<h1 data-path-to-node="0"><strong data-path-to-node="0" data-index-in-node="0">Guide: HP Printer Firmware Unlock &amp; "Dynamic Security" (2026)</strong></h1>
<p data-path-to-node="1">"Unlocking" an HP printer usually refers to bypassing <strong data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="54">Dynamic Security</strong>, a firmware feature designed to ensure the printer only works with cartridges containing original HP chips. In 2026, many users seek to "unlock" this to use more affordable third-party or remanufactured ink.</p>
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<h3 data-path-to-node="3"><strong data-path-to-node="3" data-index-in-node="0">Understanding Dynamic Security (The "Lock")</strong></h3>
<p data-path-to-node="4"><strong data-path-to-node="4" data-index-in-node="0">Description:</strong> Dynamic Security is a built-in firmware system that periodically checks the authenticity of the cartridge chip.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="5,0,0"><strong data-path-to-node="5,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">The "Brick" Effect:</strong> A firmware update can suddenly cause a previously working third-party cartridge to show a "Cartridge Problem" or "Non-HP Chip Detected" error.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="5,1,0"><strong data-path-to-node="5,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">HP+ Models (Ending in 'e'):</strong> If you have an <strong data-path-to-node="5,1,0" data-index-in-node="43">HP+</strong> printer (e.g., OfficeJet Pro 9010e), the "lock" is essentially permanent. These models require an active internet connection and original HP ink as part of the terms of service.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="5,2,0"><strong data-path-to-node="5,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Standard Models:</strong> For non-HP+ printers, it is often possible to disable the security features or roll back the firmware.</p>
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<h3 data-path-to-node="7"><strong data-path-to-node="7" data-index-in-node="0">Phase-by-Phase: Unlocking Your Printer</strong></h3>
<h4 data-path-to-node="8"><strong data-path-to-node="8" data-index-in-node="0">Phase 1: Disabling "Cartridge Protection"</strong></h4>
<p data-path-to-node="9">Before trying complex firmware changes, check if the "lock" is simply a software setting in your HP account.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="10,0,0">Open the <strong data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="9">HP Smart App</strong> or go to <code data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="31">hpsmart.com</code>.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="10,1,0">Navigate to <strong data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="12">Printer Settings</strong> &gt; <strong data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="31">Advanced Settings</strong>.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="10,2,0">Look for <strong data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="9">Tools</strong> &gt; <strong data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="17">Supply Settings</strong> &gt; <strong data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="35">Cartridge Protection</strong>.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="10,3,0">Set this to <strong data-path-to-node="10,3,0" data-index-in-node="12">"Off"</strong> and save. (Note: This prevents <em data-path-to-node="10,3,0" data-index-in-node="49">future</em> cartridges from being locked to your printer, but may not unlock already "blocked" third-party chips).</p>
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<h4 data-path-to-node="11"><strong data-path-to-node="11" data-index-in-node="0">Phase 2: The "Restore Factory Defaults" Reset</strong></h4>
<p data-path-to-node="12">Sometimes reverting to the original out-of-the-box settings can clear the blocking "flag" sent by a recent update.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="13,0,0">On the printer control panel, go to <strong data-path-to-node="13,0,0" data-index-in-node="36">Setup</strong> &gt; <strong data-path-to-node="13,0,0" data-index-in-node="44">Printer Maintenance</strong>.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="13,1,0">Select <strong data-path-to-node="13,1,0" data-index-in-node="7">Restore</strong> &gt; <strong data-path-to-node="13,1,0" data-index-in-node="17">Restore Factory Defaults</strong>.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="13,2,0"><strong data-path-to-node="13,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Warning:</strong> This will clear your Wi-Fi settings and HP account link. You will need to set up the printer again.</p>
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<h4 data-path-to-node="14"><strong data-path-to-node="14" data-index-in-node="0">Phase 3: Firmware Downgrade (Advanced)</strong></h4>
