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- HP Community
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- Account Suspended?

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
09-23-2025 03:02 PM - edited 09-23-2025 03:06 PM
I didn't know you could get locked out of HP Smart. I had my HP account emails going to a spam folder (I never read them anyways) and missed the payment update emails. However, apparently I need a subscription continuously to use a printer now? I barely use this maybe like 1 or 2 times a month? This is really disappointing. I am possibly going to return this to Costco. So much for a good deal. I thought technology was supposed to be helpful.
09-23-2025 03:58 PM
Welcome to the HP Community --
There is no such thing as payment to use the HP Smart application (or its replacement "HP App").
True - You must sign into the HP Smart / HP App to use the application but there should be no issue with "suspension" of your HP Account.
What if
❓
IF you deliberately or inadvertently (by mistake?) signed up for an optional Instant Ink subscription contract -- or an Instant Ink Trial that would then switch over to a paid subscription, then Yes -- after any "Trial" period closes, you must pay for the subscription. Failing to do so would result in warnings and then, eventually, a locked account and loss of use of the printer.
No -- you do not need a subscription to use the printer.
Use of the HP Smart application is free - always.
There is not a charge to use HP drivers and software.
OR
Yes -- if you signed up for a trial / subscription to Instant Ink, you must keep the payments current.
If you think you fall into the "Yes" category, that is, you have an Instant Ink subscription,
You can cancel the Instant Ink subscription.
Please READ how to cancel and about your responsibilities.
Read as much or as little as needed to decide next steps.
What if?
Can't stand it?
Want to skip all the reading and ask for help?
Scroll down to "Your Faster option"
=======================
What is an Instant Ink Trial?
Trial periods include a certain number of Pages per month without the monthly fee normally charged for the subscription.
For example, 6-months "free ink" is a trial period of six months for which you are not charged the monthly subscription fee for your selected plan.
======================
What is Instant Ink?
HP Instant Ink is a Print-by-Page subscription service for which you are charged a monthly fee for a set number of printed pages. (Each side of the paper is counted as a separate Page.)
While there is no additional charge for the ink, the subscription is not free and does charge each month.
IMPORTANT -- Ink is supplied only with an active subscription -
After the service is terminated by you or HP, all subscription ink cartridges stop working and must (should) be returned to HP.
Selecting the right number of pages for your plan is important.
======================
What is "Free Ink"?
There is no extra cost for ink.
Ink is provided as part of your subscription - use a drop or use a cup full, ink is included at no extra cost.
Important
- All ink activated by the plan and all ink sent to you works as along as the trail / subscription service is active.
and
- After the initial Ink Kit is mailed out, ink is sent (only) when the printer notifies the service that ink is depleted and a shipment is needed.
and
- Subscription / Instant Ink cartridges remain the property of HP and should be returned to HP at close (termination) of the service contract.
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Who Benefits?
Instant Ink is an excellent service for those who print regularly, print high-density documents or artwork, or perhaps print lots of homework. For example, those who benefit the most include Teachers, musicians, writers who like hard copy, large families, small business offices, community centers, churches, and others who love -- or need -- to print on paper.
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Important
Instant Ink - Cancellation
It is important that you understand the Instant Ink cancellation / termination process and your responsibilities.
>>> Open and read >>> Cancel your account
Review >>> HP Instant Ink - Cancel Your HP Instant Ink Service
Section Cancel your account
Video – Cancel HP Instant Ink
How to unsubscribe or cancel HP Instant Ink subscription
What if?
HP Instant Ink - Stopping a cancellation
Why am I unable to print with HP Instant Ink cartridges?
Enrolled and Not Enrolled – Ink cartridges
How do I fix cartridge errors associated with printer enrollment?
Recycle HP Instant Ink Cartridges / Subscription Cartridges
HP Instant Ink - Recycle HP Instant Ink Cartridges
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What to do?
Contact Instant Ink Support --
Ask about current promotions and / or any issues you have now.
OR
Wait in the Community for an agent to find and respond to your question(s).
================================================
Instant Ink >> Details / How-to / Articles / >>>> Contact Information <<<<
Review >>> How Instant Ink works
-- No Joy?
Review >> HP Instant Ink Support Website
Instant Ink Website – HP Instant Ink - Website > Support, Enroll, FAQ --
Click the Flag to change to your region
Remember to check at the bottom of the page(s) you visit for "Flag" (Country / Region) and other important information that designates the page as an HP website.
Comments, questions, objections, or need information not found online?
Your faster option
Active subscription?
Contact Instant Ink Support from within your Instant Ink Account
OR
Contact the team at HP Instant Ink Support during business days and hours available in your region.
Reminder
- Where available as an option, the phone number will display when the office is open for business.
- Check to see when to call.
- Wait times can be long.
OR
Choose to continue to wait here in the HP Community for an agent to find and respond to your question.
When necessary, Agents can access private information.
Waiting is not faster – our HP Community is not HP Instant Ink support – Waiting generally works.
===================================
Message Content References
Technology Tips - Video Gallery from our HP Expert greenturtle
Technology Tips– YouTube Video Help for Printers
HP Support Official Channel – HP Support Video Gallery
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References / Resources
HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources
Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems
“Things that are your printer”
When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic
NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System
Categories: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair
Open
Enter the device type and model name of your HP product
OR
Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard
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