Your printer is a computer just like it is a hardware device. The software that runs and controls the printer is called firmware. Firmware updates can be downloaded manually from your printer’s display screen or if you turn on the automatic updates setting on your printer, updates will be downloaded and installed automatically.

A manufacturer may release a firmware update for a number of reasons, including improving product performance, fixing bugs, or adding security patches.

When a compatible cartridge maker makes a cartridge for a particular printer model, it works perfectly for that model with that firmware version. If your printer has updated its firmware, this means that your printer has, in practical terms, changed to a slightly different model that the non-genuine cartridges may no longer be compatible with.

For example, if you have a printer model MB5360 and you have purchased generic cartridges that work in the MB5360 machine. The printer then does a firmware update. This now makes the printer a MB5360 ‘2’. The generic ink cartridges that are in the printer will not work with the MB5360 ‘2’. The only option you have is to try to undo the firmware update or go back to using original printer cartridges.

Firmware updates are released frequently, and messages such as ‘Cannot Detect Ink’ or ‘Ink Cartridge Cannot Be Recognized’ are telltale signs that your printer has updated its firmware. If this has happened, you may not be able to continue using compatible (generic) cartridges.

Compatible cartridges are sold for current machine software, firmware, and drivers at the time of purchase. If you have updated firmware, drivers, etc., it makes the compatible cartridge incompatible with your printer.

If you are unsure if your machine has updated or can update automatically, our advice is to use genuine (original) products to ensure the operation of your machine.

Please be aware that we will not process refunds for generic/compatible cartridges due to firmware updates.