lock even though I turned off updates?</strong><strong data-path-to-node="19" data-index-in-node="61">A:</strong> You likely left <strong data-path-to-node="19" data-index-in-node="80">"Web Services"</strong> active. In 2026, Web Services can bypass your "Auto-Update" choice to push critical security patches that include cartridge locks.</p> <p data-path-to-node="20"><strong data-path-to-node="20" data-index-in-node="0">Q: Will downgrading my firmware void my warranty?</strong><strong data-path-to-node="20" data-index-in-node="50">A:</strong> Legally, using third-party ink does not void a hardware warranty in most regions (like the US/Canada), but if the firmware rollback causes a "brick" (software failure), HP may refuse a free repair.</p> <p data-path-to-node="21"><strong data-path-to-node="21" data-index-in-node="0">Q: How do I get a refund if the 2026 update ruined my printer?</strong><strong data-path-to-node="21" data-index-in-node="63">A:</strong> If a firmware update rendered your printer unusable with legitimate supplies, you can request a 2026 service credit or hardware replacement. Contact the dispute team at <strong data-path-to-node="21" data-index-in-node="235">+1-855-508-8955</strong>.</p>