Instant ink message in display window won't change

[JdSampson]

HP Envy 4500.

I've changed my WiFi. Can't connect the printer because display window won't change from incompatible cartridge message. 

I've done everything they've said in chat. 

Printer is old but was working perfectly.

[JdSampson]

I am enrolled in Instant Ink and have a live account 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @JdSampson 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for sharing the situation—and I’m truly sorry your HP Envy 4500 is stuck on an incompatible cartridge message, preventing Wi-Fi setup. I appreciate the steps you’ve already taken and understand how frustrating it is when everything was working perfectly before.

Let’s walk through a focused recovery path to help clear the cartridge message and reconnect your printer.

Step-by-step recovery for cartridge lockout and Wi-Fi setup

1. Power cycle with cartridge reset

• Power off the printer
• Remove both cartridges
• Unplug the power cord from the printer and wall outlet
• Wait 60 seconds
• Plug the printer back in and power it on without cartridges
• Wait until the display shows “Missing cartridges”
• Reinsert the cartridges slowly and firmly
• If the message persists, try swapping their positions briefly, then return them to correct slots

2. Confirm Instant Ink cartridge status

• Sign in to your account at HP Instant Ink
• Go to My Account > Cartridge Status
• Confirm that your current cartridges are active and not blocked or expired
• If needed, remove and reinsert the cartridges after confirming status

3. Reset the printer’s network settings

• On the printer control panel, press and hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons together for 3 seconds
• This resets the network settings and prepares the printer for Wi-Fi setup
• Wait for the wireless light to blink

4. Reconnect using the HP App

• Open the HP App on your Windows device
• Select Add Printer > Set up a new printer
• Follow the on-screen steps to connect to your new Wi-Fi network
• Make sure your PC is on the same network

5. Update printer firmware manually

• Visit the HP Software and Driver Downloads page for Envy 4500
• Download and install the latest firmware update
• Restart the printer and check if the display clears

Let me know how the printer responds after these steps. If the message remains, we can explore deeper cartridge resets or alternate setup methods. You’ve done everything right by staying persistent—I’ll be here to guide you further.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye