Have you ever had to stop a print job because of a printer firmware update? While firmware update can be beneficial for some, it can also be frustrating for others. To handle it, it's important to know what it is and how it works.
A printer firmware update is like updating software on your computer or phone. Firmware is a specialized software built into your printer itself that controls its hardware components. It interprets the commands sent from the printer driver and manages the print jobs, making sure they’re done correctly.
What does updating printer firmware do?
1.New features might be introduced through firmware updates, expanding what your printer can do.
2.Printer manufacturers often use firmware updates to fix bugs that might be causing printing errors or glitches.
3.Sometimes, firmware updates might introduce changes that make the printer incompatible with certain third-party cartridges, even if they were previously functional.
How do firmware updates stop compatible cartridges?
Some Firmware updates can block compatible cartridges by disrupting the communication between the printer and the cartridges. They might add new checks to verify genuine cartridges or update the list of recognized cartridges.
When a manufacturer releases a firmware update that doesn't work with certain third-party cartridges, the printer can't recognize them anymore. This usually shows up as a "Non-Genuine Cartridges Installed" message on the screen, meaning the printer has stopped recognizing those cartridges.
What Can You Do?
If you prefer to use compatible cartridges without interruption, it might be wise to research any potential compatibility issues before installing a firmware update.
Firmware upgrades may download without you knowing if your automatic firmware updates are turned on. Many printers offer the option to turn off automatic firmware updates, giving you control over when (or if) to update your printer's firmware. Here’s a guide to closing automatic firmware updates:
On the printer's control panel, go to the setup or settings menu.
Find the "Printer Maintenance" or "Tools" section, then select "Update the Printer."
Select "Printer Update Options" and choose "Do Not Check" or disable the "Auto Update" feature.
Confirm and save your changes, then exit the settings menu.
If a firmware update makes your current compatible cartridges unusable, you can look for alternative solutions. Many printer cartridge manufacturers offer toner and ink cartridges specifically designed to be unaffected by firmware updates.
G&G provides remanufactured cartridges to meet your needs. These cartridges are fully compatible with your printers and can lower the risks of being affected by firmware upgrades. Whether you need cartridges for your HP, Epson, Brother, or Canon printers, G&G’s products can offer smooth performance and excellent print quality.
