Secondhand Printer, Can't Remove Original Owner

[DIGWilson]

I received a printer secondhand and I’m almost fully set up. My account is linked, my phone is connected, and I’ve already factory reset it twice. However, I still can’t print because the original account is still tied to the printer.

The previous owner is no longer around, so I can’t have them remove the account on their end. Does anyone have suggestions on how to resolve this?

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @DIGWilson,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

To better understand the situation, could you please let us know if you are trying to enroll or activate the printer with HP Instant Ink?
 

If so, the printer may still be associated with the previous owner's Instant Ink account. In that case, the previous Instant Ink enrollment would need to be removed or deactivated before the printer can be enrolled under a new account. Unfortunately, a factory reset does not remove an Instant Ink account association.
 

If, however, you are simply trying to use the printer for regular printing and are not attempting to use Instant Ink, then please check the cartridges installed in the printer:

• If the printer contains HP Instant Ink cartridges, they will not work once the original Instant Ink subscription is no longer active.
• Remove those cartridges and install genuine HP standard ink cartridges (non-Instant Ink cartridges) that are compatible with your printer model.
• Once regular HP cartridges are installed, the printer should be able to print normally without being tied to the previous owner's Instant Ink account.
   

Could you let us know:

• The exact printer model.
• Whether you are trying to use HP Instant Ink or just print normally.
• Whether the cartridges currently installed are Instant Ink cartridges or regular HP cartridges.

With that information, we'll be happy to guide you further.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!

[DIGWilson]

Thank you. I didn't know about the instant ink subscriptions and was trying to print normally. You were correct, the printer was tied to an instant ink subscription. I'll get some regular cartridges and give it a go.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @DIGWilson,

Thank you for getting back and letting me know.
 

I'm glad we were able to identify that the printer was enrolled in an Instant Ink subscription, as that can definitely cause confusion when you're simply trying to print normally.
 

Yes, once you install compatible regular cartridges and the printer is no longer dependent on the Instant Ink cartridges, you should be able to test printing again. If you run into any issues during the cartridge replacement or setup process, please let us know, and we'll be happy to help.