HP · Laser · HP 148A / 148X toner
Does third-party ink still work in the HP LaserJet Pro 4001?
Remanufactured 148A/148X toner works only if it carries a reused HP chip. Cartridges with non-HP chips were blocked by HP's March 2026 firmware.
- Third-party status
- Blocked after firmware 2606/2607
- Account required
- Only with HP+
- Cartridges
- HP 148A / 148X toner
- Last checked
Also applies to: 4001n, 4001dn, 4001dw and the 'e' versions (4001ne, 4001dne, 4001dwe). The MFP 4101 family got the same update.
Third-party and remanufactured cartridges
- HP's own product page says the 4001 is built to work only with cartridges that have a new or reused HP chip, blocks non-HP chips, and that firmware updates will 'block cartridges that previously worked'.[1]
- Int'l ITC says HP's firmware 2606 and 2607 (March 2026) rendered remanufactured cartridges for the 4001 and 4101 families inoperable.[2][3]
- HP's product page also says a reused HP chip 'enables the use of reused, remanufactured, and refilled cartridges'.[1]
HP account, HP+ and Instant Ink
- The 4001n, 4001dn and 4001dw are sold without HP+. They connect over USB or Ethernet and need no HP account to print.[1]
- The 'e' versions are sold 'with HP+'. HP says HP+ needs an HP account, internet and Original HP supplies for the life of the printer.[4][5]
Firmware that blocked cartridges
- HP firmware 2606 and 2607: March 2026
- Firmware 2606/2607 (March 2026) hit the 4001 and 4101 families. Our sources do not say which number each model got.[2]
To see your version, print a printer status report or open the printer's web page. Compare it with the firmware list.
Workarounds that sources back up
- Buy remanufactured toner that reuses the original HP chip. HP says this is allowed.[1] Ask the seller. Many 'compatible' cartridges use new non-HP chips.
- Turn off automatic updates in the printer's web page: type the printer's IP address into a browser, open Printer Update, sign in with the PIN on the label inside the cartridge door, then under Tools choose 'Do not check for updates' and Apply.[6] Steps come from a toner seller's guide. Stops future updates only.
What does not reliably work
- Firmware downgrades: a toner seller offers older 4001 firmware files. HP does not support downgrades, and we have not verified that these files work on current firmware.[7]
What to buy instead
- Genuine HP 148A / 148X. Always accepted. The 148X is the high-yield version (about 9,500 pages, per HP). Shop
- Remanufactured 148A/148X with a reused HP chip. Check the listing or ask the seller about the chip and about refunds if firmware blocks it. Shop
These are plain store links. We earn nothing from them today. Disclosure.
What we could not verify
- Which of 2606 or 2607 applies to each 4001 variant, and the exact release day.
- Whether seller-provided downgrade files still work.
Know something we missed? Dated sources beat opinions. Corrections go on the page with a date.
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Sources
- HP Store: HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn Printer (read Oct 21, 2026)
- Int'l ITC: HP's Ongoing Lockout Campaign Continues (published Mar 31, 2026)
- The Recycler: I-ITC renews criticism of HP after firmware updates disable cartridges (published Apr 2, 2026)
- HP Store: HP LaserJet Pro 4001dwe Wireless Printer with HP+ (read Oct 21, 2026)
- HP: Frequently Asked Questions about HP+ Printers (read Oct 21, 2026)
- Toner-Inkjet: How to turn off automatic firmware updates for HP 4001 and 4101 (read Oct 21, 2026)
- CompAndSave: HP Printer Firmware Downgrade Guide (read Oct 21, 2026)