Getting a MUST REGISTER on HP Instant Ink for new HP 910 Cartridges. WHY?

[Jay3296]

QUIT using the HP Ink service since my printer usage varies greatly dependent upon the calendar month.

So I have been buying 910 Ink Cartridges on eBay and other big discount stores on an "as needed" basis.  These purchases are always new, HP original ink cartridges with expiration dates at least a year out (i.e., 2026 for current 2025)  I have not downloaded any new Printer software updates since my 8022e printer purchase in 2024.  The latest HP cartridges I tried to install would not validate until I sign up for the HP Ink Service.  WHY?  HOW DO I GET BACK to my normal??  This is STUPID, HP!!!  I DON'T WANT HP INSTANT INK!!!!  HELP.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Jay3296,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

We understand how frustrating it is when your HP OfficeJet 8022e printer suddenly refuses to accept genuine HP 910 cartridges unless you re-enroll in HP Instant Ink. You're not alone in this, and we’re here to help you get back to normal printing without being forced into a subscription
 

🧠 Why This Is Happening

Your printer is part of the HP+ program, which includes features like Instant Ink and cloud-based printing. If your printer was activated with HP+, it may enforce cartridge validation rules that require HP Instant Ink enrollment, even for genuine cartridges.
 

This behavior is tied to firmware and account settings, not the cartridge itself.

Steps to Return to Normal Cartridge Use

1. Check HP+ Activation Status

• If your printer was activated with HP+, it cannot be reverted to standard mode.
• HP+ printers require HP original cartridges and may enforce Instant Ink validation.

🔗 HP ink cartridge issues including, incompatible, missing and not recognized errors | HP® Support

2. Remove Instant Ink Enrollment (If Possible)

• Sign in to your HP account at instantink.hpconnected.com
• Cancel your Instant Ink subscription.
• Wait for confirmation that your printer is no longer enrolled.

⚠️ Note: If your printer is HP+ activated, it will still require original HP cartridges and may reject cartridges not validated through HP’s system, even if they are genuine.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[Jay3296]

THANX for the reply, Vikram the Great.  But still have my problem. 

NO - My 8022e Printer was not part of the HP+ Activation Service.  The Warranty has expired as of Feb 2024, and it was for 1 year.  And, NO - THIS printer was never enrolled in the Instant Ink service (My two prior Office Jet printers were listed, and I had un-enrolled for these ones years ago).  The 8022e was not listed for as an enrolled printer for Instant Ink on the web site and (intentionally) never enrolled.  

Just tried replacing one (versus all three) color cartridges and still was unsuccessful.  And the warning "I MUST enroll into the Instant Ink program to uses this cartridge" remains.  PLEASE NOTE:  I bought this set of color cartridges on eBay as a set of 910 color cartridges.  HOWEVER, the old empty cartridges were identified only as "910".  These new (unusable) cartridges state on the top  "910  912  914  916".   Apparently,  HP differentiates between the two sets of cartridges.  And I am guessing this is the problem.  

Comments anyone????  ....Thanx. Jay3296

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Jay3296,

Thank you for getting back and letting me know.

Please help us with the Printer serial number or the product number in a private message for further assistance.
 

Here is the link to find the product serial number: - Click here

To access your private messages, simply click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile and send a private message to me with the serial number, because we value your privacy.
 

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[Jay3296]

PLEASE note that today I went to Wally's Mart and purchased a tri-color 910 Ink Cartridge set.  When opened, the top of each of the cartridges listed ONLY the "910"  ink type.  All three ink cartridges installed correctly, and my 8020e printer is back in operation.

I do not know why the eBay cartridges, labeled "HP 910  912  914  914" did not work.  They are definitely HP original, sealed cartridges, but my 8020e printer did not accept them (previously confirmed this printer was not listed as an HP+ service, nor was it even installed for the HP Ink Service - so UN-installing the Ink Service was not even an option).

BUYER BEWARE.  The "HP 910" Cartridges ARE NOT THE SAME AS the " HP 910  912  914  916" Cartridges and probably will NOT WORK in your 8022e HP printer.   Good luck...  Jay

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Jay3296,

I’m really sorry you had to go through that, and thank you for the clear write-up. I know how frustrating it is to buy original-sealed cartridges and still have compatibility problems. We want to help get to the bottom of this.
 

To investigate, could you please attach a few clear photos (you can upload them here) of the cartridges and packaging so we can check the markings and security features? Please include:
 

1. A close-up of the top label of the cartridges that worked (showing only “910”).
2. A close-up of the top label of the eBay cartridges that did not work (the ones labelled “HP 910 912 914 916” etc.).
3. A photo of the chip/contact area on each cartridge (close enough to read any codes on the chip).
4. Photos of the front and back of the sealed packaging/box for each cartridge set (including UPC/barcode, lot code, QR/security label if present).
5. A photo of your printer’s product label (usually on the underside or back) showing the exact model and serial/Product Number you mentioned, both “8020e” and “8022e”; please confirm which is correct.
6. A shot of any purchase receipt or order info (Wally’s Mart and the eBay listing) if possible useful for cross-checking SKU/region.
    

Take care and have an amazing day!

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[Jay3296]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 910-912-... cartridges did not have a box, but they were sealed (had to remove plastic and ink port cover before loading into the 8022 printer.  You reference "chip", which made no sense to me as a retired electrical engineer, since no "chip", nor "chip reference", was visible.  I did photograph the sides of the cartridge that had viable information for your investigation.  Regards, Jay

PS: THIS was the only option to upload photos.  There was no link in you last message requesting these photos.

 

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Jay3296,

Thank you for getting back and sharing the images. From what I can see, these are Instant Ink cartridges, not the regular ones. Please note that Instant Ink cartridges will only work if your ink service is active. I would recommend contacting the store where you purchased them to request a return and instead get standard HP (non-Instant Ink) cartridges, as only those will work on your printer.
 

If you’d like to use the Instant Ink cartridges, you would need to register and activate the Instant Ink service.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat