When this happens
You just updated your printer's firmware because the printer's screen said something like 'New firmware available' or you ran the printer driver update tool on your computer. Now the printer either won't print at all, prints with weird colors, jams paper constantly, or throws an error like 'Incompatible cartridge' even though you're using the right ink or toner.
I've seen this happen most often on HP OfficeJet Pros and Brother monochrome lasers after a firmware update that added new security checks for third-party cartridges. The printer's internal clock gets confused, and suddenly it thinks your perfectly good cartridge is counterfeit.
Why it happens
Printer makers push firmware updates to fix bugs, add features, or block third-party supplies. But sometimes the update itself has a bug, or it changes how the printer talks to cartridges, paper sensors, or network connections. Rolling back the firmware puts the printer back to the version that worked fine before.
What you'll need for this fix
- The old firmware file for your exact printer model (I'll tell you where to get it)
- A USB flash drive formatted as FAT32 (for most printers) or a computer with a USB cable
- Your printer's model number — it's on a sticker on the back or bottom
Step 1: Find the old firmware file
Go to the printer maker's support website. Look for 'Downloads' or 'Firmware' for your model. Don't just grab any file — you need a version that's OLDER than the one causing problems.
Check the list for a date or version number. Write down the version that's currently installed (you can find it in the printer's menu under 'Settings' or 'About'). Then look for a release that's a few months before that date.
If the maker only shows the latest version, try a third-party site like Stationery Road or the wayback machine. But be careful — only download from sites you trust.
Heads up: Some makers like Brother and Epson let you roll back easily. Others like HP make it harder. If you can't find an old file, call their support and say 'I have a bricked printer after the firmware update' — they may send you the file.
Step 2: Get the printer ready for the downgrade
Turn the printer off. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds. Plug it back in but DO NOT turn it on yet.
Hold down the 'Power' button and the 'Cancel' button (or 'Stop' button) at the same time. Keep holding them until the printer's screen shows something like 'Update mode' or 'Recovery mode'. If you don't see that, try holding just the 'Power' button while pressing 'Go' or 'OK' three times. It varies by model.
For HP printers: Hold the 'Power' button and press the 'Resume' button (the one with the green circle and a white arrow) three times. Keep holding the 'Power' button until you see 'Ready' on the screen.
Step 3: Load the old firmware onto the printer
Copy the old firmware file you downloaded onto a USB flash drive. The file should be a .rfu, .dlf, .bin, or .exe file depending on your printer.
Plug that USB drive into the printer's USB port. On the printer's screen, look for 'Update from USB' or 'Restore firmware' and select it.
The printer will take a few minutes to read the file and install it. The screen may go black or show a progress bar. Do NOT unplug or turn off the printer during this step.
Step 4: Confirm the downgrade worked
After the printer restarts, go into the settings menu. Find 'Firmware version' or 'Printer info'. It should now show the older version number you wanted.
Try printing a test page. If it prints clean, you're good. If it prints garbled or still has errors, move to the next section.
If the rollback didn't work
Sometimes the printer won't accept the old firmware file because it checks a digital signature. In that case, try these:
- Use a different USB port. Some printers only read the front USB port for firmware updates.
- Try a different USB drive. Old 2GB drives work better than new 32GB ones for this.
- Rename the file. Some printers require the file to be named exactly 'FWUPDATE.rfu' or similar. Check the maker's instructions for the exact name.
- Do a factory reset first. Go to printer settings, find 'Restore defaults', run it, then try the downgrade again.
If none of that works, you may be stuck. Some printer makers stopped allowing rollbacks after a certain date. Your only other option is to call their support and ask for a replacement or a fix for the broken update.