Why are Printers Region Locked?
Many modern printers are region locked. This means they are programmed to accept ink or toner cartridges from a specific geographical region only.
If a printer was originally sold in the UK, it is designed to work with UK-region cartridges. Cartridges from other regions, such as the US or anywhere outside of the EU, will be rejected by the printer, even if they are genuine and appear to be the correct model.
This behaviour is controlled by the printer manufacturer and is built into the printer’s internal software.
What is Printer Region Locking?
When a printer is manufactured, it is assigned a regional code based on where it is intended to be sold. Ink and toner cartridges are also produced with matching regional codes.
How Ink Cartridge Region Codes Work
For a cartridge to work, the region code of the cartridge must match the region code stored in the printer. If the regions do not match, the printer will display an incompatibility error and refuse to print.
This applies regardless of whether the cartridge is original or compatible.
Original vs Compatible Cartridges – Do Compatible Ink Cartridges Bypass Region Locking?
Region locking affects all cartridges equally.
A UK printer will only accept UK-region cartridges, whether they are original branded cartridges or compatible alternatives. Likewise, a printer sourced from another region will require cartridges from that same region.
Can You Change a Printer’s Region Settings?
Most printers do not allow permanent region changes.
Some manufacturers permit a limited number of region changes during the initial setup process. Once that limit is reached, the printer becomes permanently locked to its original region.
After this point, only cartridges from that region will be accepted.
Key Point to Be Aware Of
A UK printer requires UK-region ink or toner cartridges. If the printer was purchased outside the UK, it may require non-UK cartridges even when used here.
Why UK Printers Only Accept UK Ink or Toner Cartridges
Region locking is a manufacturer-imposed restriction and is not related to cartridge quality, authenticity, or whether the cartridge is compatible or original.
Our Stinky Verdict
Region locking is rarely highlighted at the point of sale, but it plays a significant role in cartridge compatibility.
Matching the cartridge region to the printer’s original region is essential. When the regions align, cartridges work as expected. When they do not, the printer will reject them.
If there is any uncertainty about a printer’s origin or cartridge compatibility, checking before purchasing is the best way to avoid unnecessary issues.
