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- HP Community
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- Printer Setup, Software & Drivers
- 9120e in endless loop

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10-18-2026 07:22 AM
I have an hp 9120e inkjet printer that I will be replacing. I had removed it from my account and removed the instant ink cartridges from it. I was trying to turn it on to use it one more time (I still have time left on my instant ink subscription) and I’m now stuck in an endless loop of trying out of the box setup but without the setup cartridges. It just gets stuck in “preparing” after the scan the QR code and follow the instructions. How can I get this to work so I can pass the printer on to someone else?
10-18-2026 08:36 AM
Note that this is a peer to peer forum and I am just the messenger of this bad news: Instant ink cartridges can only be used when the ink subscription is active.
You must obtain genuine HP ink, not instant ink. if you want to continue to use your 9120e. If you replace the printer with a newer one that takes the same ink, you can use any unused instant ink cartridges if you transfer the subscription to the new printer. Any used instant ink are registered to the old printer and cannot be used.
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