HP Printers locking functionality behind ink availability - Revision history

Sojourna at 02:19, 18 March 2026

2026-03-18T02:19:29Z

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	[[HP]] produces all-in-one printers, which are marketed as a complete solution for printing, scanning documents, and sending faxes. However, these printers enter an error state when the ink level in one of the cartridges is too low, disabling all functionalities—including scanning and faxing—even though these features do not require ink.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Harding \|first=Scharon \|date=15 Aug 2023 \|title=Requiring ink to scan a document—yet another insult from the printer industry \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/the-printers-that-require-ink-to-scan-and-fax/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ArsTechnica \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250804190507/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/the-printers-that-require-ink-to-scan-and-fax/ \|archive-date=4 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=18 Feb 2022 \|title=can't scan due to low ink. I shouldn't need ink to scan a document. Is there a work around for this? \|url=https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/can-t-scan-due-to-low-ink-I-shouldn-t-need-ink-to-scan-a/td-p/8308292 \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[HP]] \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171636/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/can-t-scan-due-to-low-ink-I-shouldn-t-need-ink-to-scan-a/td-p/8308292 \|archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> HP has faced legal actions<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Shaak \|first=Erin \|date=1 Jul 2022 \|title=Design Flaw? HP Printers Won’t Scan, Fax When Ink Is Low, Class Action Alleges \|url=https://www.classaction.org/blog/design-flaw-hp-printers-wont-scan-fax-when-ink-is-low-class-action-alleges \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ClassAction.org \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250906013120/https://www.classaction.org/blog/design-flaw-hp-printers-wont-scan-fax-when-ink-is-low-class-action-alleges \|archive-date=6 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>https://regmedia.co.uk/2023/08/11/freund-hp-judge-order.pdf ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171634/https://regmedia.co.uk/2023/08/11/freund-hp-judge-order.pdf Archived])</ref> because it sells its products as all-in-one solutions but does not clearly disclose that ink is necessary to use any of the functionalities.		[[HP]] produces all-in-one printers, which are marketed as a complete solution for printing, scanning documents, and sending faxes. However, these printers enter an error state when the ink level in one of the cartridges is too low, disabling all functionalities—including scanning and faxing—even though these features do not require ink.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Harding \|first=Scharon \|date=15 Aug 2023 \|title=Requiring ink to scan a document—yet another insult from the printer industry \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/the-printers-that-require-ink-to-scan-and-fax/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ArsTechnica \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250804190507/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/the-printers-that-require-ink-to-scan-and-fax/ \|archive-date=4 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=18 Feb 2022 \|title=can't scan due to low ink. I shouldn't need ink to scan a document. Is there a work around for this? \|url=https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/can-t-scan-due-to-low-ink-I-shouldn-t-need-ink-to-scan-a/td-p/8308292 \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[HP]] \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171636/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/can-t-scan-due-to-low-ink-I-shouldn-t-need-ink-to-scan-a/td-p/8308292 \|archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> HP has faced legal actions<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Shaak \|first=Erin \|date=1 Jul 2022 \|title=Design Flaw? HP Printers Won’t Scan, Fax When Ink Is Low, Class Action Alleges \|url=https://www.classaction.org/blog/design-flaw-hp-printers-wont-scan-fax-when-ink-is-low-class-action-alleges \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ClassAction.org \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250906013120/https://www.classaction.org/blog/design-flaw-hp-printers-wont-scan-fax-when-ink-is-low-class-action-alleges \|archive-date=6 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>https://regmedia.co.uk/2023/08/11/freund-hp-judge-order.pdf ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171634/https://regmedia.co.uk/2023/08/11/freund-hp-judge-order.pdf Archived])</ref> because it sells its products as all-in-one solutions but does not clearly disclose that ink is necessary to use any of the functionalities.

	==Background==		==Background==
	Printer manufacturers often sell their printer hardware at a loss, knowing they will profit significantly from subsequent ink cartridge sales.		Printer manufacturers often sell their printer hardware at a loss, knowing they will profit significantly from subsequent ink cartridge sales.
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	==Lawsuits==		==Lawsuits==
	The case against HP states that this is a design flaw, and points to the advertising not disclosing it and instead calling the printers "convenient because you don’t have to buy a separate device for each task".<ref>https://www.classaction.org/media/freund-et-al-v-hp-inc.pdf ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171631/https://www.classaction.org/media/freund-et-al-v-hp-inc.pdf Archived])</ref>		The case against HP states that this is a design flaw, and points to the advertising not disclosing it and instead calling the printers "convenient because you don’t have to buy a separate device for each task".<ref>https://www.classaction.org/media/freund-et-al-v-hp-inc.pdf ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171631/https://www.classaction.org/media/freund-et-al-v-hp-inc.pdf Archived])</ref>
	[[File:HP support forum printer-scanner not scanning without ink.png\|alt=user asks on HP support forum why their scanner will not properly scan without ink\|~~thumb\|user~~ asks on HP support forum why their scanner will not properly scan without ink <ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20230811234030/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/Scanning-without-a-working-ink-cartridge/td-p/6777739</ref>]]		[[File:HP support forum printer-scanner not scanning without ink.png\|thumb\|alt=user asks on HP support forum why their scanner will not properly scan without ink\|User asks on HP support forum why their scanner will not properly scan without ink.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20230811234030/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/Scanning-without-a-working-ink-cartridge/td-p/6777739</ref>]]
	[[File:HP support rep ~~says that the printer needs ink to work,~~ ignoring ~~the fact~~ that ~~the~~ customer is asking about the ~~SCANNER~~ portion ~~of the printer-scanner combo~~.png\|alt=HP support rep says that the printer needs ink to work, ignoring the fact that the customer is asking about the SCANNER portion of the printer/scanner combo~~\|thumb~~\|HP support rep says that the printer needs ink to work, ignoring the fact that the customer is asking about the SCANNER portion of the printer/scanner combo <ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20230811234030/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/Scanning-without-a-working-ink-cartridge/td-p/6777739</ref>]]		[[File:HP support rep ignoring that customer is asking about the scanner portion.png\|thumb\|alt=HP support rep says that the printer needs ink to work, ignoring the fact that the customer is asking about the SCANNER portion of the printer/scanner combo.\|HP support rep says that the printer needs ink to work, ignoring the fact that the customer is asking about the SCANNER portion of the printer/scanner combo.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20230811234030/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/Scanning-without-a-working-ink-cartridge/td-p/6777739</ref>]]

	==HP's official support response==		==HP's official support response==

	In the now-archived official HP support forums<ref>[[:File:Scanning without a working ink cartridge - HP Support Community - 6777739.pdf]]</ref>, users were trying to scan documents; but they had low or damaged ink cartridges. HP's official representatives consistently confirmed that their printers are intentionally designed to prevent scanning when ink is low or missing.		In the now-archived official HP support forums<ref>[[:File:Scanning without a working ink cartridge - HP Support Community - 6777739.pdf]]</ref>, users were trying to scan documents; but they had low or damaged ink cartridges. HP's official representatives consistently confirmed that their printers are intentionally designed to prevent scanning when ink is low or missing.

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	==References==		==References==
	{{~~reflist~~}}		{{Reflist}}

	[[Category:Lawsuits]]		[[Category:Lawsuits]]
	[[Category:HP Printers]]		[[Category:HP Printers]]
			[[Category:HP Inc.]]

SinexTitan: changed category to "HP Printers"

2026-02-28T14:11:26Z

changed category to "HP Printers"

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:11, 28 February 2026
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	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

	~~[[Category:HP Inc.]]~~
	[[Category:Lawsuits]]		[[Category:Lawsuits]]
			[[Category:HP Printers]]

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2026-02-23T12:27:35Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 12:27, 23 February 2026
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	[[HP]] produces all-in-one printers, which are marketed as a complete solution for printing, scanning documents, and sending faxes. However, these printers enter an error state when the ink level in one of the cartridges is too low, disabling all functionalities—including scanning and faxing—even though these features do not require ink.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Harding \|first=Scharon \|date=15 Aug 2023 \|title=Requiring ink to scan a document—yet another insult from the printer industry \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/the-printers-that-require-ink-to-scan-and-fax/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ArsTechnica \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250804190507/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/the-printers-that-require-ink-to-scan-and-fax/ \|archive-date=4 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=18 Feb 2022 \|title=can't scan due to low ink. I shouldn't need ink to scan a document. Is there a work around for this? \|url=https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/can-t-scan-due-to-low-ink-I-shouldn-t-need-ink-to-scan-a/td-p/8308292 \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[HP]] \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171636/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/can-t-scan-due-to-low-ink-I-shouldn-t-need-ink-to-scan-a/td-p/8308292 \|archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> HP has faced legal actions<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Shaak \|first=Erin \|date=1 Jul 2022 \|title=Design Flaw? HP Printers Won’t Scan, Fax When Ink Is Low, Class Action Alleges \|url=https://www.classaction.org/blog/design-flaw-hp-printers-wont-scan-fax-when-ink-is-low-class-action-alleges \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ClassAction.org \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250906013120/https://www.classaction.org/blog/design-flaw-hp-printers-wont-scan-fax-when-ink-is-low-class-action-alleges \|archive-date=6 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>https://regmedia.co.uk/2023/08/11/freund-hp-judge-order.pdf</ref> because it sells its products as all-in-one solutions but does not clearly disclose that ink is necessary to use any of the functionalities.		[[HP]] produces all-in-one printers, which are marketed as a complete solution for printing, scanning documents, and sending faxes. However, these printers enter an error state when the ink level in one of the cartridges is too low, disabling all functionalities—including scanning and faxing—even though these features do not require ink.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Harding \|first=Scharon \|date=15 Aug 2023 \|title=Requiring ink to scan a document—yet another insult from the printer industry \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/the-printers-that-require-ink-to-scan-and-fax/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ArsTechnica \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250804190507/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/the-printers-that-require-ink-to-scan-and-fax/ \|archive-date=4 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=18 Feb 2022 \|title=can't scan due to low ink. I shouldn't need ink to scan a document. Is there a work around for this? \|url=https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/can-t-scan-due-to-low-ink-I-shouldn-t-need-ink-to-scan-a/td-p/8308292 \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[HP]] \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171636/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/can-t-scan-due-to-low-ink-I-shouldn-t-need-ink-to-scan-a/td-p/8308292 \|archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> HP has faced legal actions<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Shaak \|first=Erin \|date=1 Jul 2022 \|title=Design Flaw? HP Printers Won’t Scan, Fax When Ink Is Low, Class Action Alleges \|url=https://www.classaction.org/blog/design-flaw-hp-printers-wont-scan-fax-when-ink-is-low-class-action-alleges \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ClassAction.org \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250906013120/https://www.classaction.org/blog/design-flaw-hp-printers-wont-scan-fax-when-ink-is-low-class-action-alleges \|archive-date=6 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>https://regmedia.co.uk/2023/08/11/freund-hp-judge-order.pdf ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171634/https://regmedia.co.uk/2023/08/11/freund-hp-judge-order.pdf Archived])</ref> because it sells its products as all-in-one solutions but does not clearly disclose that ink is necessary to use any of the functionalities.
	==Background==		==Background==
	Printer manufacturers often sell their printer hardware at a loss, knowing they will profit significantly from subsequent ink cartridge sales.		Printer manufacturers often sell their printer hardware at a loss, knowing they will profit significantly from subsequent ink cartridge sales.

Bananabot: Added archive URLs for 6 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-23T05:28:35Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 05:28, 23 February 2026
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	[[HP]] produces all-in-one printers, which are marketed as a complete solution for printing, scanning documents, and sending faxes. However, these printers enter an error state when the ink level in one of the cartridges is too low, disabling all functionalities—including scanning and faxing—even though these features do not require ink.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Harding \|first=Scharon \|date=15 Aug 2023 \|title=Requiring ink to scan a document—yet another insult from the printer industry \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/the-printers-that-require-ink-to-scan-and-fax/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ArsTechnica}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=18 Feb 2022 \|title=can't scan due to low ink. I shouldn't need ink to scan a document. Is there a work around for this? \|url=https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/can-t-scan-due-to-low-ink-I-shouldn-t-need-ink-to-scan-a/td-p/8308292 \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[HP]]}}</ref> HP has faced legal actions<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Shaak \|first=Erin \|date=1 Jul 2022 \|title=Design Flaw? HP Printers Won’t Scan, Fax When Ink Is Low, Class Action Alleges \|url=https://www.classaction.org/blog/design-flaw-hp-printers-wont-scan-fax-when-ink-is-low-class-action-alleges \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ClassAction.org}}</ref><ref>https://regmedia.co.uk/2023/08/11/freund-hp-judge-order.pdf</ref> because it sells its products as all-in-one solutions but does not clearly disclose that ink is necessary to use any of the functionalities.		[[HP]] produces all-in-one printers, which are marketed as a complete solution for printing, scanning documents, and sending faxes. However, these printers enter an error state when the ink level in one of the cartridges is too low, disabling all functionalities—including scanning and faxing—even though these features do not require ink.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Harding \|first=Scharon \|date=15 Aug 2023 \|title=Requiring ink to scan a document—yet another insult from the printer industry \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/the-printers-that-require-ink-to-scan-and-fax/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ArsTechnica \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250804190507/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/the-printers-that-require-ink-to-scan-and-fax/ \|archive-date=4 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=18 Feb 2022 \|title=can't scan due to low ink. I shouldn't need ink to scan a document. Is there a work around for this? \|url=https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/can-t-scan-due-to-low-ink-I-shouldn-t-need-ink-to-scan-a/td-p/8308292 \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[HP]] \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171636/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/can-t-scan-due-to-low-ink-I-shouldn-t-need-ink-to-scan-a/td-p/8308292 \|archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> HP has faced legal actions<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Shaak \|first=Erin \|date=1 Jul 2022 \|title=Design Flaw? HP Printers Won’t Scan, Fax When Ink Is Low, Class Action Alleges \|url=https://www.classaction.org/blog/design-flaw-hp-printers-wont-scan-fax-when-ink-is-low-class-action-alleges \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ClassAction.org \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250906013120/https://www.classaction.org/blog/design-flaw-hp-printers-wont-scan-fax-when-ink-is-low-class-action-alleges \|archive-date=6 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>https://regmedia.co.uk/2023/08/11/freund-hp-judge-order.pdf</ref> because it sells its products as all-in-one solutions but does not clearly disclose that ink is necessary to use any of the functionalities.
	==Background==		==Background==
	Printer manufacturers often sell their printer hardware at a loss, knowing they will profit significantly from subsequent ink cartridge sales.		Printer manufacturers often sell their printer hardware at a loss, knowing they will profit significantly from subsequent ink cartridge sales.
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	===HP's response===		===HP's response===
	HP initially declined to comment publicly on the issue, citing pending litigation.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hamilton \|first=David \|date=15 Aug 2023 \|title=HP fails to derail claims that it bricks scanners on multifunction printers when ink runs low \|url=https://apnews.com/article/hp-printers-scanner-disabled-low-ink-9d8a0e3b5b49bb408467f7f75735ab0a \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=APNews}}</ref>		HP initially declined to comment publicly on the issue, citing pending litigation.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hamilton \|first=David \|date=15 Aug 2023 \|title=HP fails to derail claims that it bricks scanners on multifunction printers when ink runs low \|url=https://apnews.com/article/hp-printers-scanner-disabled-low-ink-9d8a0e3b5b49bb408467f7f75735ab0a \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=APNews \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250917022345/https://apnews.com/article/hp-printers-scanner-disabled-low-ink-9d8a0e3b5b49bb408467f7f75735ab0a \|archive-date=17 Sep 2025}}</ref>

