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Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.
Locked

‎02-17-2026 10:17 AM

HP Recommended

I don’t want the hp offer to help me with ink but can’t fix the printer to accept other ink. HELP

1 person had the same question
1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions

‎02-18-2026 02:07 PM

HP Recommended

Hi @Carol1212,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I know how overwhelming it feels when your HP DeskJet 4100e printer keeps insisting you order ink, and you just want to use your printer freely, with your own choices. When that little ink light blinks, and the “Ink Required” message stares back at you, it can feel like the printer is talking at you instead of working with you. 

Step 1: Check Whether Your Printer Is Locked Into HP+

If HP+ is active, the printer will not accept any non‑HP ink under any circumstances.

  1. Open the HP Smart app
  2. Select your printer
  3. Tap Printer Information or Account Details
  4. Look for anything labelled HP+ or Instant Ink enrollment

If HP+ is active → your printer is restricted to HP original ink only.

Step 2: Reset the Printer (HP‑Approved Power Reset)

This is HP’s primary method to clear “No Ink” errors.

  1. Keep your printer ON
  2. Gently unplug the power cord from the back of the printer
  3. Unplug it from the wall outlet
  4. Wait 60 seconds, let the machine fully relax and discharge
  5. Plug directly into a wall outlet (not a power strip)
  6. Re‑connect to the printer
  7. Turn the printer on again

You may hear a soft whirr and see the lights flicker as the printer wakes up freshly.

Step 3: Remove and Reinstall the Cartridges Slowly

From the HP DeskJet 4100e User Guide.

  1. Open the cartridge access door
  2. Remove both cartridges
  3. Make sure the orange tape is removed completely
  4. Insert the black cartridge first until you feel a soft, firm “click”
  5. Insert the tri‑color cartridge next
  6. Close the door
  7. Wait for the printer to read the cartridges

If the printer still flashes 0 or “No Ink,” it means the chip could not be recognized.

Step 4: Clean the Cartridge Contacts (HP‑Approved Method)

From the HP official cleaning instructions.

  1. Take out the cartridges
  2. Use a lint‑free cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol
  3. Gently clean the gold contacts on the cartridges
  4. Allow them to dry for a few seconds
  5. Reinsert immediately (HP warns not to leave them out longer than 30 minutes)

This helps if dust or oil is preventing chip contact.

 

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

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

View solution in original post

Was this reply helpful? Yes No
2 REPLIES 2

‎02-18-2026 02:07 PM

HP Recommended

Hi @Carol1212,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I know how overwhelming it feels when your HP DeskJet 4100e printer keeps insisting you order ink, and you just want to use your printer freely, with your own choices. When that little ink light blinks, and the “Ink Required” message stares back at you, it can feel like the printer is talking at you instead of working with you. 

Step 1: Check Whether Your Printer Is Locked Into HP+

If HP+ is active, the printer will not accept any non‑HP ink under any circumstances.

  1. Open the HP Smart app
  2. Select your printer
  3. Tap Printer Information or Account Details
  4. Look for anything labelled HP+ or Instant Ink enrollment

If HP+ is active → your printer is restricted to HP original ink only.

Step 2: Reset the Printer (HP‑Approved Power Reset)

This is HP’s primary method to clear “No Ink” errors.

  1. Keep your printer ON
  2. Gently unplug the power cord from the back of the printer
  3. Unplug it from the wall outlet
  4. Wait 60 seconds, let the machine fully relax and discharge
  5. Plug directly into a wall outlet (not a power strip)
  6. Re‑connect to the printer
  7. Turn the printer on again

You may hear a soft whirr and see the lights flicker as the printer wakes up freshly.

Step 3: Remove and Reinstall the Cartridges Slowly

From the HP DeskJet 4100e User Guide.

  1. Open the cartridge access door
  2. Remove both cartridges
  3. Make sure the orange tape is removed completely
  4. Insert the black cartridge first until you feel a soft, firm “click”
  5. Insert the tri‑color cartridge next
  6. Close the door
  7. Wait for the printer to read the cartridges

If the printer still flashes 0 or “No Ink,” it means the chip could not be recognized.

Step 4: Clean the Cartridge Contacts (HP‑Approved Method)

From the HP official cleaning instructions.

  1. Take out the cartridges
  2. Use a lint‑free cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol
  3. Gently clean the gold contacts on the cartridges
  4. Allow them to dry for a few seconds
  5. Reinsert immediately (HP warns not to leave them out longer than 30 minutes)

This helps if dust or oil is preventing chip contact.

 

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

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

Was this reply helpful? Yes No

‎02-18-2026 02:08 PM

HP Recommended

Hi @Carol1212,
 

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

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

Was this reply helpful? Yes No
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