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What is HP Dynamic Security?
The name HP gives to the check some of its printers make on a cartridge's chip, and the reason a cartridge that worked yesterday can be refused today.
The short answer
HP's published message reads: "Certain HP printers are intended to work only with cartridges that have a new or reused HP chip or electronic circuitry. These printers use dynamic security measures to block cartridges using a non-HP chip or electronic circuitry. Periodic firmware updates will maintain the effectiveness of these measures and block cartridges that previously worked. Reused HP chips and electronic circuitry enable the use of reused, remanufactured, and refilled cartridges." HP, July 2021
How it works, in HP's words
- The printer authenticates cartridges by talking to the security chip or circuitry on them. HP policy PDF
- Because the check can change during the printer's life, including in response to firmware updates, a cartridge with a non-HP chip "may function for a period of time, but then cease to function". HP policy PDF
- "Non-HP cartridges that reuse an original HP security chip or have unmodified HP electronic circuitry are unaffected." HP policy PDF
- Changes arrive through firmware updates delivered over the internet. HP says to check your printer's user guide for the online firmware update settings, and notes that Instant Ink and HP ePrint need automatic updates. HP policy PDF
The 2016 episode
HP's reseller document says a check triggered in September 2016 temporarily blocked certain third-party cartridges with clone chips on certain printers. HP states that it then issued firmware that disabled Dynamic Security on those printer models, and that it has communicated Dynamic Security since 1 December 2016. HP, July 2021, FAQ HP's support document lists the models where that firmware update disables the feature. HP support document c05308850
Is this the same as HP+?
No. HP+ is a separate programme: once activated on an eligible printer, HP says it requires Original HP ink or toner for the lifetime of the printer, plus an HP account and an internet connection. Eligible models can be identified by a small "e" at the end of the product number. HP describes its other printers as "HP standard" and says they use dynamic security measures. HP+ FAQ HP+ setup page
Warranty
HP says using a non-HP cartridge does not void the HP Limited Warranty, but damage attributed to a non-HP cartridge is not covered. HP policy PDF
How to check your printer
- Find the model number on the printer (often on the back or inside the cartridge door).
- Search it on the home page or browse all HP models.
- Open the HP document linked on the model page and check the date.
HP's list we use is dated July 2021 and does not cover printers launched later. For those we say "unverified". We do not publish firmware downgrades, chip resets or other hacks.