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- Unanswered Topics - Printers
- Finish printer setup to enable printing error.

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02-05-2025 12:12 PM
So, after finding and going through dozens of threads similar to this one all conveniently "archived" by HP, I will just be adding my thread to the growing list of people frustrated with the tremendously cumbersome and expensive paperweight that is an HP all-in-one printer. In an effort to force people to subscribe to their services HP has added software to their newer printers which *requires an HP account, but also low key and off the record requires HP Smart and subscription based ink cartridges (which I am currently paying for and subscribed to) but cause glitchy challenges which freeze the printer up even if you are jumping through their expensive hoops.
As a business owner I can't afford this. If anyone has a "fix" for the "Finish Printer Setup to enable printing. This printer requires use of an HP account, enabled with web services and internet connection for setup and use. See the documentation provided with the printer or visit 123.hp.com for setup information." Error message which doesn't fix when you go to said website, I would be grateful for the heads-up until my new cannon all-in-ones arrive.
02-10-2025 09:00 AM
Hi @DocMoSimone
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating issue where your HP printer is not completing its setup, even though you've gone through the necessary steps, subscribed to HP Instant Ink, and followed the directions. The error message you’re seeing usually indicates that the printer is trying to finish its setup by connecting to the internet, enabling web services, and associating the printer with your HP account.
Let’s go through some troubleshooting steps that could help resolve this issue and get your printer back up and running:
1. Ensure Internet Connectivity
- The printer needs an active internet connection to complete the setup, so make sure your printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network.
- Wi-Fi Check: Make sure your printer is successfully connected to Wi-Fi. On your printer screen, go to Settings > Network or Wi-Fi Settings to check or reconnect if necessary.
- You can also try restarting your router if the connection is unstable.
2. Complete HP Account Setup
- The printer requires an HP account for activation. If you haven’t already done so, make sure you’re signed in to your HP account on the printer or through the HP Smart app on your computer or mobile device.
- HP Smart App: Download and open the HP Smart app on your phone or computer.
- Sign in with your HP account or create a new one if you haven’t already.
- Follow the steps in the app to add your printer to your HP account and complete the setup process.
Sometimes, the printer will require you to log into the HP account and verify the email or complete setup steps via the app.
3. Enable Web Services
- To enable web services (which is required for the printer setup and HP Instant Ink), do the following:
- On the printer control panel, go to Settings > Web Services.
- Enable Web Services and follow the on-screen prompts to activate it.
- Once enabled, the printer will need to connect to the internet, and web services will allow you to use features like HP ePrint and HP Instant Ink.
4. Use 123.hp.com Setup Page
- Go to 123.hp.com (or the specific setup page for your printer model) and enter your printer’s model number. If you’ve already tried it and the issue persists, make sure you’re following these exact steps:
- Step 1: Select your printer model and download the latest drivers.
- Step 2: Install the HP Smart software on your computer.
- Step 3: Follow the prompts to connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network and sign in to your HP account.
5. Reset Printer and Set Up Again
- If you’ve followed all the steps and the issue persists, a hard reset of the printer might help clear the setup errors.
- Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord.
- Wait for 60 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on.
- Try the setup process again, either through the printer's control panel or using the HP Smart app.
6. Check HP Instant Ink Subscription
- If you’re already subscribed to HP Instant Ink, ensure your subscription is active and that the printer is correctly registered for this service.
- You can verify your Instant Ink status on the HP website by logging into your HP account.
- If there are any issues with your Instant Ink plan, contact HP support for assistance.
7. Firmware Update
- Firmware updates can sometimes fix glitches like the one you’re experiencing:
- Check if there’s a firmware update available by going into Settings on the printer and selecting Printer Update (if available).]
I hope this helps.
Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.
Sneha_01- HP support
