Request to manually release HP LaserJet MFP M234dw from Instant Ink / HP+ backend

[IoBatson]

Hello HP Instant Ink Support,

I’m reaching out for help with a printer/account issue that appears to require action on HP’s side.

My printer is an HP LaserJet MFP M234dw. The Instant Ink subscription for this device was canceled as of April 7, and all balances have been paid. At this point, we are simply trying to fully reset the printer relationship to the account and remove any remaining Instant Ink or HP+ enrollment tie so the printer can be used normally again.

Right now, the core problem is that the printer appears to still be locked or associated with the subscription on the backend, even though the cancellation has already been processed on your side.

In HP Smart, we are still unable to remove the printer because the system continues to behave as though it is actively enrolled. That is preventing us from cleanly resetting and re-registering the device, and it also appears to be interfering with normal setup and printing.

Here is what we have already confirmed and tried:

• The printer is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi

• The printer has a valid local IP address and is reachable on the network

• The printer’s Embedded Web Server loads correctly in the browser

• Wireless/network status on the printer shows connected and ready

• The HP app/dashboard has shown stale or conflicting status information

• We removed the printer from Windows printer settings and removed local printer entries from the computer

• We attempted to re-add the printer

• We attempted the documented network reset steps

• We attempted deeper reset / cold reset steps to clear local settings

• We tested with the original cartridge again after briefly swapping cartridges, and the original issue remained

• Despite all of that, we are still ending up in the same state where the device cannot be cleanly removed or reset inside HP Smart because it appears to still be associated with the canceled subscription

Based on the behavior, this no longer looks like a local Wi-Fi or hardware problem. It appears to be an HP account / Instant Ink / HP+ backend association issue.

What we need from your team is:

1. Please confirm that the Instant Ink cancellation for this printer is fully completed on the backend

2. Please manually remove or un-enroll this printer from any remaining Instant Ink and/or HP+ backend association

3. Please release the printer from the HP account so it can either be removed from HP Smart or set up again cleanly

4. Please confirm whether there are any remaining account, billing cycle, or backend restrictions still attached to this specific device

If there is a remaining billing-cycle hold or delayed backend release, please let us know the exact date and status. If manual intervention is required, please complete that release on your side.

Account details:
First name: 
Last name: 
Email: (edited)

Please let us know once the printer has been fully released from the Instant Ink / HP+ backend, or if you need the serial number and any additional account verification details to complete this request.

Thank you,

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @IoBatson,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

Yes, Instant Ink has been successfully canceled on your account.

Could you please let me know what error message you see when trying to use the cartridge? Also, are you currently using a standard cartridge or one that was provided as part of the Instant Ink subscription?

Please note that once an HP+ account is enrolled, it cannot be deleted or canceled.

Meanwhile, try this step:

Revoke the Web Services connection

• Open the printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS) by typing its IP address into a web browser.
• Click on the Web Services tab and select Remove Web Services or Disable.
• Wait for the printer to print a confirmation page, which effectively "unplugs" the hardware from the HP Cloud and breaks the stale subscription link.

We're looking forward to helping you get back up and running! 

Best regards,

Kuroi_Kenshi

[IoBatson]

Got it — here’s a clean, firm follow-up you can send to HP that lays everything out without sounding ranty, but still makes it clear you’re stuck in their loop.

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Hello,

I’m following up regarding my HP LaserJet MFP M234dw printer, as I’m still unable to use the device despite canceling my Instant Ink subscription.

Here’s a summary of what has been done so far:

• My Instant Ink subscription was canceled as of April 6.

• The printer still shows that it is connected to HP Web Services and HP Connected.

• Status in the Embedded Web Server confirms:

  • Web Services: Enabled

  • Internet Connection: Connected

  • Printer connected to HP Connected: Connected

• I accessed the printer’s Embedded Web Server via IP (10.0.0.50).

• Navigated to the HP Web Services section and attempted to locate an option to “Remove Web Services” or “Disable Web Services.”

• That option is not present anywhere in the interface (including scrolling, checking submenus, and admin access).

• As a result, I am unable to revoke the Web Services connection as previously advised.

Current issues:

• The printer shows “Printer Cannot Print.”

• The Instant Ink cartridge is no longer usable (expected after cancellation).

• When attempting to install a non-HP or compatible cartridge, the printer blocks usage and indicates it cannot be used.

• The printer still behaves as though it is actively tied to a subscription or HP+ environment.

• I am unable to reset or remove the HP Connected / Web Services link from the device.

• I cannot fully reset the printer to a normal standalone state.

At this point, I am effectively unable to use the printer at all, even with a new cartridge.

I need assistance with one of the following:

1. Fully removing or disabling HP Web Services / HP Connected from the printer.

2. Resetting the device so it is no longer tied to HP+ or Instant Ink.

3. Confirming whether this device is permanently locked to HP+ and, if so, what options are available to restore normal functionality.

Please provide clear, step-by-step instructions or initiate any required backend actions to remove the HP Connected association from this printer.

I appreciate your help in resolving this, as the device is currently unusable.

Thank you,

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If you want, I can also give you a slightly more aggressive version (still professional, just less patient) in case they come back with another copy-paste response.

[IoBatson]