Installed new HP Instant Ink cartridge. Now printer won't work.

[LindaLM1]

I installed a brand new HP Instant Ink cartridge.  Now the printer won't work.  It was fine before the new cartridge.   I have spent several hours over two days trying to solve this problem.  Shut off/on, uninstall/reinstall.  All other devices on the network are fine.  I've been through the HP troubleshooting apps multiple times.  Printer and HP Instant Ink membership were working perfectly until that new cartridge.

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @LindaLM1,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I understand how frustrating this is, especially since everything was working perfectly until the new Instant Ink cartridge was installed. Based on your description, this is not a hardware failure and not a network outage. This is a known HP Instant Ink authentication/synchronization issue that can occur immediately after inserting a new Instant Ink cartridge. Please follow the steps below exactly in order to fix the issue.

1: Verify Web Services are enabled on the printer

Instant Ink cannot work unless Web Services are ON.

On the printer control panel:

1. Go to Setup / Settings
2. Select Web Services
3. Confirm Web Services = ON

If Web Services are OFF, turn them ON and allow the printer several minutes to connect.

STEP 2: Power reset the printer (mandatory)

This clears cached Instant Ink data.

1. Leave the printer ON
2. Disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer
3. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet
4. Wait 60 seconds
5. Plug the power cord directly into a wall outlet (no power strip)
6. Reconnect it to the printer
7. Turn the printer ON

STEP 3: Reseat the Instant Ink cartridge

1. Open the cartridge access door
2. Remove the new Instant Ink cartridge
3. Confirm:  
   • ✅ The orange protective tape is completely removed
   • ✅ The cartridge label says Instant Ink
4. Reinsert the cartridge firmly until it clicks
5. Close the access door

⏱️ Wait up to 5 minutes. Instant Ink cartridges can take time to authenticate.

STEP 4: Refresh Web Services (very effective)

If the printer still will not work, do the following from the printer:

1. Go to Setup / Settings
2. Select Web Services
3. Tap Remove Web Services
4. Confirm and allow the printer to restart
5. After the restart, return to Web Services
6. Turn Web Services ON
7. Print the Information Page when prompted

This creates a new secure connection and forces Instant Ink to re‑validate the cartridge.

HP guide: Can't connect an HP printer to Web Services | HP® Support

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!