Remove Instant from OfficeJet Pro 6978

[an5N3]

I have an HP OfficeJet Pro 6978.  When I first got the printer I set it up for instant ink.  However, I cancelled the service and replaced the cartridges with normal ones.  However, the printer still thinks it is installed in instant ink despite cancelling.  Checked the instant ink service and it show I don't have instant ink.  The service was cancelled about a year ago and I thought it was working.  I think the issue is because the printer is still trying to get firmware updates, despite me setting the printer to not do the updates.  When I go into the web interface, it says the printer is enrolled in instant ink and the options to disable firmware updates is greyed out.  I can still print, but because I have disabled web services, I have to hit OK every time I try to print.  A major pain when I'm not sitting beside the printer.

Is there a way to do a full factory reset?  If you go into the service menu, you can only do a "semi-full" reset.   I have tried that a couple of times and it does not help

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @an5N3,

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 your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 still shows as enrolled in Instant Ink even though the service was cancelled. Let’s go through a few steps to fully clear the Instant Ink association and reset the printer behavior.

Understand why this happens
Instant Ink enrollment is stored on HP’s servers and synced to the printer through Web Services, not just locally.
A semi-full reset does not remove cloud enrollment flags, which is why the setting keeps coming back.

Remove the printer from your HP account
On a computer, sign in to your HP account (the same one used for Instant Ink).
Go to My Printers, select the OfficeJet Pro 6978, and Remove/Delete the printer from the account.

Disable Web Services from the printer
On the printer control panel, go to Setup > Web Services Settings.
Turn Web Services OFF and confirm the prompt.

Power cycle to clear cached cloud data
Turn the printer off and unplug the power cable from the wall.
Wait 60 seconds, plug it back in, and turn the printer on.

Verify Instant Ink status in the Embedded Web Server
Print a network configuration page and note the printer IP address.
Open the IP address in a browser and check the Web Services/Instant Ink status.

Re-enable Web Services only if needed
If you re-enable Web Services, do so after the printer has been removed from your HP account.
This allows the printer to sync a “not enrolled” status instead of restoring Instant Ink.

Firmware update behavior explanation
Firmware updates are tied to web services and Instant Ink compliance.
If the printer still believes it is enrolled, firmware controls remain locked even with Instant Ink cancelled.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[an5N3]

I ran through the steps suggested,.  Some improvement in that I no longer have to click OK to print, but my printer still thinks it is enrolled in instant ink.  Note, the instant ink accoutn was cancelled in 2022

So, some improvement. Frustrating that I can't fix the firmware and turn off the auto-update.

[Kuroi_Kenshi · Accepted solution]

Hi @an5N3,

I understand your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 still believes it’s enrolled in Instant Ink even though the subscription was cancelled years ago, and this is preventing you from controlling firmware updates. Let’s go through a few targeted steps to explain what’s happening and what can realistically be changed.

Clarify why the Instant Ink status persists
Instant Ink enrollment is stored on HP’s cloud servers and linked to the printer’s unique ID.
Even after cancellation, the printer may retain a “previously enrolled” state that limits firmware and web service controls.

Understand the limits of factory and service resets
The “semi-full” or service-menu reset only clears local printer settings.
There is no customer-accessible full factory reset that removes cloud flags such as Instant Ink enrollment.

Why firmware controls remain greyed out
When a printer has ever been enrolled in Instant Ink, firmware update control is managed by Web Services.
This behavior can persist even after cancellation, which is why the auto-update option stays locked.

Best-case configuration to reduce disruption
Keep Web Services turned OFF if you do not need cloud features.
This prevents forced firmware updates and avoids repeated Instant Ink sync attempts.

Minimize print interruptions
Since you no longer need to press OK before printing, the printer is now operating in its most stable non-Instant-Ink state.
This is effectively the cleanest configuration possible without server-side changes.

Cartridge compatibility confirmation
As long as you are using standard (non-Instant-Ink) cartridges and printing works normally, the printer is not functionally restricted.
The remaining Instant Ink label is informational and does not affect ink usage or print quality.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,