New printer,have Insta- ink subscription - question about initial delivery

[Lindy39]

My new HP printer came with the initial ink cartridges. I have no issue with this, but the first delivery of insta- ink gives instructions to install the new cartridges on delivery- even though there is still ink in the initial cartridges. Seems like a dumb question, but do I waste the initial ink and switch to the Insta- ink cartridges? Is this to monitor my printing for the ink program? 

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @Lindy39 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

That’s a very reasonable question. Here’s how HP Instant Ink works with the cartridges that come in the box versus the subscription cartridges:

• Setup cartridges (in the box): These are standard HP cartridges meant to get your printer running right away. They’ll work fine, but they are not tied to the Instant Ink program.
   
• Instant Ink cartridges (first delivery): These are special subscription cartridges. They contain more ink than standard ones and are designed to work only while your printer is enrolled in Instant Ink. They also allow HP to monitor page counts and ink levels so the program can automatically ship replacements before you run out.

Do you need to swap immediately? 
No—you don’t have to waste the initial cartridges. You can continue using the setup cartridges until they run low. Once you install the Instant Ink cartridges, the subscription officially takes over, and monitoring/reporting begins. HP recommends installing them when they arrive so the program can start tracking usage, but it’s perfectly fine to finish the ink already in your setup cartridges first.

HP Instant Ink – Ink Monthly Subscription | HP Official Site

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye