Ink question

[LA2226]

If you are a subscriber in instant ink. Are you not allowed to buy ink from the in store and print from your printer? 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @LA2226,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

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

I understand you’re asking whether Instant Ink subscribers can buy ink in store and use it in their printer instead of using Instant Ink cartridges. Let’s go through a few clear points to explain how it works.

Instant Ink subscription uses special HP-registered cartridges
Instant Ink cartridges are tied to your subscription and printer so HP can monitor usage.
Standard retail ink cartridges are different and not linked to Instant Ink usage tracking.

Using retail ink doesn’t cancel your subscription automatically
You can install retail cartridges in your printer and print normally.
However, your Instant Ink subscription remains active unless you cancel it.

HP may prevent printing with retail cartridges while the Instant Ink plan is active
Some HP+ or Instant Ink enrolled printers may restrict cartridge types while the service is active.
This can lead to errors or refusal to print with non-Instant Ink cartridges.

You won’t receive Instant Ink pages for retail cartridges
Buying ink in store does not give you Instant Ink pages or credits.
Those benefits only apply to cartridges shipped as part of your Instant Ink plan.

If you want full freedom to use any ink, canceling the plan is required
Cancel the Instant Ink subscription through your HP account to remove service-linked cartridge restrictions.
After cancellation, you can use any compatible retail ink.

Canceling the plan doesn’t affect the printer itself
After you cancel and remove the printer from your subscription, you can install standard cartridges and print normally.

I hope this helps.

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