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HP Printer 'Used or Counterfeit Cartridge' — Supply Alert and Override

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Overview

Fix HP printer supply alerts including 'Used or Counterfeit Cartridge Detected', cartridge protection errors, and how to use non-HP supplies.

Key Details

  • HP printers with Dynamic Security may reject non-HP cartridges via firmware updates
  • HP+ enrolled printers REQUIRE genuine HP cartridges — this cannot be bypassed
  • Standard HP printers can be set to accept third-party cartridges by disabling cartridge protection
  • Refilled HP cartridges may show as 'Used' because the smart chip was not reset
  • Firmware updates may add new restrictions on third-party cartridge acceptance

Common Causes

  • Third-party or refilled cartridge installed in a printer with Dynamic Security enabled
  • HP+ enrollment requiring genuine HP cartridges only
  • Cartridge smart chip not recognized — damaged, dirty, or incompatible
  • Firmware update added new cartridge restrictions
  • Cartridge region lock: HP cartridge purchased in a different region

Steps

  1. 1Clean the cartridge contacts: remove cartridge, wipe gold contacts with a lint-free cloth
  2. 2Disable cartridge protection: on the printer's LCD, go to Setup > System Setup > Supply Settings > Cartridge Protection > Off
  3. 3Disable HP cartridge policy: Setup > System Setup > Supply Settings > Cartridge Policy > Off
  4. 4If HP+ enrolled: HP+ requires genuine HP cartridges — there is no workaround
  5. 5Downgrade firmware: some users revert to older firmware that accepted third-party cartridges (check your model)
  6. 6Use genuine HP cartridges if you need guaranteed compatibility

Tags

hp-cartridgesupply-alertcounterfeitthird-party-inkdynamic-security

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. HP has done this multiple times via firmware updates. Disable automatic firmware updates on your printer to prevent new restrictions from being applied.