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Firmware and Companion Software

Firmware is the printer's own internal software, and companion apps run on your computer or phone. Updates can add features or change behavior, including how cartridges are accepted. This guide explains these topics plainly and safely, without recommending that you disable security updates or use unofficial firmware.

Last reviewed: October 2026

Safe first checks

  1. 1Read and note the exact message on the printer display or in the print queue.
  2. 2Print the printer's own test or configuration page to help distinguish a device problem from a computer problem.
  3. 3Record custom settings before removing a printer or reinstalling a driver; ask IT first on managed work devices.
  4. 4Stop using the printer if there is excessive heat, smoke, a burning smell, sparks, or leaks. Disconnect power only if safe; never touch wet or damaged electrical parts.

Buggy or unnecessarily complex companion applications

The manufacturer's companion app is slow, confusing, or buggy, making simple tasks harder than they should be. The app, not the printer, is the obstacle.

Possible causes

  • •An over-featured or poorly performing app
  • •An outdated app version
  • •Account or sign-in requirements layered on
  • •Conflicts with other software

What to check

  1. 1.For basic printing, use your operating system's built-in print and scan tools instead of the companion app.
  2. 2.Restart or update the companion app if you rely on its features.
  3. 3.Use standard scanning tools (OS scan utility) where possible.
  4. 4.Keep the app only if it provides features you actually need.

When to stop: core printing and scanning usually work through the OS without the companion app. If a feature exists only in the app, that is the manufacturer's design; weigh whether you need it.

Firmware changes affecting third-party cartridge acceptance

A firmware update changes whether the printer accepts refilled or third-party cartridges. Cartridge acceptance is governed by firmware and can change over time.

Possible causes

  • •A firmware update altering acceptance policy
  • •Chip-recognition changes
  • •A previously accepted cartridge now rejected
  • •Model-specific supply rules

What to check

  1. 1.Understand that cartridge acceptance varies by model and can change with firmware.
  2. 2.If a cartridge is rejected, clean contacts and reseat first to rule out a simple fault.
  3. 3.Use cartridges the printer currently accepts if you need to keep printing.
  4. 4.Review your model's firmware-update settings to understand how updates are applied.

When to stop: do not use unofficial firmware, forced downgrades, or chip-bypass tools to change acceptance — these can damage the printer or cause further rejection. Acceptance is a model/firmware decision.

Failed or interrupted firmware updates

A firmware update failed or was interrupted, leaving the printer unresponsive, stuck, or showing an update error. The firmware may be in an incomplete state.

Possible causes

  • •Power or connection lost during the update
  • •The printer put to sleep mid-update
  • •A transfer error
  • •An update stopped manually

What to check

  1. 1.Leave the printer alone for several minutes in case it is finishing or rolling back.
  2. 2.If it offers to retry, let it complete fully without interruption.
  3. 3.Ensure stable power and connection before retrying.
  4. 4.Power-cycle only if the printer is clearly idle and not updating.

When to stop: never interrupt an active firmware update — doing so can make the printer unusable. If it remains stuck after a failed update, this is a service situation; do not attempt unofficial recovery firmware.

Account-signup or subscription prompts

Setup or the companion app pushes you to create an account or start a subscription. You want to know what is required versus optional.

Possible causes

  • •Setup flows encouraging account creation
  • •Subscription offers for supplies or features
  • •App features gated behind sign-in
  • •Optional services presented as steps

What to check

  1. 1.Look for a “skip”, “not now”, or basic-setup option during setup.
  2. 2.Use OS built-in printing, which generally needs no account for core functions.
  3. 3.Decide separately whether any subscription suits your needs.
  4. 4.Note which features genuinely require an account before signing up.

When to stop: account and subscription requirements vary by model and can change. This is a choice, not a fault; decline optional sign-ups if you only need basic printing.

Questions about disabling automatic firmware updates

You may wonder whether to turn off automatic firmware updates, often because of cartridge-acceptance concerns. Firmware updates can include security and reliability fixes as well as behavior changes.

Possible causes

  • •Concern about acceptance changes from updates
  • •A preference to review updates first
  • •Uncertainty about where the setting is
  • •Mixed feelings about automatic changes

What to check

  1. 1.Locate the update settings in the printer menu or companion app to see the available options.
  2. 2.Understand the trade-off: updates can bring security and reliability fixes, not only behavior changes.
  3. 3.If you choose manual updates, plan to review and apply important ones yourself.
  4. 4.On managed devices, follow your organization's update policy.

When to stop: this guide explains the controls but does not broadly recommend disabling updates, because they can include security fixes. Weigh the trade-offs for your situation; do not use unofficial firmware as an alternative.

Preventive habits

  • Use OS built-in printing and scanning for core tasks to reduce reliance on companion apps.
  • Keep stable power and connection during any firmware update.
  • Never interrupt an update in progress.
  • Understand that cartridge acceptance can change with firmware.
  • Make informed choices about accounts, subscriptions, and update settings.

Frequently asked questions

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