	==Lawsuits==		==Lawsuits==
	The case against HP states that this is a design flaw, and points to the advertising not disclosing it and instead calling the printers "convenient because you don’t have to buy a separate device for each task".<ref>https://www.classaction.org/media/freund-et-al-v-hp-inc.pdf</ref>		The case against HP states that this is a design flaw, and points to the advertising not disclosing it and instead calling the printers "convenient because you don’t have to buy a separate device for each task".<ref>https://www.classaction.org/media/freund-et-al-v-hp-inc.pdf ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171631/https://www.classaction.org/media/freund-et-al-v-hp-inc.pdf Archived])</ref>
	[[File:HP support forum printer-scanner not scanning without ink.png\|alt=user asks on HP support forum why their scanner will not properly scan without ink\|thumb\|user asks on HP support forum why their scanner will not properly scan without ink <ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20230811234030/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/Scanning-without-a-working-ink-cartridge/td-p/6777739</ref>]]		[[File:HP support forum printer-scanner not scanning without ink.png\|alt=user asks on HP support forum why their scanner will not properly scan without ink\|thumb\|user asks on HP support forum why their scanner will not properly scan without ink <ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20230811234030/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/Scanning-without-a-working-ink-cartridge/td-p/6777739</ref>]]
	[[File:HP support rep says that the printer needs ink to work, ignoring the fact that the customer is asking about the SCANNER portion of the printer-scanner combo.png\|alt=HP support rep says that the printer needs ink to work, ignoring the fact that the customer is asking about the SCANNER portion of the printer/scanner combo\|thumb\|HP support rep says that the printer needs ink to work, ignoring the fact that the customer is asking about the SCANNER portion of the printer/scanner combo <ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20230811234030/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/Scanning-without-a-working-ink-cartridge/td-p/6777739</ref>]]		[[File:HP support rep says that the printer needs ink to work, ignoring the fact that the customer is asking about the SCANNER portion of the printer-scanner combo.png\|alt=HP support rep says that the printer needs ink to work, ignoring the fact that the customer is asking about the SCANNER portion of the printer/scanner combo\|thumb\|HP support rep says that the printer needs ink to work, ignoring the fact that the customer is asking about the SCANNER portion of the printer/scanner combo <ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20230811234030/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/Scanning-without-a-working-ink-cartridge/td-p/6777739</ref>]]
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	===Canon===		===Canon===
	[[Canon]] faced similar charges, but they settled privately.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hollister \|first=Sean \|date=15 Aug 2023 \|title=Canon is getting away with printers that won’t scan sans ink — but HP might pay \|url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/11/23067867/canon-hp-class-action-lawsuit-scan-without-ink-settlement \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=The Verge}}</ref> Canon's requires all ink tanks to be installed on certain all-in-one printer, and support instead prompts consumers to disable the function that detects ink levels if they want to scan with empty ink tanks.<ref name=":0" />		[[Canon]] faced similar charges, but they settled privately.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hollister \|first=Sean \|date=15 Aug 2023 \|title=Canon is getting away with printers that won’t scan sans ink — but HP might pay \|url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/11/23067867/canon-hp-class-action-lawsuit-scan-without-ink-settlement \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=The Verge \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251211050708/https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/11/23067867/canon-hp-class-action-lawsuit-scan-without-ink-settlement \|archive-date=11 Dec 2025}}</ref> Canon's requires all ink tanks to be installed on certain all-in-one printer, and support instead prompts consumers to disable the function that detects ink levels if they want to scan with empty ink tanks.<ref name=":0" />

