Tech Support

How to Block HP Printer Firmware Updates Through Your Router (Ultimate Guide)

Posted on by Swift Ink

HP printers are known for their quality, but many users have faced frustration when automatic firmware updates break compatibility with third-party cartridges. If you’re tired of HP forcing firmware updates that lock out your working setup, this guide will show you how to block HP printer updates at the network level — ensuring you stay in control.

Why Block HP Printer Firmware Updates?

  • Prevent Cartridge Lockout: Many updates disable the use of third-party or refilled cartridges.
  • Maintain Printer Stability: Updates can sometimes introduce bugs or unwanted features.
  • Stay in Control: Your hardware, your rules.

Step-by-Step: How to Block HP Printer Updates

Step 1: Turn Off Updates on the Printer

Before you block anything at the router, disable updates from the printer itself:

On HP Printers (general method):

  1. Tap the Home button.
  2. Go to Setup (gear icon).
  3. Select Printer Maintenance > Update the Printer.
  4. Choose Manage Updates.
  5. Set Allow Updates to Off.
  6. Disable Automatic Checking if available.

Via Embedded Web Server (EWS):

  1. Get your printer’s IP address (Home > Network Settings).
  2. Enter the IP into a browser (example: http://192.168.1.100).
  3. Navigate to Settings > Printer Update.
  4. Disable Automatic Updates.

Tip: Some HP printers may ignore this and still phone home. That’s where router blocking comes in.

Step 2: Block HP Update Servers at Your Router

Blocking HP’s update servers prevents your printer from even seeing the updates.

Block the following domains:

fwupdate.hp.com
h20648.www2.hp.com
hpus-hp.corpmerch.com
hprc.external.hp.com
ftp.hp.com

Optional but aggressive:

hp.com

Blocking hp.com blocks all HP services, including support sites. Use with caution.

How to Block Domains:

  • Basic Home Routers: Look for settings like Parental Controls, Firewall, or Access Restrictions.
  • Advanced Routers (e.g., pfSense, Ubiquiti, GL.iNet): Use DNS filtering or Firewall Rules.
  • Using Pi-hole or AdGuard Home: Add the domains to your blocklist.
  • NextDNS Users: Simply add them under “Denylist.”

Pre-Made Blocklist (Copy & Paste)

If your router or DNS filter allows uploading a blocklist, here’s a ready-to-go set:

# HP Firmware Update Blocklist
fwupdate.hp.com
h20648.www2.hp.com
hpus-hp.corpmerch.com
hprc.external.hp.com
ftp.hp.com

Optional: Add hp.com for maximum blocking.

Bonus Step: Block by IP (Advanced)

HP’s IP addresses can change frequently, so domain blocking is safer. However, for ultra-strict users:

  • Monitor DNS requests from your printer.
  • Block persistent HP IPs if they appear.

Final Thoughts

Blocking HP printer firmware updates is the most effective way to:

  • Keep using third-party cartridges.
  • Maintain printer performance.
  • Avoid surprise lockouts from forced updates.

With just a few minutes of setup on your router, you can protect your printer — and your wallet — for the long haul.

Stay in control. Block the updates. Print freely!

Swift Ink