HP 218: firmware updates and compatible toner

Often, but with a real risk. HP labels the 3201dw and 3301 models "dynamic security enabled": HP says such printers are intended to work only with cartridges that have new or reused HP chips, and that firmware updates can block other cartridges — including ones that work today.

Remanufactured cartridges that reuse an HP chip (Staples, Clover) and compatibles with their own chip (Swift Ink, True Color Toner, INKFUN) are sold for these printers. We have not tested any of them; we report what each seller states and what its return policy is.

It is HP's name for printers that check the chip or circuitry of each cartridge. HP's U.S. support document says dynamic-security printers are intended to work only with cartridges that have new or reused HP chips or circuitry, and that firmware updates can block cartridges with non-HP chips — including ones that work today.

HP's U.S. product pages call the 3201dw, MFP 3301sdw and MFP 3301fdw "dynamic security enabled"; no HP page was found for the Costco 3301cdw. With Original HP 218 toner you will not notice it; it matters when you consider compatible or remanufactured cartridges.

Yes. HP states that firmware updates "can also block cartridges using a non-HP chip or modified or non-HP circuitry from working in the printer, including cartridges that work today." Most HP printers can be set to notify you before installing updates instead of updating automatically; HP notes that services like Instant Ink require automatic updates.

If you rely on compatibles, keep a spare Original HP black cartridge and buy from a seller with a clear return or replacement policy.

The chip tells the printer which cartridge is installed and tracks the toner level. On dynamic-security printers it is also what the printer checks before it accepts the cartridge.

For compatibles we show four chip states from the listing: chip included; no chip; move your old HP chip over; chip not stated. Only "chip included" counts as ready to install, and none of them guarantees the cartridge survives a later HP firmware update.

Start with the physical checks: remove the cartridge, make sure all packing tape and the protective cover are off, and reseat it firmly in the slot whose color chip matches the cartridge. A dirty or damaged chip contact can also cause it.

If it is a compatible or remanufactured cartridge that stopped being accepted after an update, the likely cause is dynamic security — contact the seller for a replacement or refund. An Original HP cartridge that is still rejected needs HP support.

The most likely explanation is a firmware update: HP says updates can block cartridges with non-HP chips, "including cartridges that work today." Check your printer's firmware update history. Contact the seller — many compatible sellers offer a replacement chip or cartridge — and keep an Original HP cartridge as a fallback.

A chip problem shows up as a message before or right after installing: "not recognized", "unsupported", "used or counterfeit" or a cartridge problem — often while the print itself looks fine. A toner problem shows on paper: streaks, faded areas, a missing color — with no chip message.

Test it: install a cartridge you know is good (preferably Original HP). If the message disappears, the previous cartridge's chip was the problem. If print quality stays poor with a known-good cartridge, work through HP's print-quality steps (cleaning page, paper, settings) — the problem may be in the printer.