	==Consumer response==		==Consumer response==

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2026-02-02T19:59:24Z

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			\|Description=
			}}
	[[HP]] produces all-in-one printers, which are marketed as a complete solution for printing, scanning documents, and sending faxes. However, these printers enter an error state when the ink level in one of the cartridges is too low, disabling all functionalities—including scanning and faxing—even though these features do not require ink.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Harding \|first=Scharon \|date=15 Aug 2023 \|title=Requiring ink to scan a document—yet another insult from the printer industry \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/the-printers-that-require-ink-to-scan-and-fax/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ArsTechnica}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=18 Feb 2022 \|title=can't scan due to low ink. I shouldn't need ink to scan a document. Is there a work around for this? \|url=https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/can-t-scan-due-to-low-ink-I-shouldn-t-need-ink-to-scan-a/td-p/8308292 \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[HP]]}}</ref> HP has faced legal actions<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Shaak \|first=Erin \|date=1 Jul 2022 \|title=Design Flaw? HP Printers Won’t Scan, Fax When Ink Is Low, Class Action Alleges \|url=https://www.classaction.org/blog/design-flaw-hp-printers-wont-scan-fax-when-ink-is-low-class-action-alleges \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ClassAction.org}}</ref><ref>https://regmedia.co.uk/2023/08/11/freund-hp-judge-order.pdf</ref> because it sells its products as all-in-one solutions but does not clearly disclose that ink is necessary to use any of the functionalities.		[[HP]] produces all-in-one printers, which are marketed as a complete solution for printing, scanning documents, and sending faxes. However, these printers enter an error state when the ink level in one of the cartridges is too low, disabling all functionalities—including scanning and faxing—even though these features do not require ink.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Harding \|first=Scharon \|date=15 Aug 2023 \|title=Requiring ink to scan a document—yet another insult from the printer industry \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/the-printers-that-require-ink-to-scan-and-fax/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ArsTechnica}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=18 Feb 2022 \|title=can't scan due to low ink. I shouldn't need ink to scan a document. Is there a work around for this? \|url=https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/can-t-scan-due-to-low-ink-I-shouldn-t-need-ink-to-scan-a/td-p/8308292 \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[HP]]}}</ref> HP has faced legal actions<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Shaak \|first=Erin \|date=1 Jul 2022 \|title=Design Flaw? HP Printers Won’t Scan, Fax When Ink Is Low, Class Action Alleges \|url=https://www.classaction.org/blog/design-flaw-hp-printers-wont-scan-fax-when-ink-is-low-class-action-alleges \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ClassAction.org}}</ref><ref>https://regmedia.co.uk/2023/08/11/freund-hp-judge-order.pdf</ref> because it sells its products as all-in-one solutions but does not clearly disclose that ink is necessary to use any of the functionalities.
	==Background==		==Background==

Keith: Keith moved page HP Printers Ink Requirements Controversy to HP Printers locking functionality behind ink availability: sentence case + clarity edit

2025-08-08T18:16:45Z

Keith moved page HP Printers Ink Requirements Controversy to HP Printers locking functionality behind ink availability: sentence case + clarity edit

← Older revision	Revision as of 18:16, 8 August 2025
(No difference)

