Bambu Lab Authorization Control System: Difference between revisions

|Status=Active

|Type=Post-purchase terms change

|Description=On January 16, 2025,Bambu Lab announced that future firmwares for their 3D printers would have an authorization and authentication mechanism.

On January 16, 2025, the 3D-printer manufacturer '''[[Bambu Lab]]''' announced that future firmwares for their 3D printers would introduce an authorization and authentication protection mechanism for their connection and control, [[Deceptive language frequently used against consumers|in the name of security]]. This mechanism restricts the use of third-party accessories and slicers, such as Panda Touch and OrcaSlicer.

A significant concern raised by the community revolves around the wording in Bambu Lab's [[Terms of Service]] (ToS) and firmware update announcements. Critics and users argue that the phrasing leaves open the possibility for the manufacturer to [[Remote disabling|remotely disable]] printers that are not updated to the latest firmware. Specifically, Bambu Lab's ToS<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=24 Apr 2024 |title=Terms of Use |url=https://bambulab.com/en-us/policies/terms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/KZqib |archive-date=27 Jan 2025 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Bambu Lab]]}} "Terms of Use" Archived on 2026-03-09 [https://ghostarchive.org/archive/vPu9I Archived 2]</ref> states that printers '''"may block new print jobs"''' if updates are not applied, which some users interpret as a potential pathway for forced obsolescence.<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2">https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223032912/https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/ Archived])</ref> While defenders of Bambu Lab point out that offline modes such as SD-card printing and [[wikipedia:Local_area_network|LAN]]-only setups would remain functional, others point out that the ToS do not explicitly limit this restriction to [[Cloud (service)|cloud]]-based printing. This ambiguity has led to speculation that Bambu Lab could enforce broader limitations, effectively rendering printers inoperable for users who choose not to update.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=@nickjohnson |title=Bambu Lab reserves the right to brick your printer until you update the firmware |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i45iy2/bambu_lab_reserves_the_right_to_brick_your/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Old Reddit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250119220606/https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i45iy2/bambu_lab_reserves_the_right_to_brick_your/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2025}}</ref>

Bambu users were concerned they would not be able to utilize their printer if they did not install this update, due to the wording of the blog and the ToS.<ref>[[:File:Bambu tos screenshot.png]]</ref> This caused confusion since users report that Bambu's blog post dated January 16th<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-22">{{Cite web |last=@BambuKidd |date=16 Jan 2025 |title=Firmware Update Introducing New Authorization Control System |url=https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/ejq3R |archive-date=16 Jan 2025 |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Bambu Lab Blog}}</ref> specifically says the following:

You may continue using an older firmware version that does not include the new security updates; however, this means the printers may miss out on important security fixes or bug patches included in newer versions. We highly encourage updating to the latest firmware version for the best experience and enhanced security.</blockquote>However, '''this was not present on the day of the announcement.''' A snapshot of their webpage from archive.is demonstrates this section did not exist on the day of the announcement, when community members voiced their concerns.<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-22" /><ref>[[:File:2024-01-16-Firmware Update Introducing New Authorization Control System.pdf]]</ref> Bambu's response to community feedback<ref>{{Cite web |last=@SpaghettiMonster |date=20 Jan 2025 |title=Updates and Third-Party Integration with Bambu Connect |url=https://blog.bambulab.com/updates-and-third-party-integration-with-bambu-connect/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Bambu Lab Blog |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216001409/https://blog.bambulab.com/updates-and-third-party-integration-with-bambu-connect/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> references ''"social media posts spreading baseless allegations and untrue claims about Bambu Lab",'' including ''"Firmware updates will block your printer’s ability to print.",'' without mentioning the context for those allegations. The context for those allegations was the lack of inclusion of the ''"What happens if I never upgrade to this firmware?"'' in Bambu's initial announcement alongside their stated terms of service.

