Instant ink scam

[HannahJD]

Is there anyway to get around the printer not letting me print? I apparently am not as tech savy as I once was and foolishly assumed that 3 months of free ink was indeed free ink cartridges for 3months. I thought I was getting a free set every month. I didn't even use my printer after buying it for almost 2 months. Have just settled in my new office to print some documents only to be told I'm locked out. I don't have any money in my bank account because I never planned on having a subscription to use my printer. I was going to enjoy my free ink cartridges as poorly and deceptively advertised. Then I would go to the store and buy my ink as needed. I'm shocked to learn that this isn't anything like I expected. I just changed my ink cartridges to the set they sent me and can't believe the scam you're pulling. I'll never buy HP and going to see about returning this printer for a refund .

[zoey7886]

@HannahJD, Thank you for reaching out. I’m truly sorry to hear about the trouble you’re experiencing, and I completely understand how frustrating this must be — especially when it feels like the service wasn’t what you expected.

Let me help clarify how the HP Instant Ink program works:

The “3 months free ink” offer refers to a free trial of the Instant Ink subscription, not physical shipments of ink every month.

During this free trial, your printer is connected to HP and ink is shipped based on usage — the printer automatically orders ink when it's running low, and you're covered for a set number of pages per month.

Once the trial ends, if not canceled, it automatically converts into a paid subscription. If payment isn't completed, or the subscription is canceled, the Instant Ink cartridges will stop working, as they are subscription-based and not standard retail cartridges.

To continue printing, you can either:

Re-activate your Instant Ink subscription via your account at 👉 https://instantink.hpconnected.com, or

Purchase standard (non-Instant Ink) HP cartridges from a store and install them in the printer.

To assist you further, could you please send:

A photo of the box or printed material that shows the "3 months free ink" offer.

For more details on how Instant Ink works, here's a helpful article:
👉 HP Instant Ink – How it Works

If our solution hit the spot, please click "Accepted Solution" to help others find the answer. And if you'd like to say thanks, select "Yes" on the bottom left as that would make our day! 

Take care, and have an incredible day ahead! 

Regards,