Emanuele: fixed reference formatting

2025-03-27T13:28:20Z

fixed reference formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:28, 27 March 2025
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	[[HP]] produces all-in-one printers, which are marketed as a complete solution for printing, scanning documents, and sending faxes. However, these printers enter an error state when the ink level in one of the cartridges is too low, disabling all functionalities—including scanning and faxing—even though these features do not require ink.<ref name=":0">https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/the-printers-that-require-ink-to-scan-and-fax/</ref><ref>https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/can-t-scan-due-to-low-ink-I-shouldn-t-need-ink-to-scan-a/td-p/8308292</ref> HP has faced legal actions<ref name=":1">https://www.classaction.org/blog/design-flaw-hp-printers-wont-scan-fax-when-ink-is-low-class-action-alleges</ref><ref>https://regmedia.co.uk/2023/08/11/freund-hp-judge-order.pdf</ref> because it sells its products as all-in-one solutions but does not clearly disclose that ink is necessary to use any of the functionalities.		[[HP]] produces all-in-one printers, which are marketed as a complete solution for printing, scanning documents, and sending faxes. However, these printers enter an error state when the ink level in one of the cartridges is too low, disabling all functionalities—including scanning and faxing—even though these features do not require ink.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Harding \|first=Scharon \|date=15 Aug 2023 \|title=Requiring ink to scan a document—yet another insult from the printer industry \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/the-printers-that-require-ink-to-scan-and-fax/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ArsTechnica}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=18 Feb 2022 \|title=can't scan due to low ink. I shouldn't need ink to scan a document. Is there a work around for this? \|url=https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/can-t-scan-due-to-low-ink-I-shouldn-t-need-ink-to-scan-a/td-p/8308292 \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[HP]]}}</ref> HP has faced legal actions<ref name=":1">{{Cite web \|last=Shaak \|first=Erin \|date=1 Jul 2022 \|title=Design Flaw? HP Printers Won’t Scan, Fax When Ink Is Low, Class Action Alleges \|url=https://www.classaction.org/blog/design-flaw-hp-printers-wont-scan-fax-when-ink-is-low-class-action-alleges \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=ClassAction.org}}</ref><ref>https://regmedia.co.uk/2023/08/11/freund-hp-judge-order.pdf</ref> because it sells its products as all-in-one solutions but does not clearly disclose that ink is necessary to use any of the functionalities.
	==Background==		==Background==
	Printer manufacturers often sell their printer hardware at a loss, knowing they will profit significantly from subsequent ink cartridge sales.		Printer manufacturers often sell their printer hardware at a loss, knowing they will profit significantly from subsequent ink cartridge sales.
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	===HP's response===		===HP's response===
	HP initially declined to comment publicly on the issue, citing pending litigation.<ref>https://apnews.com/article/hp-printers-scanner-disabled-low-ink-9d8a0e3b5b49bb408467f7f75735ab0a</ref>		HP initially declined to comment publicly on the issue, citing pending litigation.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hamilton \|first=David \|date=15 Aug 2023 \|title=HP fails to derail claims that it bricks scanners on multifunction printers when ink runs low \|url=https://apnews.com/article/hp-printers-scanner-disabled-low-ink-9d8a0e3b5b49bb408467f7f75735ab0a \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=APNews}}</ref>

	==Lawsuits==		==Lawsuits==
Line 36:		Line 36:

	===Canon===		===Canon===
	[[Canon]] faced similar charges, but they settled privately.<ref>https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/11/23067867/canon-hp-class-action-lawsuit-scan-without-ink-settlement</ref> Canon's requires all ink tanks to be installed on certain all-in-one printer, and support instead prompts consumers to disable the function that detects ink levels if they want to scan with empty ink tanks.<ref name=":0" />		[[Canon]] faced similar charges, but they settled privately.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hollister \|first=Sean \|date=15 Aug 2023 \|title=Canon is getting away with printers that won’t scan sans ink — but HP might pay \|url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/11/23067867/canon-hp-class-action-lawsuit-scan-without-ink-settlement \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=The Verge}}</ref> Canon's requires all ink tanks to be installed on certain all-in-one printer, and support instead prompts consumers to disable the function that detects ink levels if they want to scan with empty ink tanks.<ref name=":0" />

	==Consumer response==		==Consumer response==
	Consumers state that not only the ink levels are required, but that there are other practices regarding the ink levels.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/printers/comments/1bd4ho3/hp_and_anticonsumer_practices_just_found_this_in/</ref> These range from cartridge [[DRM]] to ink sensors which are too sensitive, meaning they report empty ink too early with still ink present, causing waste with serious environmental concerns and additional consumer cost.		Consumers state that not only the ink levels are required, but that there are other practices regarding the ink levels.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=HP and anti-consumer practices just found this in one of the YouTube comment sections, this is outrageous. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/printers/comments/1bd4ho3/hp_and_anticonsumer_practices_just_found_this_in/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> These range from cartridge [[DRM]] to ink sensors which are too sensitive, meaning they report empty ink too early with still ink present, causing waste with serious environmental concerns and additional consumer cost.

	==References==		==References==

Louis: /* HP's official support response */ I forgot to put the link to the PDF I uploaded of the archived page from HP's forum

2025-02-26T20:02:31Z

HP's official support response: I forgot to put the link to the PDF I uploaded of the archived page from HP's forum

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:02, 26 February 2025
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	==HP's official support response==		==HP's official support response==

	In the now-archived official HP support forums, users were trying to scan documents; but they had low or damaged ink cartridges. HP's official representatives consistently confirmed that their printers are intentionally designed to prevent scanning when ink is low or missing.		In the now-archived official HP support forums<ref>[[:File:Scanning without a working ink cartridge - HP Support Community - 6777739.pdf]]</ref>, users were trying to scan documents; but they had low or damaged ink cartridges. HP's official representatives consistently confirmed that their printers are intentionally designed to prevent scanning when ink is low or missing.

	When users asked how to bypass error messages to perform scanning functions that technically do not require ink, HP support agents responded with statements such as:		When users asked how to bypass error messages to perform scanning functions that technically do not require ink, HP support agents responded with statements such as:

Louis: added citations and screenshots from HP's forum where an HP support agent says that the printer/scanner combo needs ink to work, and also uploaded/cited a PDF of it since archive.org doesn't always load that HP forum properly.

2025-02-26T20:00:15Z

added citations and screenshots from HP's forum where an HP support agent says that the printer/scanner combo needs ink to work, and also uploaded/cited a PDF of it since archive.org doesn't always load that HP forum properly.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:00, 26 February 2025
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	The core issue centers on HP's intentional design choice to disable all printer functionality when ink levels become low. Specifically:		The core issue centers on HP's intentional design choice to disable all printer functionality when ink levels become low. Specifically:

	* Printers enter an error state when any single ink cartridge runs low		*Printers enter an error state when any single ink cartridge runs low
	* Scanning and faxing capabilities are completely disabled despite not requiring ink		*Scanning and faxing capabilities are completely disabled despite not requiring ink
	* HP did not disclose this limitation in marketing materials<ref name=":1" />		*HP did not disclose this limitation in marketing materials<ref name=":1" />
	* Each replacement ink cartridge costs approximately $30<ref name=":1" />		*Each replacement ink cartridge costs approximately $30<ref name=":1" />

	===HP's response===		===HP's response===
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	==Lawsuits==		==Lawsuits==
	The case against HP states that this is a design flaw, and points to the advertising not disclosing it and instead calling the printers "convenient because you don’t have to buy a separate device for each task".<ref>https://www.classaction.org/media/freund-et-al-v-hp-inc.pdf</ref>		The case against HP states that this is a design flaw, and points to the advertising not disclosing it and instead calling the printers "convenient because you don’t have to buy a separate device for each task".<ref>https://www.classaction.org/media/freund-et-al-v-hp-inc.pdf</ref>
			[[File:HP support forum printer-scanner not scanning without ink.png\|alt=user asks on HP support forum why their scanner will not properly scan without ink\|thumb\|user asks on HP support forum why their scanner will not properly scan without ink <ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20230811234030/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/Scanning-without-a-working-ink-cartridge/td-p/6777739</ref>]]
			[[File:HP support rep says that the printer needs ink to work, ignoring the fact that the customer is asking about the SCANNER portion of the printer-scanner combo.png\|alt=HP support rep says that the printer needs ink to work, ignoring the fact that the customer is asking about the SCANNER portion of the printer/scanner combo\|thumb\|HP support rep says that the printer needs ink to work, ignoring the fact that the customer is asking about the SCANNER portion of the printer/scanner combo <ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20230811234030/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/Scanning-without-a-working-ink-cartridge/td-p/6777739</ref>]]

	=== Canon ===		==HP's official support response==

			In the now-archived official HP support forums, users were trying to scan documents; but they had low or damaged ink cartridges. HP's official representatives consistently confirmed that their printers are intentionally designed to prevent scanning when ink is low or missing.

			When users asked how to bypass error messages to perform scanning functions that technically do not require ink, HP support agents responded with statements such as:

			*"HP Printer is designed in such a way that with the empty cartridge or without the cartridge printer will not function."<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20230811234030/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/Scanning-without-a-working-ink-cartridge/td-p/6777739</ref>

			In one representative exchange from 2018, a user with a damaged black ink cartridge asked: "Is there a way to scan without having to purchase a new cartridge?" After they tried various workarounds suggested by HP support, another user with the same issue reported they remained "unable to bypass this error message" & explained they "urgently need to scan some documents" despite not needing to print.

			HP's support agent reiterated that bypassing this requirement was impossible, directing users only to purchase replacement cartridges regardless of whether printing functionality was needed.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20230811234030/https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/Scanning-without-a-working-ink-cartridge/td-p/6777739</ref>

			The support forum documentation confirms that HP's approach is a deliberate design choice rather than a technical limitation, as the scanning hardware does not use ink to function.

			They use the words "Printer is designed in such a way that with the empty cartridge printer will not function" with double meaning. This is technically a printer/scanner combo device: and a printer technically needs ink to work. They are not saying that the SCANNER will not work without ink, but by calling it a "printer" rather than a "printer/scanner" combo, they are avoiding saying the obviously contentious part out loud, while remaining factually correct in describing the customer's plight.

			===Canon===
	[[Canon]] faced similar charges, but they settled privately.<ref>https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/11/23067867/canon-hp-class-action-lawsuit-scan-without-ink-settlement</ref> Canon's requires all ink tanks to be installed on certain all-in-one printer, and support instead prompts consumers to disable the function that detects ink levels if they want to scan with empty ink tanks.<ref name=":0" />		[[Canon]] faced similar charges, but they settled privately.<ref>https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/11/23067867/canon-hp-class-action-lawsuit-scan-without-ink-settlement</ref> Canon's requires all ink tanks to be installed on certain all-in-one printer, and support instead prompts consumers to disable the function that detects ink levels if they want to scan with empty ink tanks.<ref name=":0" />

