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Home › Pay › Nickel-and-dime tactics › Locked-in ink and parts
Paying again for what you already have

When your device only works with the maker's supplies

Some products are sold cheaply, then make their money on the supplies and parts you must keep buying. Chips in printer ink cartridges, software that pairs parts to one device, and accessories that only fit one brand can all lock you in. You may end up paying far more over time than the device itself cost.

Where you’ll see it

Printer ink with chipsSome printers check a chip on each cartridge and may reject or warn about cartridges from other makers. Some printer makers have pushed software updates that blocked cartridges that worked before.
Phone parts pairingSome phones link parts like screens, batteries or cameras to that one device. A working replacement part may trigger warnings or lose features unless the maker's own process is used.
Coffee pods and razor cartridgesSome coffee machines and razors are priced low, while the pods or blades that fit them cost much more per use over time.
Water and air filters with chipsSome refrigerators, pitchers and air purifiers use filters with chips or special shapes, so lower-cost compatible filters may not fit or may set off warnings.
Brand-only chargers and cablesSome devices use special chargers, cables or batteries, so a lost or broken accessory must be replaced with a pricier brand-name part.
Car keys and dealer-only partsReplacement key fobs and some car parts may need dealer programming or special tools, which can cost much more than the part itself.

What it really costs them

A chip on an ink cartridge or a software check on a phone part costs very little to add. Its main job is often to steer you back to the maker's own supplies, which can carry high markups. Blocking a working part is usually a software decision, not a safety or quality need.

To be fair, some checks protect you, like warnings about unsafe batteries, and brand-name supplies can be well made. Making ink and parts costs money too. The issue is when the device is built to refuse or downgrade working options from other sellers so you have no real choice.

How to spot it

  • Ink or filter prices are high compared with the low price of the device.
  • A device shows warnings about non-genuine or unknown parts.
  • A software update suddenly makes your old supplies stop working.
  • Only one brand of charger, cartridge or pod fits.
  • Repair shops say they cannot replace a part without the maker's tools.
  • The product requires an ink or supply subscription to unlock features.

What you can do

  1. Before buying, look up the cost of supplies and figure the cost over a few years.
  2. Choose printers and devices known to accept compatible supplies or refillable tanks.
  3. Consider turning off automatic firmware updates on a printer if updates have blocked supplies.
  4. Use independent repair shops when it makes sense. Under federal law, that alone generally cannot void your warranty.
  5. Keep receipts for parts and repairs in case of a warranty dispute.
  6. Report a company that says outside parts void your warranty to the FTC.
Things you can say:
  • “How much do replacement cartridges or parts cost per year?”
  • “Will this work with other brands of supplies?”
  • “Will using an independent repair shop affect my warranty?”

Rules and your rights

Under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the FTC says a company generally cannot void your warranty or deny coverage just because you used another company's parts or an independent repair shop, unless it provides those parts or services free. It can deny coverage for damage those parts caused. Oregon's right-to-repair law limits parts pairing that blocks working replacement parts on many electronics made and sold there after January 1, 2025. You can report warranty problems at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Related common problems

Related guides

Common questions

Will using cheaper ink void my printer warranty?

Under federal warranty law, a company generally cannot void your warranty just because you used another brand of ink, unless it gives you its ink for free. It can refuse to cover damage that the other ink actually caused. If a company tells you otherwise, you can report it to the FTC.

What is parts pairing?

Parts pairing is when a maker uses software to tie a part, such as a screen or battery, to one specific device. A replacement part that works may show warnings or lose features unless the maker's own repair process is used. Oregon has passed a law limiting this for many electronics.

How can I avoid getting locked into expensive supplies?

Before you buy, look up what the ink, pods, filters or parts cost and how often you will need them. Compare the total cost over a few years, not just the device price. Choose products that accept compatible or refillable supplies and have good independent repair options.

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Sources: FTC Consumer Alert: FTC says companies' warranty restrictions were illegal ↗ · Oregon Legislature: SB 1596 (2024) measure analysis ↗

General consumer information, not legal or financial advice. Practices and prices change; check the business’s current terms. AblePro has no relationship with any company named here.