How to Fix "Cartridge Cannot Be Used until Printer Is Enrolled in HP Instant Ink" Error

Are you facing the frustrating "Cartridge cannot be used until printer is enrolled in HP Instant Ink" error on your HP printer? This is a common problem that occurs in HP Plus printers. In this blog, we will provide 3 practical solutions to this problem. It is of great help to those users who have accidentally logged out of the HP Instant Ink service and who want to continue using their HP+ printer effectively after out-of-service.

Index:

I. What Causes This Error?

HP Plus printer is a smart printer with cloud-based printing service. It requires an Internet connection and is usually suffixed with the letter "e," such as HP LaserJet M110we, HP LaserJet M234sdwe. This type of printer comes with HP Instant Ink cartridges.

When you use HP Instant Ink cartridges in a HP Plus printer that is not connected to the HP Instant Ink service, a "Cartridge cannot be used until printer is enrolled in HP Instant Ink" error is often displayed.

You may have accidentally disconnected your HP Plus printer from your subscription service, such as due to a network outage. Additionally, this message will also appear on your printer if you cancel your HP Instant Ink subscription.

This can be an annoying dilemma, but don't worry, there are ways around it.

II. How to Bypass "Cartridge Cannot Be Used until Printer Is Enrolled in HP Instant Ink"

Here are 3 solutions that can help you resolve the error message.

1. Resubscribe to HP Instant Ink Service

The easiest way to fix this error is to resubscribe to the HP Instant Ink service.  Follow these steps to re-establish the link between the printer and your HP Instant Ink subscription:

Step 1: Sign in to Your HP Instant Ink Account

• Visit the HP Instant Ink website at https://hpconnected.com/.
• Log in using the email address and password you used when setting up your subscription. If you forget your password, please follow the instructions provided to reset it.

Step 2: Manage Subscription

• Once logged in, click the "Manage Subscription" button.
• On the subscription page, make sure your printer is turned on and connected to Wi-Fi. You should see the "connected" status along with the current date and time.

Now, check the display of your HP printer. It should show that your printer is registered with HP Instant Ink again.

This should resolve the "Cartridge cannot be used until printer is enrolled in HP Instant Ink" error so you can print normally.

2. HP Instant Ink Hack

For those who want to use an HP+ printer without the HP Instant Ink program, here are some inspirations.

Step 1: Cancel Subscription to HP Instant Ink Service

If you determine that HP Instant Ink no longer meets your needs and wish to cancel your subscription, here's how you can do it:

Method 1: Cancel Subscription via the HP Smart App

• Download the HP Smart app and create an account (if you don’t have one).
• Open the HP Smart appand click the "HP Instant Ink" button.
• Select "Update Plan" and then scroll down to find "Plan Details."
• Then click "Cancel my HP Instant Ink Subscription".
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the cancellation process, which includes acknowledgment of terms, such as terminating cartridge functionality at the end of the billing cycle.

If you're having trouble canceling your HP Instant Ink subscription, you can try restoring your printer settings to factory defaults, which typically breaks HP's subscription program.

Open the printer's utility, select the menu, and click “Restore Printer to Factory Default Settings”.

HP Instant Ink messages can be disabled using either method, and the program should automatically deactivate at the end of the billing cycle.

Step 2: Reset the Printer Network

After canceling the HP Instant Ink service, you will need to reset the printer network before the end of the current billing cycle. Here are the steps to reset your printer network:

• Press the Wi-Fi icon to access the Wi-Fi details page on the printer.
• Click Settings and then press Restore Network Settings.
• Disconnect the printer from your computer settings.
• Press and hold the Wi-Fi-Direct icon for three seconds to enable Wi-Fi Direct on the printer.
• Connect the computer to HP's Wi-Fi.
• Re-add the printer to your computer settings.

By following these steps, you will be able to continue using your HP printer without Instant Ink. This error message no longer hinders your printing tasks. You should be able to start printing normally! The remaining HP Instant Ink cartridges (if they are not already empty) can be used up without any problems. 

For further details, read our blog How To Hack HP Instant Ink After Cancelling.

3. Buy Standard HP Cartridges / Compatible HP Cartridges

The last way is to use standard HP cartridges or compatible HP cartridges, which we recommend.

For HP+ printers, first, cancel your HP Instant Ink subscription. Then, remove the old HP Instant Ink cartridges and put the HP standard cartridges into your printer. This can solve the “Cartridge cannot be used until printer is enrolled in HP Instant Ink” error.

Don’t Know the Difference between HP Instant Ink Cartridges and HP Standard Cartridges?

They differ in how they are obtained. HP Instant Ink cartridges are generally not available for purchase directly. They are automatically shipped to you by HP when it detects that your printer’s toner/ink level is low. HP standard cartridges can be purchased directly online or in stores, such as the HP website and retail stores. Therefore, if you want to use HP standard cartridges with HP+ printers, you only need to buy them from any genuine website.

There Is a More Cost-Effective Way - Buy Compatible HP Cartridges.

• First, unsubscribe from the HP Instant Ink service, remove HP Instant Ink cartridges, and use HP standard cartridges instead.
• When the HP standard cartridges run out, purchase compatible HP cartridges(No Chip version).
• Next, transfer the HP standard cartridge chip to the new compatible product.
• Finally, place the assembled cartridge into your printer. Your HP+ printer will work smoothly.

Note: You cannot transfer HP chips from HP Instant Ink cartridges or cartridges that come with HP Plus printers. The chip in the HP Instant Ink cartridge requires a subscription to the HP Instant Ink service, which may cause the error message again.

III. Available on These HP Plus Printer Models

The above solutions can be applied to HP+ printers using these HP cartridges.

 True Image offers high quality compatible toner cartridges for HP+ printers without chips. They produce crisp text and sharp lines at a fraction of the OEM price, making them worth a try. 30-Day Money Back Guarantee & Free Shipping over $30!

IV. Conclusion

It can be frustrating to encounter the "Cartridge cannot be used until printer is enrolled in HP Instant Ink" error, but there are ways to fix it. If you want to continue using your HP Plus printer after canceling the subscription, you can refer to the solutions we provide. Hope this blog helps you out with some troubles.