Which printers block third-party ink? Firmware-DRM tracker
Some printers run firmware that can reject compatible (non-OEM) cartridges after an automatic update, even ones that worked the day before. The worst offender is HP's "Dynamic Security." Of the 259 printers we track, 40 can do this. Below is the full list, plus the brands that never lock you out.
Firmware lockout by brand (at a glance)
| Brand | Models tracked | Can block third-party ink | Lockout rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP | 107 | 40 | 37% |
| Brother | 61 | 0 | 0% |
| Epson | 46 | 0 | 0% |
| Canon | 45 | 0 | 0% |
Across the 259 models we track, only HP ships firmware capable of blocking non-OEM cartridges. Brother, Canon and Epson have a 0% lockout rate.
Printers that can block compatible ink (40)
These models use firmware that may reject non-OEM cartridges. You can often still use compatibles if you decline firmware updates, but there's no guarantee. Buying genuine is the only zero-risk option here.
| Printer | Type | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| HP DeskJet 1255 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP DeskJet 2655 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP DeskJet 2742e | inkjet | Enrolled in HP+ which enforces original HP cartridges via Dynamic Security. |
| HP DeskJet 2755e | inkjet | HP+ / Dynamic Security; HP 67/67XL family. |
| HP DeskJet 3755 | inkjet | HP Dynamic Security model; third-party HP 65 compatibles may be blocked after firmware updates. |
| HP DeskJet 3772 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP DeskJet 4155e | inkjet | Enrolled in HP+ which enforces original HP cartridges via Dynamic Security. |
| HP ENVY 5052 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP ENVY 5055 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP ENVY 6055e | inkjet | HP+ / Dynamic Security; uses HP 67/67XL. |
| HP ENVY 6075 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP ENVY 6455e | inkjet | Enrolled in HP+ which enforces original HP cartridges via Dynamic Security. |
| HP ENVY Photo 6255 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP ENVY Photo 7155 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP ENVY Photo 7855 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP ENVY Photo 7858 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP ENVY Pro 6455e | inkjet | HP+ / Dynamic Security; HP 67/67XL family. |
| HP OfficeJet 6958 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP OfficeJet 6962 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP OfficeJet 8012 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 6970 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8015e | inkjet | HP+ / Dynamic Security; HP 910/910XL family. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8020 | inkjet | Dynamic Security model; HP 910/910XL family. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8025 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e | inkjet | HP+ / Dynamic Security; uses HP 910/910XL. Decline HP+ to use compatibles. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8035 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8035e | inkjet | HP+ / Dynamic Security; HP 910/910XL family. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8210 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8730 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8740 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e | inkjet | Ships with HP+ / Dynamic Security; firmware updates can block non-HP ink. Decline HP+ at setup to keep third-party options open. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9018e | inkjet | Enrolled in HP+ which enforces original HP cartridges via Dynamic Security. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9025 | inkjet | Subject to HP Dynamic Security firmware that can block non-HP chips. |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e | inkjet | HP+ / Dynamic Security model: same HP 962 family as the 9015e. |
Brands that don't lock you out
- Brother has no firmware lockout. Genuine and third-party TN/LC cartridges both work. It's the safest bet for cheap printing.
- Canon doesn't encrypt firmware to block third-party ink. It may show an early low-ink warning, but the cartridge still prints.
- Epson cartridge models accept third-party ink, and EcoTank skips cartridges altogether with refillable tanks.
- HP (most models): 219 of the printers we track are open, including plenty of HP. Only specific HP lines enforce Dynamic Security, so check your exact model above.
How to keep using third-party ink
- Don't auto-update firmware on an HP printer if you rely on compatibles. Updates are how the lockout arrives.
- Check your exact model by searching this site or scanning the list above before you buy compatibles.
- If it's a locked model, either buy genuine, or switch your next printer to Brother/Canon/Epson.
Background: HP's Dynamic Security has been the subject of class-action lawsuits (settled March 2025), but HP has continued shipping lockout firmware on newer models, so the situation keeps changing. We update this list as models change behavior.
Methodology and citation
We track 259 current inkjet and laser models. A printer is marked can block when its manufacturer documents or ships firmware (such as HP Dynamic Security) capable of rejecting non-OEM cartridges; otherwise it is open. Status is compiled from manufacturer support pages and retailer cross-reference tables and reviewed on each update. Last updated .
Cite this data as: MyCartridgeFinder Printer Firmware-DRM Tracker, https://mycartridgefinder.com/ink-drm-tracker.html