<p data-path-to-node="15">If a recent 2026 update "bricked" your third-party ink, you may need to manually install an older version of the firmware.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="16,0,0">Find your current version in the <strong data-path-to-node="16,0,0" data-index-in-node="33">Printer Reports</strong> &gt; <strong data-path-to-node="16,0,0" data-index-in-node="51">Configuration Page</strong>.</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="16,1,0">Search for a <strong data-path-to-node="16,1,0" data-index-in-node="13">Legacy Firmware</strong> version for your specific model on reputable third-party ink supplier sites (HP does not officially host old, "unlocked" versions).</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="16,2,0">Connect via <strong data-path-to-node="16,2,0" data-index-in-node="12">USB</strong> (Wi-Fi updates often fail during downgrades).</p>
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<p data-path-to-node="16,3,0">Run the older <code data-path-to-node="16,3,0" data-index-in-node="14">.exe</code> or <code data-path-to-node="16,3,0" data-index-in-node="22">.dmg</code> firmware installer.</p>
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<h3 data-path-to-node="18"><strong data-path-to-node="18" data-index-in-node="0">Direct Support for Firmware Errors</strong></h3>
<p data-path-to-node="19"><strong data-path-to-node="19" data-index-in-node="0">Description:</strong> If your printer is stuck in a "Firmware Update Failed" loop or is completely unresponsive, contact these specialized technical desks.</p>
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<td><strong>Region</strong></td>
<td><strong>Contact Method</strong></td>
<td><strong>Best For</strong></td>
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<td><span data-path-to-node="20,1,0,0"><strong data-path-to-node="20,1,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">USA / Canada</strong></span></td>
<td><span data-path-to-node="20,1,1,0"><strong data-path-to-node="20,1,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">1-800-474-6836</strong></span></td>
<td><span data-path-to-node="20,1,2,0">Hardware/Firmware Recovery</span></td>
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<td><span data-path-to-node="20,2,0,0"><strong data-path-to-node="20,2,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Global</strong></span></td>
<td><span data-path-to-node="20,2,1,0"><a href="https://h30434.www3.hp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahgKEwistoae0rySAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQ1gI">HP Support Community</a></span></td>
<td><span data-path-to-node="20,2,2,0">Finding Legacy Firmware Links</span></td>
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<td><span data-path-to-node="20,3,0,0"><strong data-path-to-node="20,3,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">UK / Europe</strong></span></td>
<td><span data-path-to-node="20,3,1,0"><strong data-path-to-node="20,3,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">0207-660-6027</strong></span></td>
<td><span data-path-to-node="20,3,2,0">Warranty Claims on "Bricked" Units</span></td>
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</tbody>
</table>
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<h3 data-path-to-node="22"><strong data-path-to-node="22" data-index-in-node="0">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)</strong></h3>
<p data-path-to-node="23"><strong data-path-to-node="23" data-index-in-node="0">Q: Will unlocking my firmware void my warranty?</strong></p>
<p data-path-to-node="23"><strong data-path-to-node="23" data-index-in-node="48">A:</strong> Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (USA) and similar laws globally, using third-party ink cannot legally void your hardware warranty. However, HP may refuse to service the <em data-path-to-node="23" data-index-in-node="225">printhead</em> if they determine the third-party ink caused physical damage.</p>
<p data-path-to-node="24"><strong data-path-to-node="24" data-index-in-node="0">Q: Why can't I find an "Unlock" toggle in my settings?</strong></p>
<p data-path-to-node="24"><strong data-path-to-node="24" data-index-in-node="55">A:</strong> HP removed this toggle for most models manufactured after 2017. For these newer machines, a firmware downgrade is usually the only path to using non-HP chips.</p>
<p data-path-to-node="25"><strong data-path-to-node="25" data-index-in-node="0">Q: Can I stop future "locks" from happening?</strong></p>
<p data-path-to-node="25"><strong data-path-to-node="25" data-index-in-node="45">A:</strong> Yes. In your printer settings (via the IP address/EWS), go to <strong data-path-to-node="25" data-index-in-node="110">Settings</strong> &gt; <strong data-path-to-node="25" data-index-in-node="121">Security</strong> &gt; <strong data-path-to-node="25" data-index-in-node="132">Printer Updates</strong> and set it to <strong data-path-to-node="25" data-index-in-node="162">"Do Not Check for Updates."</strong></p>
<p data-path-to-node="26"><strong data-path-to-node="26" data-index-in-node="0">Q: What is the "Non-HP Chip Detected" error?</strong></p>
<p data-path-to-node="26"><strong data-path-to-node="26" data-index-in-node="45">A:</strong> This is the official notification that Dynamic Security has blocked your cartridge. It does not mean your printer is broken; it just means the chip on the ink cartridge isn't recognized.</p>