InTransparencyWeTrust: Start of incident article

2025-02-22T13:25:45Z

Start of incident article

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:25, 22 February 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	~~{{Placeholder box\|Short summary of the incident. Usually 2-3 sentences that summarize the contents or the article.}}~~		[[HP]] produces all-in-one printers, which are marketed as a complete solution for printing, scanning documents, and sending faxes. However, these printers enter an error state when the ink level in one of the cartridges is too low, disabling all functionalities—including scanning and faxing—even though these features do not require ink.<ref name=":0">https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/the-printers-that-require-ink-to-scan-and-fax/</ref><ref>https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/can-t-scan-due-to-low-ink-I-shouldn-t-need-ink-to-scan-a/td-p/8308292</ref> HP has faced legal actions<ref name=":1">https://www.classaction.org/blog/design-flaw-hp-printers-wont-scan-fax-when-ink-is-low-class-action-alleges</ref><ref>https://regmedia.co.uk/2023/08/11/freund-hp-judge-order.pdf</ref> because it sells its products as all-in-one solutions but does not clearly disclose that ink is necessary to use any of the functionalities.
	[[HP]] produces all-in-one printers, which are marketed as a complete solution for printing, scanning documents, and sending faxes. However, these printers enter an error state when the ink level in one of the cartridges is too low, disabling all functionalities—including scanning and faxing—even though these features do not require ink.<ref>https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/the-printers-that-require-ink-to-scan-and-fax/</ref><ref>https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Scanning-Faxing-Copying/can-t-scan-due-to-low-ink-I-shouldn-t-need-ink-to-scan-a/td-p/8308292</ref> HP has faced legal actions<ref>https://regmedia.co.uk/2023/08/11/freund-hp-judge-order.pdf</ref> because it sells its products as all-in-one solutions but does not clearly disclose that ink is necessary to use any of the functionalities.
	==Background==		==Background==
	~~{{Placeholder box\|Information about the product/service history to provide the necessary context surrounding the incident}}~~		Printer manufacturers often sell their printer hardware at a loss, knowing they will profit significantly from subsequent ink cartridge sales.

	~~==[Incident]==~~
	~~{{Placeholder box\|Change this section's title to be descriptive of the incident~~.

	~~Impartial and complete description of the events, including actions taken by the company,~~ and ~~the timeline of the incident coming to the public's attention.}}~~		==Requiring ink for scanning and faxing==
			The core issue centers on HP's intentional design choice to disable all printer functionality when ink levels become low. Specifically:
	==~~=[Company]~~'s ~~response===~~
	~~{{Placeholder box\|If applicable, add the proposed solution~~ to ~~the issues by the company.}}~~

	~~==Lawsuit==~~
	~~{{Placeholder box\|If applicable, add any information regarding litigation around the incident here~~.

	==~~=Claims===~~		* Printers enter an error state when any single ink cartridge runs low
	~~Main claims of the suit.~~		* Scanning and faxing capabilities are completely disabled despite not requiring ink
			* HP did not disclose this limitation in marketing materials<ref name=":1" />
			* Each replacement ink cartridge costs approximately $30<ref name=":1" />

	===~~Rebuttal~~===		===HP's response===
	The ~~response of~~ the ~~company or counterclaims~~.		HP initially declined to comment publicly on the issue, citing pending litigation.<ref>https://apnews.com/article/hp-printers-scanner-disabled-low-ink-9d8a0e3b5b49bb408467f7f75735ab0a</ref>

			==Lawsuits==
			The case against HP states that this is a design flaw, and points to the advertising not disclosing it and instead calling the printers "convenient because you don’t have to buy a separate device for each task".<ref>https://www.classaction.org/media/freund-et-al-v-hp-inc.pdf</ref>

			=== Canon ===
			[[Canon]] faced similar charges, but they settled privately.<ref>https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/11/23067867/canon-hp-class-action-lawsuit-scan-without-ink-settlement</ref> Canon's requires all ink tanks to be installed on certain all-in-one printer, and support instead prompts consumers to disable the function that detects ink levels if they want to scan with empty ink tanks.<ref name=":0" />

	~~===Outcome===~~
	~~The outcome of the suit, if any.}}~~

	==Consumer response==		==Consumer response==
	~~{{Placeholder box\|Summary and key issues of prevailing sentiment from~~ the ~~consumers and commentators~~ that ~~can be documented via articles~~, ~~emails to support~~, ~~reviews~~ and ~~forum posts~~.}}		Consumers state that not only the ink levels are required, but that there are other practices regarding the ink levels.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/printers/comments/1bd4ho3/hp_and_anticonsumer_practices_just_found_this_in/</ref> These range from cartridge [[DRM]] to ink sensors which are too sensitive, meaning they report empty ink too early with still ink present, causing waste with serious environmental concerns and additional consumer cost.

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

	[[Category:HP Inc.]]		[[Category:HP Inc.]]
			[[Category:Lawsuits]]