Trapped by the Update: A Deep Dive into the HP OfficeJet Pro 8620 Firmware Downgrade Nightmare

If you own an HP OfficeJet Pro 8620, you likely bought it for one reason: cheap, high-volume printing. For years, this workhorse was the king of the SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) market. But recently, a quiet war has been raging in printer forums. The battle cry? "How do I force a firmware downgrade on my 8620?"

Let’s rip the bandage off. HP doesn't want you to downgrade. In fact, as of late 2024 and into 2025, they have made it incredibly difficult. But why is there such a high demand for "old" software? And is there a "new" trick to rolling it back?

Here is the current state of play for the HP OfficeJet Pro 8620.

Q3: I downgraded, but my third-party cartridges still don’t work.

Perform a Hard Reset:

• With printer on, unplug power cord.
• Hold down Cancel and Start Copy Color while plugging back in.
• Hold for 15 seconds. This clears the non-volatile memory (NVRAM) where the old cartridge lockout persists.

The Brutal Truth: Downgrading is No Longer "Official"

Let me save you two hours of Googling: HP removed the official downgrade path.

In the past, you could visit HP’s support site, download an older .exe or .rfu file, and run it via USB. The printer would happily roll back. Today, HP’s servers block those requests. Even if you find the old file, the printer’s bootloader may reject it citing "Older version not allowed."

Summary

Downgrading the HP OfficeJet Pro 8620 is a high-risk procedure. HP has successfully implemented "Anti-Rollback" features on many 8620 units produced in recent years. If you cannot find the specific older firmware file or if the official utility blocks the install, you may be forced to keep the current firmware.

Best Advice: If your goal is simply to use cheaper ink, check if your ink supplier offers a "new generation" chip that is compatible with the latest HP firmware updates.

Downgrading the HP OfficeJet Pro 8620 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

firmware is typically performed to bypass "Dynamic Security" updates that block non-HP or third-party ink cartridges. While HP does not officially support downgrading and warns of potential risks like "bricking" the device, users often use specific workarounds to restore compatibility with aftermarket ink. Step 1: Preparation & Disabling Auto-Updates

Before attempting a downgrade, you must prevent the printer from immediately re-updating to the latest version.

On the Printer Panel: Navigate to Settings > Printer Maintenance > Update Printer and set it to Manual or Never.

Alternative Path: In the Manage Updates menu, ensure Allow Downgrade is set to Yes and Check Automatically is set to Off.

Connection: Use a direct USB cable connection between your computer and the printer rather than Wi-Fi to ensure stability during the process. Step 2: Obtain Legacy Firmware

HP generally removes older firmware versions from their official site. You may need to:

Search for a specific version like 1828A (from 2018) or earlier on reputable third-party sites like CompAndSave or ComboInk.

Ensure the file is exactly for the HP OfficeJet Pro 8620 series to avoid permanent damage. Step 3: Execute the Downgrade

The HP Officejet Pro 8620 is a powerhouse printer, but many users have found themselves locked out of using affordable third-party ink cartridges due to "Dynamic Security" features included in recent firmware updates. If your printer suddenly rejects non-HP cartridges with a "Supply Problem" or "Cartridge Error," a firmware downgrade is often the only solution.

This guide provides the most current methods to downgrade your HP Officejet Pro 8620 firmware to restore compatibility with third-party ink. Why Downgrade Your HP 8620 Firmware?

HP regularly pushes firmware updates to "improve performance," but these updates often include code designed to recognize and block non-HP chips. By downgrading to an older version (typically versions from 2014 or 2015), you bypass these restrictions.

Cost Savings: Use remanufactured or compatible cartridges at a fraction of the cost.

Reduced Waste: Keep perfectly good cartridges out of landfills.

Printer Autonomy: Take back control over what supplies you put in your hardware. Prerequisites Before You Begin

Before attempting a downgrade, ensure you have the following ready:

A USB Cable: Do not attempt a firmware downgrade over Wi-Fi; a dropped signal can "brick" (permanently disable) your printer.

The Correct Firmware File: You specifically need the HP Officejet Pro 8620 N911n firmware, usually version FDP1CN1416AR or earlier.

Windows or Mac PC: Most downgrade tools are executable (.exe) or disk image (.dmg) files. Step-by-Step Downgrade Process 1. Disable Automatic Updates

Before downgrading, prevent the printer from immediately re-updating itself. On the printer control panel, swipe down the dashboard. Go to Setup (Gear Icon) > Printer Maintenance. Select Update the Printer > Printer Update Options. Select Do Not Check. 2. Enter "Refurbish" or "MFG" Mode

Some newer firmware versions block standard downgrades. You may need to put the printer into a special state: Turn the printer off.

While holding the Power button, press the Back (curved arrow) button 4 times. The printer should boot into a "Support Menu."

Navigate to Enable/Disable Menu and ensure "Firmware Update" is enabled.

Q1: My printer shows “Downgrade Not Allowed” – why?

HP’s firmware from February 2025 implements a hardware fuse. Once blown, you cannot downgrade below version 2.1. Check your current version. If it’s 2.1.7 or higher, the new method above will still work because it exploits the bootloader, not the firmware. But if you see error code 0x61011d3 during downgrade, your printer is permanently locked.