A firmware update is software related to your printer’s functionality. Firmware updates can be manually downloaded from your printer’s display screen or if you turn on the automatic updates setting on your printer, updates will regularly download onto your printer when they’re available.

Your printer is as much a computer as it is hardware. The software that runs and controls the printer is called ‘firmware’ and sometimes referred to as the ‘driver’. Almost all modern printers now update their own firmware automatically via your computers internet connection. The printer can do this automatically or you can manually make it happen.

A manufacturer may release a firmware update for a list of reasons including, product performance increase, bug fixes or a security patch.

When a ‘compatible’ cartridge manufacturer makes a cartridge for a particular model, it works perfectly for that model with that firmware version. If your printerFirmware has updated its firmware / driver, this means 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 your printer may be a MB5360 and you’ve purchased generic cartridges which 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, work with an MB5360, not a MB5360 ‘2’. Meaning the cartridges will not be recognised in the printer, now the firmware has been updated. Your only option then is to try to undo the firmware update or go back to using OEM printer cartridges.

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

When a ‘compatible’ cartridge manufacturer makes a cartridge for a particular model, it works perfectly for that model with that firmware version. If your printerFirmware has updated its firmware / driver, this means 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 your printer may be a MB5360 and you’ve purchased generic cartridges which 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, work with an MB5360, not a MB5360 ‘2’. Meaning the cartridges will not be recognised in the printer, now the firmware has been updated. Your only option then is to go back to using OEM printer cartridges.

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

Compatible cartridges are sold for current machine software / firmware / drivers at the time of purchase. If you have updated firmware / drivers etc it makes the compatible cartridge – ‘incompatible’ with your printer and is obviously beyond our control.

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

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