Does the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 block third-party ink?

Legitimate options

Only options HP or the printer maker itself publishes. We do not cover firmware downgrades, chip resets or other hacks.

• Use cartridges that reuse an original HP chip. HP says non-HP cartridges that reuse an original HP security chip or have unmodified HP circuitry are unaffected by dynamic security; reused, remanufactured and refilled cartridges that keep the HP chip can work. Ask the seller in writing which chip is inside. HP policy PDF
• Install HP's firmware update for this model. HP's support document says to open the HP Software and Driver Downloads page for your printer and install the latest firmware. HP says this only applies to units manufactured before 1 December 2016; later units keep Dynamic Security. HP still recommends genuine HP supplies. HP support document c05308850
• Check your printer's online firmware-update settings. HP says dynamic security can change through firmware updates delivered over the internet, and points to the printer's user guide for those settings. HP also says Instant Ink and ePrint need automatic online updates. HP policy PDF
• If you have not bought yet, choose a printer that is not a Dynamic Security model. Epson says its restrictions can be avoided with some other printers, such as EcoTank cartridge-free printers (see the Epson page).

Compatible cartridge numbers

As listed by HP for this model (North America). The number can differ by country, and a printer may take either of the numbers shown (for example, black or tri-colour). Confirm with your printer's ink-door label before buying. Source

Cost per page: not shown. We only show it where a source gives both the page yield and a price, and we have not found that for this model.

Same series

• HP OfficeJet Pro 6970 Firmware fix: older units only
• HP OfficeJet Pro 6971 Firmware fix: older units only
• HP OfficeJet Pro 6974 Firmware fix: older units only
• HP OfficeJet Pro 6975 Firmware fix: older units only
• HP OfficeJet Pro 6976 Firmware fix: older units only
• HP OfficeJet Pro 6979 Firmware fix: older units only

Sources

• [1] HP "Dynamic security guidance for channel partners", July 2021, section "Dynamic security enabled products list" (pp. 6–9) · HP Inc., July 2021 · HP's document for resellers. It is marked "HP Confidential" and we could only find it on a reseller's website (jarcomputers.com), not on hp.com. It is the most complete per-model list of Dynamic Security printers we could find from HP. It is dated July 2021, so newer models are not in it.
• [2] HP Inkjet printers – Dynamic Security feature affecting cartridges using non-HP security chip · HP Support, undated page · HP support document listing models for which a firmware update disables Dynamic Security.
• [3] HP Printers – Dynamic Security Enabled Printers (HP policy statement, PDF) · HP Development Company, L.P., © 2020 (undated PDF) · HP's own policy text, hosted on HP's support community site. It contains no model list.
• [4] Epson: third-party ink cartridges and your Epson printer · Epson America, undated page · Epson's own statement on third-party ink.
• [5] Original HP Ink and Toner supplies compatibility – For North America (4AA8-4471ENUC, June 2026, Rev. 2) · HP Inc., June 2026 · HP's supplies compatibility table for North America. It lists cartridge numbers by model; it gives no page yields or prices.

Links open the maker's own pages. Dates are the document's date; "undated page" means the page shows no date. Our check date is 2026-10-28. Read how we source this.