HP Firmware Update Bricking Printers: Users Report Failures

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Post on Mar 13, 2025

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<h1>HP Firmware Update Bricking Printers: Users Report Widespread Failures</h1>

A wave of frustration is sweeping across the internet as numerous HP printer owners report that a recent firmware update has rendered their devices unusable. Reports flooding social media and online forums detail printers becoming completely bricked, leaving users unable to print, scan, or even power down their machines properly. This widespread issue highlights the potential risks associated with automatic firmware updates and raises concerns about HP's quality control.

<h2>What's "Bricking" a Printer?</h2>

"Bricking" a device means rendering it completely non-functional. In the case of HP printers, this firmware update failure manifests in various ways, including:

• Complete system failure: The printer fails to power on or respond to any commands.
• Error messages: Users report encountering cryptic error codes that offer no solution.
• Inability to print: The most common complaint is the inability to print documents, regardless of the file type or application used.
• Failed network connection: Many users are experiencing problems connecting their printers to their Wi-Fi network.

<h2>Affected HP Printer Models and Firmware Versions</h2>

While the full extent of affected models remains unclear, reports indicate that the problem spans a range of HP printers, including both inkjet and laser models. Users are urged to check their printer's firmware version to determine if they are at risk. Unfortunately, HP has yet to release a comprehensive list of affected models and specific firmware versions. This lack of transparency only adds to the growing user frustration.

<h3>Finding Your Printer's Firmware Version:</h3>

To check your printer's firmware version, consult your printer's user manual or access the printer's settings menu through the control panel or embedded web server. The exact steps vary depending on the model.

<h2>What Can HP Printer Owners Do?</h2>

For now, affected users have limited options. Many are trying the following, with mixed results:

• Power cycling: Repeatedly turning the printer off and on.
• Factory reset: Attempting a factory reset through the printer's menu (if accessible).
• Contacting HP support: Reaching out to HP's customer support for assistance. However, reports suggest that getting timely and effective support has been challenging for many users.

<h2>The Importance of Firmware Updates – and Their Risks</h2>

While firmware updates are crucial for maintaining the security and functionality of your devices, this situation underscores the potential downsides. A flawed update can have severe consequences, as evidenced by the widespread bricking of HP printers.

<h3>Mitigating the Risk:</h3>

• Research before updating: Before installing any firmware update, research the update online to see if other users have reported problems.
• Backup important data: Before updating, if possible, back up any important settings or configurations.
• Consider delaying updates: If you're not experiencing any critical issues, you might consider delaying the update until HP addresses the reported problems.

<h2>HP's Response and What to Expect Next</h2>

As of now, HP has yet to publicly acknowledge the widespread issue on a large scale. We anticipate an official statement and a solution from HP in the coming days. We will update this article as the situation develops and more information becomes available. Users are encouraged to monitor HP's official website and social media channels for updates.

This situation serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of responsible software updates and the need for manufacturers to implement rigorous testing procedures before releasing updates to their products. We will continue to follow this story closely and provide further updates as they emerge. In the meantime, if you have been affected by this issue, please share your experience in the comments below.