Critics have likened this potential functionality to similar cases in other industries where manufacturers remotely restrict product features. Notable examples include [[HP]]'s printer firmware updates that [[HP Instant Ink|rendered third-party ink cartridges unusable]] and Tesla's software locks on second-hand vehicles. These parallels suggest a broader trend of manufacturers [[Retroactively amended purchase|using software to control hardware capabilities post-purchase]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Scharon |date=2025-03-19 |title=HP avoids monetary damages over bricked printers in class-action settlement |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/hp-avoids-monetary-damages-over-bricked-printers-in-class-action-settlement/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250319231817/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/hp-avoids-monetary-damages-over-bricked-printers-in-class-action-settlement/ |archive-date=2025-03-19 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref>https://www.wired.com/story/tesla-remote-disable-used-car-features/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260216002258/https://www.wired.com/story/tesla-remote-disable-used-car-features Archived])</ref>

Newly received X1E printers with firmware 01.01.02.00 will not connect to the Bambu Studio using the Lan only method password. Bambu Studio identifies the un-logged printer but will not allow a connection to the printer. Only after connection / account paring is done over the Bambu Handy app by giving internet access to the PC and Printer then utilizing the cloud service connection will Lan only communication and login work.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=Sep 2024 |title=Connect X1E to stand-alone computer |url=https://forum.bambulab.com/t/connect-x1e-to-stand-alone-computer/101474 |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Bambu Lab Community Forum |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033045/https://forum.bambulab.com/t/connect-x1e-to-stand-alone-computer/101474 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>  

*Access camera feeds through third-party applications<ref name="bambulab-forum-135400/9">{{Cite web |last=@hho |date=16 Jan 2025 |title=Am I wrong in understanding that Bambu Connect is just a upgraded version of what used to be the network plugin? The difference is that it’s not a plugin anymore. The only API offered is signing/sending .3mf files – everything else is only in Bambu Connect, but not available to other tools anymore: No syncing AMS filaments, no access to cloud-synced print profiles, no manually moving/heating the printer, no monitoring progress, no access to the camera etc. So yeah, Orca could probably implement a new “Send” button, but the “Device” Tab will be gone and preparing prints would also be a lot worse… I still don’t fully understand why they’re doing this. If they did it to Bambu Studio as well, then it would make more sense (not linking their closed-source plugin against the GPLd slicer anymore, finally complying with the license), but as it stands it seems they’ll only kneecap Orca (and any goodwill in the community around it). |url=https://forum.bambulab.com/t/this-new-auth-system-will-make-me-sell-my-printers/135400/9 |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Bambu Lab Community Forum |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033106/https://forum.bambulab.com/t/this-new-auth-system-will-make-me-sell-my-printers/135400/9 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

The manufacturer states this change is required for security, but community members note that many of the security vulnerabilities being addressed stem from Bambu's own cloud-centric design choices rather than inherent risks of local network control<ref name="bambulab-forum-134549/12">{{Cite web |date=14 Jan 2025 |title=Bambu Studio 1.10.2 Public Beta |url=https://forum.bambulab.com/t/bambu-studio-1-10-2-public-beta/134549/12 |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Bambu Lab Community Forum |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033127/https://forum.bambulab.com/t/bambu-studio-1-10-2-public-beta/134549/12 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>. The update forces users into using Bambu Connect middleware if they want to retain limited cloud functionality.

For users that would want to use a third-party slicer while using their cloud service, Bambu would require those users to download and install Bambu Connect in order to send gcode wirelessly over LAN or over the cloud. While Bambu claims that they were in contact with SoftFever, the developer of OrcaSlicer, as of writing, SoftFever still does not have any keys for Bambu Connect and the new firmware is only available as opt-in beta at the moment.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=@fever_soft |date=18 Jan 2025 |title=This is definitely a bummer. I was negotiating for an authorization key to allow OrcaSlicer to communicate with their device like BambuStudio does, but today I was told they won't support this. Only their slicer can send prints directly; others must use their Bambu Connect application |url=https://x.com/fever_soft/status/1880630570809795034?t=qJyh4SGFZFllcYrqexGW-Q |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[X]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004104021/https://x.com/fever_soft/status/1880630570809795034?t=qJyh4SGFZFllcYrqexGW-Q |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref>

At the time of writing user Tzeny15 on reddit, has authored a five step guide to blocking internet access for the Bambu P1S as a precaution in case the manufacturer attempts to limit functionality for printers without the newest firmware.<ref> {{Cite web |last=@Tzeny15 |title=LAN mode with live view, remote monitoring+control and blocked internet access - a five step guide |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i4vp5i/lan_mode_with_live_view_remote_monitoringcontrol/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250310115818/https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i4vp5i/lan_mode_with_live_view_remote_monitoringcontrol/ |archive-date=10 Mar 2025}}</ref>

