HP Inc.: Difference between revisions
m I added examples and sources of HP locking users' printers with an "account" issue that is a failed monthly subscription charge. I work as a desk-side service tech, and one of my users had this exact problem, and I couldn't believe the "fix" I had to find for it. She had to enter an entirely new CC to charge to unlock her printer and then cancel the subscription. |
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*some printers requiring ink cartridges to be sufficiently filled to use scanning and faxing features, and scanning often mandating an HP account and app, sometimes even an internet connection. | *some printers requiring ink cartridges to be sufficiently filled to use scanning and faxing features, and scanning often mandating an HP account and app, sometimes even an internet connection. | ||
*firmware updates bricking devices | *firmware updates bricking devices | ||
*Instant Ink subscription service and Dynamic Security system, that respectively lock cartridges behind a | *Instant Ink subscription service and Dynamic Security system, that respectively lock cartridges behind a subscription and restrict the use of aftermarket ones | ||
==Controversies== | ==Controversies== | ||
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In some cases, the devices could be recovered,<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Nov 2022 |title=Color LaserJet Pro MFP-M281fdw shows 49 Service Error after firmware update from 20th October |url=https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printing-Errors-or-Lights-Stuck-Print-Jobs/Color-LaserJet-Pro-MFP-M281fdw-shows-49-Service-Error-after/m-p/8540292/highlight/true#M962703 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref> but for an unknown amount of users, no official nor unofficial fix was applicable. This effectively lead to bricked devices that had to be replaced, often times but not always, right after the warranty period had ended. | In some cases, the devices could be recovered,<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Nov 2022 |title=Color LaserJet Pro MFP-M281fdw shows 49 Service Error after firmware update from 20th October |url=https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printing-Errors-or-Lights-Stuck-Print-Jobs/Color-LaserJet-Pro-MFP-M281fdw-shows-49-Service-Error-after/m-p/8540292/highlight/true#M962703 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref> but for an unknown amount of users, no official nor unofficial fix was applicable. This effectively lead to bricked devices that had to be replaced, often times but not always, right after the warranty period had ended. | ||
=== HP locks printers if there is a failed subscription payment === | ===HP locks printers if there is a failed subscription payment=== | ||
HP is know to push it's average customers to it's HP Instant-Ink subscription. If a monthly charge for it fails to approve they will lock your printer with "Account Issues". An example can be found [https://www.reddit.com/r/mildlyinfuriating/comments/w9pjhp/hp_has_turned_their_printers_into_ransom_devices/ here] . This is how it looks on the screen of your printer. The issue is usually to resolve a failed monthly charge. An example of a consumer finding this out the hard way is [https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printers-Archive-Read-Only/ERROR-quot-A-problem-has-occurred-with-your-HP-account-and/td-p/8159470 here] . The user koteol finds that this is the exact problem with his printer and paying them the ($2.09) for the failed payment resolves the issue and unlocks the error from the printer. | HP is know to push it's average customers to it's HP Instant-Ink subscription. If a monthly charge for it fails to approve they will lock your printer with "Account Issues". An example can be found [https://www.reddit.com/r/mildlyinfuriating/comments/w9pjhp/hp_has_turned_their_printers_into_ransom_devices/ here] . This is how it looks on the screen of your printer. The issue is usually to resolve a failed monthly charge. An example of a consumer finding this out the hard way is [https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printers-Archive-Read-Only/ERROR-quot-A-problem-has-occurred-with-your-HP-account-and/td-p/8159470 here] . The user koteol finds that this is the exact problem with his printer and paying them the ($2.09) for the failed payment resolves the issue and unlocks the error from the printer. | ||
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{{Main|HP Dynamic Security}} | {{Main|HP Dynamic Security}} | ||
HP Dynamic Security refers to a system in some HP printers to restrict the use of aftermarket ink cartridges, ensuring only original cartridges can be used. | HP Dynamic Security refers to a system in some HP printers to restrict the use of aftermarket ink cartridges, ensuring only original cartridges can be used. This includes locking customers out of using their printer if they purchase or attempt to use officially licensed and partnered ink-refill services, such as recycled cartridges sold by partner companies such as Best Buy, Walmart, and Office Depot. | ||
=References= | =References= | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
[[Category:HP Inc.]] | [[Category:HP Inc.]] | ||