Second attempt: Using HP OfficeJet Pro 8028e without HP+

[MSY1]

I've had my HP OfficeJet Pro 8028e for about 2 years now. When I first installed it, it asked me to sign up for Instant Ink, which was free for the first 6 months. Since my purchase, I received 1 set of ink in the mail, which I installed after the set that came with the printer ran out. What I didn't realize is that once the 6 months passed, Instant Ink would charge my credit card $4.28/month - even if I don't use it (I'm trying to limit printing/paper use). Maybe it told me that this would happen during install, but you know how it is - you're trying to get up & running, and often don't see the long-term impact. To make matters worse, the printer (hardwired to my network) often claimed to be offline, when it actually wasn't.

So I canceled Instant Ink, and I ordered remanufactured cartridges to curb costs (installed after Instant Ink ended).

Little did I know how deep this rabbit hole goes: After learning about "cartridge protection" - it seems my model doesn't have the option to disable that. I did a factory reset and tried installing from scratch, without "HP+" - but the printer seems to insist to finish installation by -re-signing up for HP+/Instant Ink.

My question is:
IS there a way to use this printer without a monthly subscription and with remanufactured ink cartridges?
(Note: I already asked this last August, but was only referred to a few articles that emphasize why one *should* ONLY use original HP cartridges. That's not what I'm asking. I haven't used this printer in over 6 months now.)

[Raj_05]

Hi @MSY1,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It can be frustrating to deal with printer issues and unwanted subscriptions. To use your HP Officejet Pro 8028e without a monthly subscription and with remanufactured ink cartridges, you can try the following steps.

Reset the Printer:

• Perform a factory reset on your printer to remove any previous configurations and settings associated with the subscription.
• Consult the printer manual or HP's support documentation for instructions on how to perform a factory reset specific to your model.

Setup without HP+ or Instant Ink:

• During the setup process, make sure to decline any prompts or options related to HP+ or Instant Ink subscriptions.
• If the printer insists on signing up for HP+ or Instant Ink, you may need to carefully navigate through the setup screens, looking for options to skip or decline these services.

Disable Automatic Firmware Updates:

• Check if there's an option to disable automatic firmware updates in your printer settings. If the printer is automatically updating its firmware, it might be adding features or restrictions that you don't want.

Remanufactured Cartridges:

• After the reset, install your remanufactured cartridges.
• Some printers might still display warnings about non-genuine cartridges, but you can usually bypass or ignore these messages.

Check for Firmware Updates:

• Manually check for firmware updates on the HP website for your printer model. Download and install any available updates that are not related to HP+ or Instant Ink.

Remember that HP may periodically update printer firmware to introduce new features or address security issues. Be cautious when updating firmware and carefully review the release notes to ensure that it won't affect your ability to use remanufactured cartridges or operate the printer without subscriptions.

I hope this helps. 
 

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4
HP Support 

[MSY1]

Thanks for these instructions!
I've removed all cartridges, did a factory reset, disabled printer updates, and configured the network on the printer control panel. I then was able to add the printer in Windows "Printers and Scanners". Then I added the 3rd party cartridges, upon which it did a self-check and then said "Setup incomplete - This printer requires use of an HP account, enabled web services, and Internet connection for setup and use..." I hit OK and tried to ignore it. Windows showed the printer as idle. So I tried printing to it from a couple of different applications (Word, Photo Viewer). It reacted, but then the same message popped up ("Setup incomplete - This printer requires..."). I also tried scanning from it via the Microsoft Scan app - which actually worked.

In Printers and Scanners Windows said "app available" - which led me to install the HP Smart app, so I figured I'd bite the bullet and complete the setup via HP Smart. It found the printer attached to my network and I had to approve the setup (on the printer control panel). It forced me to create an account or sign into my existing account (which I did). In the privacy options, I only accepted the required information to be uploaded. It then automatically enrolled me in HP+ (without an option to skip it). I skipped the "ship ink" option and then it claimed to have completed the setup. 

However, then the printer complained about the 3rd party cartridges: "Cartridges Rejected - M C Y K The indicated cartridges have been identified as altered or cloned. HP+ printers require Original HP cartridges. Replace the non-original cartridges to continue printing." I hit OK and the printer did a self maintenance cycle and showed the main menu.  
Hopeful that I may have circumvented all potential pitfalls, I tried printing to it again. Unfortunately, whenever it receives a print job, it now shows the same "Cartridges Rejected" message and cancels the print job.

Does that mean this printer really can't be brought to work with 3rd party cartridges?

I can try again to see if it lets me complete the setup without signing into my account. I'll report back if successful, but I don't recall seeing that option.  

Any other suggestions how I could have avoided this outcome?
Thanks!

[MSY1]

Just to follow-up on my previous reply: 

I did another factory reset and uninstalled/reinstalled HP Smart. This time, when it asked me to create or sign into my HP+ account, I tried to skip that step and then it said "This printer REQUIRES an HP+ account. You must sign in to your HP account to use this HP+ printer. This HP+ printer uses the cloud to deliver key features and functions to this printer. To do this, HP+ printers require an account to operate and to claim the extra benefits."
I tried creating a different HP account (thinking my HP+ opt-in may have been configured in my original account). But as soon as I was logged in, it proceeded to *automatically* enable HP+ on that printer and now I'm back to square 1 - with the printer showing the "Cartridges Rejected" message and canceling any/all print jobs. 

I'm sorry, but I'm kind of over this. If the use of HP+ is indeed mandated for this printer and I can't get around using genuine HP cartridges, I'm going to take this thing to the dump and will never buy an HP printer again... 

Thoughts?

[Raj_05]

Hi @MSY1,

Thank you for your response,

Due to limited support, I would request you contact our HP Support and our Support Engineers should be able to sort this out. HP Support can be reached by clicking on the following link.

https://www.hp.com/contacthp/

Please feel free to contact us here anytime you need any further assistance.

Have a great day!

Alden4
HP Support 

[MSY1]

Thanks, @Alden4.

Given your title, I actually thought you ARE with HP Support.

Unfortunately, contacting them doesn't seem to be a viable option, as I can't get past the virtual assistants. I tried chat and phone. On the phone option, it said "This Service may no longer be available for this printer, please call [number]." And when I called that number it kept asking me whether I'm calling about a "printer, notebook, or desktop" and I never made it past that question (after answering "printer" for the 3rd time I gave up).

So I'm afraid HP OfficeJet Pro 8028e is going to the dump, and I'll start looking for an Epson...