Third-party status
UnknownNon-HP chips blocked after an update; no firmware number confirmed
A 6978 owner says an update blocked third-party 902 cartridges that had worked, and HP's moderator said there is no downgrade. No source names the firmware number, so the status stays Unknown.
What to do now
- Use cartridges that reuse an original HP chip (some remanufactured cartridges do). HP says these are not affected by dynamic security.[2]Ask the seller if the chip is a reused HP chip before you buy.
- Stop automatic updates so a setup that works now is not changed.[2]We have not verified the 6978's menu path.
What to buy instead
- Genuine HP 902 / 902XL. Always accepted.
- Remanufactured 902 with a reused HP chip. Check the chip is reused HP.
- Account required
- No
- Cartridges
- HP 902 / 902XL
- Blocking firmware
- None reported
- Last checked
Also applies to: Other OfficeJet Pro 6900 series models that take HP 902 (check your cartridge number).
Third-party and remanufactured cartridges
- In April 2024 a 6978 owner said a firmware security update blocked the same third-party cartridges that worked before. A June 2024 reply says the same happened on two 7740s.[1]
- HP's policy: non-HP chips may work for a while, then stop after an update. Reused HP chips are not affected.[2]
HP account, HP+ and Instant Ink
- The 6978 is not an HP+ printer. HP lists HP+ only for 'e' models.[3]
Firmware that blocked cartridges
- No source we found names the 6978 firmware version that started the block.[1]
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
- Use cartridges that reuse an original HP chip (some remanufactured cartridges do). HP says these are not affected by dynamic security.[2] Ask the seller if the chip is a reused HP chip before you buy.
- Stop automatic updates so a setup that works now is not changed.[2] We have not verified the 6978's menu path.
What does not reliably work
- Rolling back firmware: HP's moderator replied in April 2024 that there is no option to downgrade once the latest version is installed.[1]
What to buy instead
- Genuine HP 902 / 902XL. Always accepted. Shop
- Remanufactured 902 with a reused HP chip. Check the chip is reused HP. Shop
These are plain store links. We earn nothing from them today. Disclosure.
What we could not verify
- The firmware version that blocked cartridges on the 6978.
- Seller downgrade guides for 902 printers.
- Whether any 2026 update changed 6978 behaviour again.
Know something we missed? Dated sources beat opinions. Corrections go on the page with a date.
Related guides
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Sources
- HP Support Community: firmware security update blocks 3rd party ink cartridges (published Apr 14, 2024)
- HP: Dynamic security enabled printers (PDF) (read Oct 21, 2026)
- HP+ frequently asked questions (read Oct 21, 2026)