Skip to content
How To Hack HP Instant Ink After Cancelling
Are you an HP Instant Ink user and have decided to cancel your subscription but still have ink left in your cartridges? Or did you simply forget to cancel your subscription before it renewed? Don’t worry, you can still use your printer and remaining ink without paying for the monthly subscription.
In this article, we will discuss how to hack HP Instant Ink after cancelling. We’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions to help you bypass HP’s restrictions and continue to use your printer without spending a dime.
Keep in mind that hacking your printer may void your warranty, so proceed with caution and at your own risk.
What Is HP Instant Ink?
HP Instant Ink is a subscription-based service launched by HP in 2013. It allows users to save money on ink and have it delivered to their doorstep when they need it, ensuring that they never run out of ink again.
The service uses sensors in your printer to detect your ink levels and sends new ink cartridges directly to your home when you need them. The prices vary depending on your plan and the number of pages you print each month.
Although this service may seem convenient, some users have found it to be a burden, especially when they realize they are not printing enough pages to justify the monthly subscription fee.
Cancellation can be tricky, and some users have reported that HP is not making it easy for them to cancel their subscription. However, with a little bit of patience and some hacking skills, you can take control of your printer and continue to use it as if you were still subscribed to the service.
1. Disable HP’s Printer Firmware
HP’s printers have firmware that limits the use of third-party ink cartridges and hacks. If you try to use a non-HP cartridge or modify the firmware, you may receive a warning message on your printer’s screen.
To disable the firmware and bypass the warnings, follow these steps:
1. Open the printer’s web interface by entering the IP address of your printer into your web browser.
2. Navigate through the printer’s settings and locate the “Web Services” tab. Disable any web-related services to prevent HP from updating your printer’s firmware.
3. Locate the “Printer Updates” option and disable it. This will prevent HP from updating your printer’s firmware automatically.
4. Some printers have an “Advanced Settings” option, which enables you to change the security settings. Change the security settings to “Off” to allow the use of non-HP ink cartridges.
By following these steps, you’ll disable HP’s firmware and bypass the limitations that can prevent you from using different types of ink cartridges.
2. Reset the Ink Cartridge Chip
HP Instant Ink cartridges have a microchip that tells the printer when the cartridge is running low. Once the printer detects low ink levels, it sends a signal to HP, who then sends you a new cartridge as part of your subscription.
When you cancel your subscription, your printer will still detect that the ink cartridges are low and will prevent you from using them. However, with a little bit of hacking, you can reset the ink cartridge chip and trick your printer into thinking that the cartridges are full.
To reset the ink cartridge chip, follow these steps:
1. Remove the ink cartridges from your printer and turn them over to reveal the copper contacts.
2. Use a piece of tape to cover the seventh contact from the left side. This will trick your printer into thinking that the cartridge is new and full.
3. Reinstall the ink cartridges into your printer, and you should be able to use them without any restrictions.
It is important to note that this method only works for some HP printer models. You can check if your printer model is compatible by searching online for “chip resetter for HP Instant Ink.”
3. Use Third-Party Ink Cartridges
HP Instant Ink cartridges are designed to work only with HP printers. While this can be limiting, there are third-party ink cartridges available that are compatible with HP printers.
Third-party ink cartridges are significantly cheaper than the HP cartridges and offer the same quality print. However, as noted earlier, this may void your printer’s warranty, so proceed at your own risk.
To use third-party ink cartridges on your HP printer, follow these steps:
1. Remove the HP cartridges from your printer and replace them with third-party ink cartridges.
2. If you see a warning message on your printer’s screen, click “continue printing” or “ok.”
3. Some users have reported that their printer stops recognizing the third-party cartridges after a few weeks. To fix this, simply remove the cartridges and reinstall them.
It is important to note that third-party ink cartridges may not work with every HP printer model. Make sure to check the compatibility before purchasing them. Additionally, using third-party cartridges may affect your print quality and can even damage your printer in the long run.
4. Use an Ink Refill Kit
Another way to save money on ink is by using ink refill kits. These kits allow you to refill your empty cartridges with ink instead of purchasing new ones.
Ink refill kits are significantly cheaper than purchasing new cartridges and are a more environmentally friendly solution. However, they can be messy and are not as convenient as using Instant Ink.
To use an ink refill kit, follow these steps:
1. Purchase an ink refill kit compatible with your printer model.
2. Carefully follow the instructions provided in the refill kit to avoid any mishaps.
3. Once you fill the cartridge with ink, reinstall it into your printer and use it as usual.
Ink refill kits are a cheaper alternative to purchasing new cartridges, but they can be time-consuming and messy. Make sure to purchase a kit from a reputable brand and read the instructions carefully before using it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I still use my HP printer if I cancel my Instant Ink subscription?
Yes, you can still use your HP printer without an active Instant Ink subscription. However, your printer may have limitations in the type of ink cartridges you can use and may receive firmware updates that restrict your printer’s functionality.
2. Can I use non-HP ink cartridges in my HP printer?
Yes, you can use non-HP ink cartridges in your HP printer. However, some HP printers have firmware that can detect the use of non-HP cartridges and display warnings on your printer’s screen.
3. Will hacking my HP printer void the warranty?
Yes, hacking your HP printer can void your warranty. Proceed at your own risk and remember that any damage caused by modifications or hacks will not be covered by your warranty.
4. Are there any risks associated with using third-party ink cartridges?
Yes, using third-party ink cartridges may affect your print quality and even damage your printer in the long run. Additionally, some users have reported that their printers stop recognizing third-party cartridges after a few weeks.
5. Are ink refill kits a good option?
Ink refill kits are a cheaper alternative to purchasing new cartridges, but they can be time-consuming and messy. Make sure to purchase a kit from a reputable brand and read the instructions carefully before using it.
Closing Thoughts
HP Instant Ink can be a convenient service, but it may not be suitable for all users. Whether you have cancelled your subscription or forgot to do so, you can still use your HP printer without spending a dime.
We have provided you with several methods to hack your HP printer and continue to use it, including disabling HP’s printer firmware, resetting the ink cartridge chip, using third-party ink cartridges, and using an ink refill kit.
Remember that hacking your printer may void your warranty, so proceed with caution and at your own risk. Always read the instructions carefully and make sure that any modifications or hacks are compatible with your printer model.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can take control of your printer and continue to use it as if you were still subscribed to HP Instant Ink.
