Printer won't print after unenrolling from instant ink

[gerry181]

HP 4500 envy printer 

I unenrolled from instant ink. I removed the instant ink cartridges and replaced with regular HP 61 ink cartridge ($40 in my area). I assumed that the printer would automatically work because it managed to print out 1 page but for some reason it stopped working after that. The printer for some reason now says no toner/ink despite being a brand new ink cartridge. 

Since I waited right before work and was running late I did the only thing I could do in the moment and re-enrolled in instant ink and put back the instant ink cartridges. This worked within a minute.

But how the heck can I print normally without instant ink? 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @gerry181,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

Thanks for reaching out, and I completely understand how frustrating it is when your printer won’t recognize brand-new cartridges after unenrolling from Instant Ink. Let’s go through this together.

When you’re enrolled in HP Instant Ink, your printer uses special Instant Ink cartridges that are monitored through your subscription.

Once you unenroll, those Instant Ink cartridges stop working and can’t be reused.

To continue printing, you’ll need genuine HP standard (retail) cartridges that are not part of the subscription program.

Steps to Fix the Issue

Confirm Cartridge Type

Make sure you purchased regular HP 61 Black / Tri-color cartridges (not leftover Instant Ink ones).

Look for the “Instant Ink” label, if it’s there, the cartridge won’t work outside the subscription.

Clean and Reseat Cartridges

With the printer powered on, open the cartridge door.

Remove both cartridges.

Wipe the copper contacts with a lint-free cloth (slightly damp, if needed).

Reseat them firmly back into the printer.

Update Firmware

Go to HP Software & Drivers → enter your model (HP ENVY 4500).

Download and install the latest firmware to ensure proper recognition of new cartridges.

Reset the Printer

Power off the printer, unplug from power for 60 seconds, then plug back in and restart.

Check Printer Settings

On the printer control panel or HP Smart app, confirm the printer status shows the new cartridges.

If “No ink/toner” still appears, try aligning the cartridges through the printer menu.

Instant Ink cartridges will only ever work with an active subscription.

Once you’ve switched to retail HP cartridges, you should be able to print normally without Instant Ink.

I hope this helps.

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Best regards,