Some HP printers have open telnet on port 23 or 9100 (raw printing). Commands (rare on 8620):
telnet 192.168.1.xxx
fwupdate -d -f /path/to/old.fu
Most 8620s have this disabled after 2018 firmware.
The window for the HP OfficeJet Pro 8620 firmware downgrade is closing. HP is scrubbing the internet of older .bdl files. If you have this printer and you value your wallet, follow the USB Recovery Mode guide today. The "hot" supply of working downgrade files is drying up.
Have you successfully downgraded your 8620? Let us know your firmware version in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes. Downgrading firmware may violate HP's software license agreement. Proceed at your own risk.
User reviews and expert guides for the HP OfficeJet Pro 8620 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
firmware downgrade are mixed, primarily because modern HP firmware versions are often designed to block downgrades. While HP officially states that downgrading is not possible or recommended, many users pursue it to bypass "Dynamic Security" which prevents the use of non-HP ink cartridges. The "Good" Reviews & Successful Workarounds
Despite official restrictions, some users have reported success using advanced manual methods rather than the standard HP utility.
Manual Binary Push: Experienced users on Reddit suggest that while the official .exe installer acts as a "gatekeeper" and blocks downgrades, you can bypass this by extracting the .FUL or .RFU binary file and sending it directly to the printer via a network command (like LPR or binary copy).
Bypassing "Not Applicable" Errors: Reviewers from YB Toner highlight a "hot" fix for the common "Not Applicable" error. By extracting the firmware package and editing the EnterpriseDU.ini file to change VerifyDownloadID from 1 to 0, you can often force the installer to recognise the printer.
Automated Tools: Community-developed scripts, such as the one found on GitHub, are often praised for automatically downloading the necessary "safe" firmware and pushing it to the printer's IP address. Critical Risks & Common Failures hp officejet pro 8620 firmware downgrade hot
Many recent reviews express frustration, as HP has allegedly "patched" many of these workarounds.
The "Verifying" Loop: Some users report that even after bypassing initial blockers, the printer may hang indefinitely on a "Verifying" screen or simply reboot without actually changing the firmware version.
Bricking Hazards: Official HP Support warns that forcing a downgrade can lead to "bricking" (making the printer permanently unusable) or losing critical functionality.
Region Locking: Newer firmware might embed code that locks the printer to a specific cartridge region, which some users found impossible to revert even after a "successful" downgrade. Summary of Steps Recommended by Users
If you choose to proceed at your own risk, the community consensus follows this general path:
Obtain Old Firmware: Locate the .rfu or .ful file (version 1416AR is frequently cited as a stable choice) from a third-party archive or Scribd Guide.
Disable Auto-Updates: Immediately turn off "Update Printer" settings in the printer's control panel to prevent the device from re-upgrading itself.
Use a Direct Connection: Most successful reviews recommend using a USB or Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi for the transfer to avoid interruption. Officejet Pro 8620 Downgrade firmware blocked by hp
Unlocking Your Printer: Why the HP OfficeJet Pro 8620 Firmware Downgrade is Trending If you own an HP OfficeJet Pro 8620
, you may have recently encountered "Cartridge Problem" or "Missing/Damaged Cartridge" errors when using non-HP ink. This is due to HP's Dynamic Security Some HP printers have open telnet on port
measures, which use firmware updates to block third-party cartridges that lack an original HP chip. inkjet411.com
Because these updates can render perfectly good ink useless, the "firmware downgrade" has become a hot topic for users looking to reclaim their printer's flexibility. Why Downgrading is the "Hot" Fix
HP released new firmware in early 2026 (version 2602A/B) that tightened restrictions on third-party ink. Downgrading to an older version, like OJ8620_1910A
, allows the printer to recognize non-OEM or refilled cartridges again. HP Support Community How to Downgrade Your HP OfficeJet Pro 8620
Downgrading is a technical process. Follow these steps carefully to roll back your software. 8610 firmware downgrade - HP Support Community - 9174195
Downgrading the firmware on an HP OfficeJet Pro 8620 is a popular "hot" topic because recent updates often include "Dynamic Security" measures that block the use of third-party, non-HP, or refilled ink cartridges. By rolling back to an older firmware version (such as version 1910A), users can often bypass these restrictions. Critical Preparation
Before attempting a downgrade, you must adjust the printer's internal settings to permit the change:
Allow Downgrade: On the printer control panel, navigate to Settings > Printer Maintenance > Update Printer > Manage Updates. Set Allow Downgrade to Yes.
Enable Updates: Temporarily set Allow Updates to Yes so the printer will accept the firmware file you are about to send.
Connection: Use a direct USB cable connection between your computer and the printer. Avoid Wi-Fi during the firmware transfer to prevent data corruption. Downgrade Process (Windows) Most 8620s have this disabled after 2018 firmware
Obtain Older Firmware: HP does not officially provide old firmware on their website. You must source the specific .exe or .ful file (e.g., version FDP1CN1416AR or 1910A) from reputable third-party archives or community forums like the HP Support Community.
Run the Installer: Double-click the downloaded firmware file on your PC.
Select Printer: Choose your HP OfficeJet Pro 8620 from the dropdown list in the updater tool.
Send Firmware: Click Update or Send Firmware. The printer display will show a progress bar or change color (e.g., to light green) during the 1–5 minute process.
Restart: The printer will automatically restart once the installation is complete. Alternative: Hidden Support Menu Reset
If you cannot find the firmware file, some users attempt a "Semi-Full Reset" to revert settings, though this does not always roll back the actual firmware version:
HP removed all old firmware files from their official support site. You must find community archives.
In 2016, and subsequently in later years, HP pushed a firmware update (often masked as a routine "security update") to the OfficeJet Pro 8620 and similar models. The update installed a "Dynamic Security" feature.
When a user installed a third-party ink cartridge (remanufactured or clone), the printer would display an error message claiming the cartridge was "damaged" or "missing," effectively bricking the cartridge. While HP argued this was to protect the printer's printheads from inferior ink and protect their intellectual property, consumers and competitors (like Axis and StarJet) argued it was an anti-competitive tactic designed to monopolize the ink market.
Crucial Warning: HP has recently removed the legacy firmware files from their official FTP servers. If you find a file labeled OJPro8620_1742A.exe or OJPro8620_1709A.exe, download it immediately. These are becoming "abandonware."