HP Envy 6055e Printer Locked After Canceling Instant Ink – Need Help

[Diggsync7847]

I’m hoping someone here can help or offer advice. I purchased an HP+ Envy 6055e printer in July 2021 for $139.99 and enrolled in both the HP+ warranty and Instant Ink subscription.

In December 2024, I decided to cancel my Instant Ink subscription after receiving a defective black ink cartridge. Even though the cartridge wasn’t printing properly, HP support told me they couldn’t replace it unless it was fully empty, which was frustrating.

I then purchased an HP-branded replacement ink cartridge from Amazon, but in March 2025, I suddenly couldn’t print anymore. The HP Smart app now says the printer can only use Instant Ink cartridges—even though I’m no longer subscribed to the program.

When I called HP support, they said my printer was out of warranty and that they could only provide assistance if I signed up for a $51.99 tech support plan.

Has anyone else experienced this issue? I’d really like to know if there’s a fix or workaround. I’m using genuine HP ink and don’t feel like I should be locked out of printing just because I canceled a subscription.

Thanks in advance for any help!

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Diggsync7847,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

It seems that your HP Envy 6055e printer has become non-functional after canceling the Instant Ink subscription. This is likely because HP's Instant Ink subscription service involves special cartridges that are tied to the subscription. When you cancel the subscription, those cartridges are deactivated.

Replace Instant Ink Cartridges with Regular HP Cartridges:

• Remove the Instant Ink cartridges from your printer.
• Purchase and install standard HP cartridges that are compatible with the HP Envy 6055e. Ensure these are genuine HP cartridges to avoid compatibility issues.

Restart the Printer:

• Turn off the printer.
• Unplug the printer from the power source for about a minute.
• Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

Check for Firmware Updates:

• Go to the printer’s control panel or use the HP Smart app to check if there are any pending firmware updates that could resolve any existing issues.

Reset the Printer:

• Navigate to the settings menu on the printer’s control panel.
• Look for an option to perform a factory reset or restore to default settings.
• Follow the prompts to complete the reset.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[Diggsync7847]

Thanks for your reply, but I believe there's been a misunderstanding.

As I mentioned in my original post, I already replaced the Instant Ink cartridges with genuine HP cartridges purchased from Amazon. Despite that, the printer still refuses to print, and the HP Smart app displays a message saying the printer only works with Instant Ink cartridges—even though I'm no longer subscribed.

This leads me to believe the issue may be related to the HP+ program, which I enrolled in when I first set up the printer. From what I understand, HP+ has additional restrictions that may prevent the printer from functioning properly after canceling Instant Ink. However, this wasn't made clear when I signed up.

When I contacted HP support by phone, I was told my printer was out of warranty and that the only option was to pay for a $51.99 tech support plan. That feels unacceptable, especially since this issue seems tied to how HP+ or Instant Ink deactivates printers after subscription changes.

Can someone confirm:

Is my printer still locked into HP+ mode?

Is there a way to revert the printer to standard mode so it works with regular HP cartridges?

Has anyone successfully resolved this without having to pay for additional tech support?

Appreciate any help or insights from the community. It doesn’t feel right to be locked out of my own printer for canceling a subscription.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Diggsync7847,

Thank you for taking the time to explain your situation clearly, and I completely understand how frustrating this must be. Let’s get to the bottom of this together.

You’re absolutely right to question what’s happening here, especially since you’ve already replaced the Instant Ink cartridges with genuine HP ones and are still getting blocked from printing.

Here’s what’s likely going on:

HP+ Enrollment & Restrictions:
When a printer is activated under the HP+ program, it becomes permanently tied to that ecosystem. This includes requiring an ongoing internet connection, and, crucially, only accepting Original HP ink or toner. While HP+ does not force continued use of the Instant Ink subscription, the printer will not accept non-HP+ compatible cartridges, even if they are HP-branded, if they are not recognized as eligible under HP+.

That said:

If the cartridges you purchased were not marked as HP+ compatible (even if they are HP originals), the printer might not accept them.

It is not possible to opt-out or revert an HP+ printer to standard mode once activated, this is mentioned during setup, but we understand how this detail may have been missed or misunderstood at the time.

Your Options:

Confirm Cartridge Compatibility:
Ensure the cartridges purchased from Amazon are not Instant Ink ones and are specifically listed as HP+ compatible. If unsure, I’d recommend checking the exact product number or packaging info.

Check HP Account & Printer Status:
Visit https://account.hp.com, sign in, and verify whether the printer is still enrolled in Instant Ink or linked with HP+. Any locked features or leftover subscription tie-ins will be reflected here.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,