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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Setup, Software & Drivers
- Print without instant ink subscription

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01-10-2025 10:52 AM
Can I print with third part ink cartridges but without instant ink subscription?
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01-14-2025 04:29 AM
Thank you for letting me know. I hope you didn't have to return any of the unused ink cartridges
Thank you for using HP products and posting to the community.
I am a community volunteer and do not work for HP. If you find
this post useful click the Yes button. If I helped solve your
problem please mark this as a solution so others can find it
01-10-2025 11:34 AM - edited 01-10-2025 11:37 AM
I do not have an instant ink printer. My understanding is that if you run out of ink you can use genuine Hewlett Packard cartridges either original or refilled. They must have an HP chip in the cartridge.
While HP Instant Ink printers can be used with no subscription, select HP Plus printers may require a subscription to operate.
To check if an HP ink cartridge is genuine, look for a security label on the cartridge, scan the QR code on the label with your phone, and then go to HP's website hp.com/go/ok to verify the serial number on the label; if the label appears tampered or the serial number doesn't validate, the cartridge is likely not genuine.
If you cannot capture QR codes with a smartphone, go to the HP Mobile Authentication website at the URL shown on new security labels hp.com/go/ok and enter the label's serial number to validate the label. A valid response indicates that the cartridge is safe for purchase.
Let me know what you find out.
Thank you for using HP products and posting to the community.
I am a community volunteer and do not work for HP. If you find
this post useful click the Yes button. If I helped solve your
problem please mark this as a solution so others can find it
01-13-2025 10:55 AM
BeemerBiker, Thank you for hat comprehensive reply. You asked me for what I learned. Here it is: after cancelling Instant Ink (II) subscription, I had to Remove the II cartridges I had loaded and Replace them with HP “compatible” cartridges. I installed cartridges from Smart Ink. I clicked through the “Beware” notice from HP. The printer has been working fine since - HP OfficeJet Pro 6968. Thanks again.
01-14-2025 04:29 AM
Thank you for letting me know. I hope you didn't have to return any of the unused ink cartridges
Thank you for using HP products and posting to the community.
I am a community volunteer and do not work for HP. If you find
this post useful click the Yes button. If I helped solve your
problem please mark this as a solution so others can find it
02-08-2025 01:24 PM
HP- listen to this. WE will never buy another HP product again. Your ink cartridges are way overpriced. So I bought another cartridge from Office Depot. Won't work because you are forcing people to buy your overpriced cartridges. Well, we will now be retiring 14 HP printers from our office as each one runs out of ink. You used to be the standbard bearer, but now are just a greedy money grubber. Good luck.
02-15-2025 04:32 PM
Sadly HP has followed Epson in screwing US Citizens with its greedy sales model. I want HP to hear our voices loud & clear. YOU'RE forcing us to "brick" our machines if we don't jump your hoops to buy your overpriced and ever decreasing sized cartridges, as well as poor customer service to even setup a new HP printer. HP is winning NO ONE over who has experienced this & is paying attn . Our family will NEVER, EVER, EVER buy HP again bc you OWE us for ripping us off!! Pure greed. Disgusting
03-17-2025 07:29 AM
I just discovered this issue myself. I will be ditching this printer and will never buy another HP product again! I have been trying to find a by-pass to this problem without success. I am annoyed that this is even an issue, as I have never had a problem with using off brand ink cartridges with Canon. Thank you for your post!
03-17-2025 07:33 AM
Add another disatisfied customer, now a FORMER customer, to the list! I tried the subscription to instant and found it confusing and not efficient. It was only when I ended the subscription and purchased off brand cartridge, did I discover this issue! Even the fact that I had to RETURN the unused insta ink cartridges because they would no longer work was ridiculous! Buh-Bye, HP. Will never get a good review from this consumer!