ChazLayyd's Bambu Lab Klipper Conversion project is currently in an incomplete stage<ref>{{Cite web |last=@ChazLayyd |title=Running Klipper on a Bambu Lab machine by replacing it's internal electronics with readily available open-source hardware. |url=https://github.com/ChazLayyd/Bambu-Lab-Klipper-Conversion |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=GitHub |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251116182420/https://github.com/ChazLayyd/Bambu-Lab-Klipper-Conversion |archive-date=16 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>[https://discord.gg/W6B5mBejuC DhazLayyd's Discord Community] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033213/https://discord.com/invite/W6B5mBejuC Archived])</ref>. While the project was not made in response to Bambu's announcement, there has been a wave of new public interest in this specific project. ChazLayyd's documentation instructs P1S owners to non-destructively remove the old control electronics that run Bambu's proprietary software and instructs P1S owners to install off-the-shelf control components so that the existing motor connectors and other critical electronics can communicate with the newly-installed off-the-shelf control components.  

===Alternative software to prevent auto update(tells the server its version 99+ for now)===

*Professional users with more than 20 printers report the new workflow as "an absolute nightmare"<ref>{{Cite web |last=@drakko |date=16 Jan 2025 |title=Oh, the beta version. Luckily, I don’t allow new firmware on my machine, not until I see multiple validations from trustworthy users. So, in this respect I’m safe. Also, I never trust a beta version, no matter how reliable the releaser is. Thx for the clarification @Square3D . Appreciated. |url=https://forum.bambulab.com/t/this-new-auth-system-will-make-me-sell-my-printers/135400/4 |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Bambu Lab Community Forum |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033245/https://forum.bambulab.com/t/this-new-auth-system-will-make-me-sell-my-printers/135400/4 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Customer reactions have been overwhelmingly negative.<ref>{{Cite web |last=@hho |date=15 Jan 2025 |title=Improvements Introduce authorization and authentication protection mechanism: Bambu Studio now supports signing and encrypting control commands sent to printers when the printer supports authorization and authentication protection. The printer will determine whether the commands can be executed. Hmmm. This reads suspiciously vague. It could mean that Bambu printers get an onboard permission handling, so that you can “lock down” your printer and set what commands can be run. But it could also mean that Bambu printers in (or of?) the future will only run Gcode encrypted and signed by Bambu Studio… |url=https://forum.bambulab.com/t/bambu-studio-1-10-2-public-beta/134549/4 |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Bambu Lab Community Forum |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033306/https://forum.bambulab.com/t/bambu-studio-1-10-2-public-beta/134549/4 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=@iranintoavan |title=Firmware Update Introducing New Authorization Control System |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i2psvz/firmware_update_introducing_new_authorization/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 May 2025 |website=Old Reddit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250403012526/https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i2psvz/firmware_update_introducing_new_authorization/ |archive-date=3 Apr 2025}}</ref> Bambu Lab has historically pushed cloud-based printer interaction while offering limited LAN mode functionality<ref name=":4" />. Many customers argue that the security issues this locked-down firmware claims to address are actually consequences of the company's cloud-based design choices rather than inherent risks of local network control,<ref name="bambulab-forum-134549/12" /> which continues to infuriate users who are now told that security is the justification for a loss of freedom. As a result of the announcement of the shift, customer ratings on sites like Trustpilot rapidly dropped,<ref>https://www.trustpilot.com/review/bambulab.com?sort=recency ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251004104031/https://www.trustpilot.com/review/bambulab.com?sort=recency Archived])</ref> with many reviews citing the restrictions as the reason for the bad reviews.

It is understood that the following section has been part of the Bambu Lab TOS at least since January 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |last=@X1Plus |title=X1plus community Bambu Lab firmware - A win for everyone? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/18zaay0/x1plus_community_bambu_lab_firmware_a_win_for/kggqg4n/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222212657/https://old.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/18zaay0/x1plus_community_bambu_lab_firmware_a_win_for/kggqg4n/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> with some users suggesting that the purpose is to restrict development, while others argue that this is a standard clause used by companies around the world<ref>{{Cite web |last=@mflexx |title=Not updated. And this part is shared by pretty much every company that has ever existed on this planet. That's just blatant karma farming at this point. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1ibhhg7/updated_tos_shots_fired/m9i78kj/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222212738/https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1ibhhg7/updated_tos_shots_fired/m9i78kj/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=1 May 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>.