Printer manufacturers sometimes push firmware updates that restrict third-party ink or toner. On many Brother machines you can turn automatic firmware checks off in the menu — which helps protect your choice of compatible supplies.
Menus vary slightly by model; the path below is the usual pattern.
Turn Off Brother Firmware Auto Check
- Select Settings → All Settings
- Select Machine Info
- Find Firmware Auto Check (often shown as ON)
- Change the setting to OFF
If your screen labels differ slightly, look under Machine Info / General Setup for anything named Firmware Update, Auto Check or Firmware Download.
If an Update Already Blocked Your Cartridges
If cartridges that used to work suddenly show “missing”, “unable to detect” or similar after an update, contact us. Our Firmware Guarantee covers eligible cases with newer chips, guidance or a refund under the policy.
Note
We don't walk customers through unofficial firmware rollbacks. The safe route is current-chip replacements, alternative SKUs, or refund support via our team.
Search your Brother model on INKredible for the matching TN / LC / drum products.
Frequently Asked Questions
It stops the printer automatically checking/downloading firmware in normal use. You can still update manually later if you choose.
Most consumer/SOHO models use a similar path; exact wording can differ. Ask us with your model if you can’t find the option.
HP behaves differently — see our HP+ / Instant Ink guide.