HP+, Instant Ink and compatible cartridges: what to check
Separate a printer’s HP+ requirements from its cartridge subscription.
1 min readHP+ and Instant Ink are different services. Before ordering a compatible cartridge, check the exact printer model and whether HP+ was activated. An “e” suffix can identify an eligible model, but the letter alone is not a reliable explanation for every cartridge error.
Which restriction applies?
- HP+ activated: HP requires Original HP ink or toner for the life of that printer. Cancelling an Instant Ink trial or subscription does not remove the HP+ requirement.
- Instant Ink subscription: the subscription cartridges work only with an enrolled printer. After the final billing cycle ends, replace those cartridges with regular retail supplies. Check HP+ status separately before choosing the replacements.
- Ordinary retail cartridge: being compatible with the cartridge number does not guarantee it is accepted by an HP+ printer. Check the product’s compatibility notes and your printer’s program status.