Which Printer Brands Block Compatible Cartridges?

Oct 22, 2026

By the 1ink.com team. Updated October 22, 2026. 5-min read.

Quick answer: HP is the clearest case. Its "Dynamic Security" firmware is designed to block cartridges with non-HP chips, and HP+ printers require Original HP ink for life. Epson and Canon have faced lawsuits over ink-related restrictions, but those were claims, not court findings. Brother says its updates don't block third-party ink or toner.

Key takeaways

HP Dynamic Security can block cartridges with non-HP chips, even ones that worked before an update.
Remanufactured HP cartridges that reuse the original HP chip aren't affected by Dynamic Security, according to HP.
HP+ locks a printer to Original HP ink for life. Instant Ink cartridges stop working if you cancel.
Epson and Canon have faced lawsuits over ink restrictions. These were allegations that were settled or dismissed.
Brother denies blocking compatibles. We explain the 2025 dispute below.

Toner cartridge next to a closed padlock on a white desk, with a printer in the background

Does HP block third-party ink cartridges?

Yes, on printers with Dynamic Security. HP says these printers are meant to work only with cartridges that use new or reused HP chips. HP also says they "block cartridges using non-HP chips."

According to HP, regular firmware updates keep this working and can "block cartridges that previously worked" (Ars Technica, The Verge).

What happened in the HP lawsuit?

The update: a November 2020 update led to a class action over certain LaserJet printers.
The settlement: in March 2025, a court gave final approval. HP paid nothing to class members. It agreed to keep certain disclosures and to let owners of covered printers choose whether to install Dynamic Security updates (HP settlement notice, Ars Technica).
HP's position: HP denied wrongdoing.

In early 2024, HP CEO Enrique Lores said a customer who doesn't use HP supplies is "a bad investment" (The Register).

Do remanufactured HP cartridges still work?

HP itself says remanufactured cartridges that reuse the original HP chip are not affected by Dynamic Security. That's why remanufactured cartridges are often the safer non-OEM choice for HP owners. Browse our HP ink and toner.

What are HP Instant Ink and HP+?

Instant Ink is HP's ink subscription, and your printer must stay online. HP's terms say that if you cancel, HP "will remotely disable the Subscription Cartridges," even if ink is left (HP Instant Ink terms). Read more in our guide to HP Instant Ink.

HP+ is a setup option on certain HP printers, usually models whose names end in "e" (HP Support). Once you turn it on, HP+ needs an HP account, an internet connection and Original HP ink for the lifetime of the printer (HP+ FAQ).

That means compatible and refilled cartridges are out for good. We'll cover HP+ in more detail in a future post.

Does Epson block third-party ink?

Since 2019, several groups of Epson owners have sued. They claimed firmware updates stopped printers from using third-party cartridges (Bloomberg Law).

Most of these claims went to arbitration under Epson's software license. One large action was dismissed in January 2026 after a settlement (Actionable Intelligence). These were claims, not court findings.

Epson's EcoTank models use refillable bottles, not chipped cartridges, and they test well. Shop Epson ink.

Does Canon block compatible cartridges?

Canon cartridges and toner use chips too. A 2021 class action claimed some Canon all-in-ones wouldn't scan or fax when ink ran low. It was settled privately and dismissed (The Verge). Shop Canon ink and toner.

Open inkjet printer with cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink cartridges lying beside it on a white desk

Has Brother had problems with compatible cartridges?

Yes, and you should know about it. In March 2025, right-to-repair YouTuber Louis Rossmann said Brother firmware updates were blocking or degrading third-party toner. He pointed to reports from users.

Brother denied it. The company said its updates "do not block the use of third-party ink and toner cartridges." It said its printers "do not intentionally degrade print quality" with non-Brother supplies.

Brother did say some machines may run a "Brother Genuine" check during troubleshooting (The Register, Tom's Hardware). Tom's Hardware also noted that the evidence behind the claims was thin. Brother's support site repeats that updates don't block third-party supplies (Brother USA).

What's our honest take?

No printer company guarantees that third-party supplies will work. Unlike HP, though, Brother doesn't say on the record that updates may block cartridges. It says the opposite.

Buy compatibles from a seller who stands behind them. Every 1ink cartridge comes with a 180-day warranty. Shop Brother ink and toner.

See our model picks in Best Printer for Home Use in 2026, or use our 12-point printer buying checklist before you shop.

Frequently asked questions

Do Brother printers work with compatible cartridges?

Yes. Brother says its firmware updates don't block third-party ink or toner, though it recommends genuine supplies for best results. Buy compatibles that come with a warranty.

What is HP+, and does it block compatible ink?

HP+ is an option on some HP printers, usually models ending in "e." Once you turn it on, the printer needs an HP account, an internet connection and Original HP ink for its lifetime. Compatible and refilled cartridges won't work.

What happens to my cartridges if I cancel HP Instant Ink?

HP remotely disables the subscription cartridges, even if they still have ink. To keep printing, you'll need to buy cartridges. Non-HP+ printers can use HP originals or third-party cartridges.

Do remanufactured cartridges work in HP printers with Dynamic Security?

HP says remanufactured and refilled cartridges that reuse the original HP chip aren't affected by Dynamic Security. Cartridges with non-HP chips may be blocked. HP+ printers require Original HP ink regardless.

Should I turn off automatic firmware updates?

Not completely, because updates fix security problems. On HP printers covered by the settlement, owners can decline Dynamic Security updates. On any brand, read the release notes before you update.

Sources

Ars Technica: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/03/customers-fume-as-hp-blocks-third-party-ink-from-more-of-its-printers/
The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/11/23635168/hp-printer-update-brick-third-party-ink-dynamic-security
HP Support: https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_11775540-11775594-16
Ars Technica: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/hp-avoids-monetary-damages-over-bricked-printers-in-class-action-settlement/
The Register: https://www.theregister.com/2024/01/19/hps_ceo_spells_it_out/
HP Instant Ink Terms of Service: https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/v2/terms
HP Support: https://support.hp.com/gb-en/document/ish_5098782-5098911-16
HP: https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/hp-plus/faq.html
Bloomberg Law: https://news.bloomberglaw.com/product-liability-and-toxics-law/epson-printer-cartridge-lawsuit-voluntarily-dismissed
Actionable Intelligence: https://www.action-intell.com/2026/01/08/massive-inkjet-firmware-action-against-epson-is-voluntarily-dismissed-after-settlement/
The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/11/23067867/canon-hp-class-action-lawsuit-scan-without-ink-settlement
The Register: https://www.theregister.com/on-prem/2025/03/06/oh-brother-printer-giant-denies-dirty-toner-tricks/1098704
Tom's Hardware: https://www.tomshardware.com/peripherals/printers/brother-denies-firmware-blocks-third-party-toner-and-ink-use
Brother USA Support: https://help.brother-usa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/76085/~/toner-error