Each print job make me click 'ok' or 'connect'

[Daredevil57]

I recently cancelled my Instant Ink subscription.

I've disabled web services on my printer because I don't need any of the services they provide.  Now, however, every time I print I'm presented with a screen on my printer (see attached) with a connect button and an ok button.  If I press the connect button it sets up web services.  If I press ok, it starts printing.  So, at least, I can print.  I'd like to get rid of the user interaction and keep web services disabled.  Is such a think possible?

I have HP Genuine cartridges installed (purchased from Best Buy).

I've done a factory reset (twice).

I've removed my printer from the website.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Daredevil57 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Yes, you can suppress the Instant Ink prompt and continue printing without re-enabling Web Services, but it may require clearing residual Instant Ink settings and ensuring the printer firmware is fully updated.

 

Step 1: Remove Web Services Completely

Even after disabling Web Services, remnants of Instant Ink configuration may persist.

1. On the printer’s control panel, go to Setup > Web Services > Remove Web Services.
2. Confirm removal and restart the printer.
3. Avoid pressing “Connect” during future prompts—this reinstalls Web Services.

 

Step 2: Update Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware may continue prompting for Instant Ink even after cancellation.

1. Open the HP App on your computer or phone.
2. Go to Printer Settings > Printer Maintenance > Update Firmware.
3. Follow the prompts to install the latest version.

 

Step 3: Reset Instant Ink Configuration via Embedded Web Server (EWS)

If the prompt persists, use the printer’s internal settings page:

1. Find your printer’s IP address from the control panel or HP App.
2. Enter it into a browser to open the Embedded Web Server.
3. Navigate to Web Services > Instant Ink.
4. Disable any remaining Instant Ink settings or notifications.

 

Step 4: Confirm Cartridge Type

You mentioned using HP Genuine cartridges from Best Buy. Ensure they are standard retail cartridges, not Instant Ink-branded. Instant Ink cartridges are locked to the subscription and may trigger prompts even after cancellation.

If you’re unsure:

• Check the label—Instant Ink cartridges will say “Instant Ink” clearly.
• Replace with standard HP 65, 67, or 305 series cartridges (depending on your printer model).

 

Step 5: Avoid Re-enabling Web Services

Going forward:

• Always press OK instead of Connect when prompted.
• Do not re-enable Web Services unless you rejoin Instant Ink or use HP+ features.

Let me know your exact printer model if you'd like help locating the correct firmware or cartridge series—I’ll guide you step by step.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Daredevil57]

Sorry for the slow response.  I've been out of town.

1. Web services are (and have been) removed.  Printer has been powered off and on several times.
2. Firmware is up-to-date.
3. Navigating to EWS, I see that web services are disabled.  There is no 'Instant Ink' selection available.  See below...
4. Ink cartridges do not say 'Instant Ink'.  As I mentioned, I got them from Best Buy so that's not a surprise.

Still have to click 'ok' every time I print.

I have an HP Officejet Pro 6978.

[Daredevil57]

Also, fwiw, I've reset the printer to factory defaults.

[Hawks_Eye]

Thanks for getting back to us @Daredevil57 

Yes, it is possible to suppress the recurring 'Connect' or 'OK' prompt after cancelling Instant Ink and disabling Web Services on your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978—but it may require clearing residual subscription flags stored in the printer’s internal memory.

You’ve already taken all the right steps—removing Web Services, confirming cartridge type, updating firmware, and checking the Embedded Web Server (EWS). The fact that the prompt persists suggests the printer may still be holding onto Instant Ink configuration data internally, even if it's not visible in the EWS.

Additional steps to suppress the prompt permanently

1. Perform a Reset

This deeper reset clears non-user-accessible memory, including leftover Instant Ink flags:

• Power on the printer.
• Disconnect the power cable without turning off the printer.
• Wait 60 seconds.
• Reconnect the power cable while holding # and 6 on the control panel.
• Continue holding until the printer powers on and shows a reset message.

This reset may take a few minutes and will restore factory defaults more thoroughly than the standard reset.

 

2. Reconfigure without Web Services

After the semi-full reset:

• Skip Web Services setup during initial configuration.
• Do not connect to HP Connected or sign in to any HP account.
• Use the HP App to add the printer locally via IP or USB, avoiding cloud features.

 

3. Disable prompts via EWS (if available)

After the reset:

• Access the Embedded Web Server again using the printer’s IP.
• Navigate to Settings > Preferences > Notifications.
• Disable any Instant Ink, Web Services, or HP+ related alerts.

 

4. Confirm cartridge authentication

Even if the cartridges are genuine, the printer may still be checking for subscription-linked IDs:

• Remove both cartridges.
• Power off the printer.
• Reinsert cartridges after reboot.
• Print a test page to verify recognition without prompts.

You’ve been incredibly thorough and patient—this final reset should help clear the last remnants of subscription logic. Let me know how the printer behaves afterward, and I’ll guide you through any remaining tweaks.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye

[Daredevil57]

1.  I did a factory reset (did not help) but my printer does not have a keypad.  So, I was unable to do a deeper reset.
2. Re-setup the printer using IP address.  Web Services were not enabled.
3. In EWS, there is no Notifications section under Settings->Preferences.
4. I removed all 4 of the ink cartridges.  Did the power off as you suggested.

Still need to press ok when printing.

DD

I have an HP OfficeJet Pro 6978.

[Hawks_Eye]

We sincerely thank you for your patience and co-operation during this troubleshooting process.

If after following these steps you still face issues, consider reaching out to our customer support over the phone for further assistance. 

This might require one-on-one interaction via remote assistance to fix the issue or we may have to raise a service order for the same. 
 

These requests are best addressed over the phone with our dedicated support team for your region. 

I'm sending you a private message to guide you on the next steps.

To access it, click the private message icon in the upper-right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your name.

If this resolves your issue, kindly mark this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" if it was helpful.

Take care and have a great day!

Regards,

Hawks_Eye

[Daredevil57]

Well, finally getting back to this.

The private message referred me to HP's support page.  My printer is long out of warranty and the cheapest option for tech support costs just shy of $17.00 dollars per month.  Not going to pay it.

Virtual assistant is no help.  It tried to connect me to some kind of chat session but can't do to 'some technical issues' (see snippet below)

So, when this gets annoying enough (fairly soon) I'll be getting a new (non-hp) printer.   HP used to be my 'go to' brand for printers.  

[Daredevil57 · Accepted solution]

I've changed nothing in the last 5 days but tried printing today (first time since my last post) and I don't have to click 'ok' anymore!

Not sure why but I'll take a win where I can get one.