HP Instant Ink: Difference between revisions

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In 2024, HP began offering paper as part of the monthly plans, for an additional fee. This was rolled out to countries including the US, the UK, metropolitan France, and Germany.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Never run out of paper again! |url=https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/l/v2/paper |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206231914/https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/l/v2/paper |archive-date=6 Feb 2026|access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref>

Also in 2024 HP All-In Plan, a new printer-lease program was announced. This program expanded from just cartridges to include a printer that, depending on the tier of subscription, limited the number of pages that could be printed, effectively removing the ability to use third-party cartridges.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Enjoy hassle-free printing with the HP All-In Plan |url=https://www.hp.com/us-en/all-in-plan/printers.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref> The program at the time of writing offers three different printers, each with various printing plans based on the number of pages to be printed, at different prices.

Also in 2024 HP All-In Plan, a new printer-lease program was announced. This program expanded from just cartridges to include a printer that, depending on the tier of subscription, limited the number of pages that could be printed, effectively removing the ability to use third-party cartridges.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Enjoy hassle-free printing with the HP All-In Plan |url=https://www.hp.com/us-en/all-in-plan/printers.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260103111258/https://www.hp.com/us-en/all-in-plan/printers.html |archive-date=3 Jan 2026}}</ref> The program at the time of writing offers three different printers, each with various printing plans based on the number of pages to be printed, at different prices.

==Consumer impact summary==

Use of a subscription service for ink/toner cartridges and/or printers allows HP to maintain post-sale control of a product the consumer used to purchase and own outright. Such practices limit autonomy and freedom of consumer to use the products they pay for as they see fit.<ref> See section on limitation of printer usability</ref> Further using a subscription service means the consumer uses these products under specific terms that can change at any time<ref name="TOS">{{Cite web |last= |date=Jan 2024 |title=Instant Ink Terms of Service for Consumer & Business Customers |url=https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/terms |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref> leaving them without recourse in many cases.

Use of a subscription service for ink/toner cartridges and/or printers allows HP to maintain post-sale control of a product the consumer used to purchase and own outright. Such practices limit autonomy and freedom of consumer to use the products they pay for as they see fit.<ref> See section on limitation of printer usability</ref> Further using a subscription service means the consumer uses these products under specific terms that can change at any time<ref name="TOS">{{Cite web |last= |date=Jan 2024 |title=Instant Ink Terms of Service for Consumer & Business Customers |url=https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/terms |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119111038/https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/terms |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> leaving them without recourse in many cases.

Of note is also the limitation to use specific brands of ink extending market control of the manufacturer and locking the consumer to an ecosystem entirely under their control.

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</div>

HP claims that "most customers save on ink and many save up to 50% compared to buying traditional ink cartridges."<ref>{{Cite web |title=HP Instant Ink FAQs |url=https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/instant-ink/faq.html#faq |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref> The cost savings are based on the monthly subscription cost of the 700-pages-per-month "Business" plan of the program, and the results are compared to the cost per page to print ISO/IEC 24711 pages on A4 paper in color.

HP claims that "most customers save on ink and many save up to 50% compared to buying traditional ink cartridges."<ref>{{Cite web |title=HP Instant Ink FAQs |url=https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/instant-ink/faq.html#faq |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251122111550/https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/instant-ink/faq.html |archive-date=22 Nov 2025}}</ref> The cost savings are based on the monthly subscription cost of the 700-pages-per-month "Business" plan of the program, and the results are compared to the cost per page to print ISO/IEC 24711 pages on A4 paper in color.

The printers used in the study that led to these findings in the 2022 and 2023 reports<ref>[https://keypointintelligence.com/HPInstantInk Keypoint Intelligence Study]</ref> were all HP branded, and the ink or toner was Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) (i.e. not using third-party inks), as HP notes in their FAQ sections. Comparisons were not made with the XL cartridges, which are cheaper per unit of ink.

The printers used in the study that led to these findings in the 2022 and 2023 reports<ref>[https://keypointintelligence.com/HPInstantInk Keypoint Intelligence Study] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251214111539/https://keypointintelligence.com/HPInstantInk Archived])</ref> were all HP branded, and the ink or toner was Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) (i.e. not using third-party inks), as HP notes in their FAQ sections. Comparisons were not made with the XL cartridges, which are cheaper per unit of ink.

HP Chief Financial Officer Marie Meyers has also publicly stated that HP sees a 20% uplift on the value of a consumer (i.e. a consumer spends 20% more with HP) when they are locked into an ink and paper subscription model vs. a traditional transactional pricing model.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kunert |first=Paul |date=4 Dec 2023 |title=HP exec says quiet part out loud when it comes to locking in print customers |url=https://www.theregister.com/2023/12/04/hp_printer_lockin/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref>

HP Chief Financial Officer Marie Meyers has also publicly stated that HP sees a 20% uplift on the value of a consumer (i.e. a consumer spends 20% more with HP) when they are locked into an ink and paper subscription model vs. a traditional transactional pricing model.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kunert |first=Paul |date=4 Dec 2023 |title=HP exec says quiet part out loud when it comes to locking in print customers |url=https://www.theregister.com/2023/12/04/hp_printer_lockin/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=The Register |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251115134713/https://www.theregister.com/2023/12/04/hp_printer_lockin/ |archive-date=15 Nov 2025}}</ref>

===Cancellation or alteration of plans===

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===HP+ trial activation and limitation of printer usability===

HP+ is a free six-month trial of HP Instant Ink that comes with a new printer. It is optional, but it is extremely easy for a user to activate HP+ during installation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=M. David |date=9 Sep 2021 |title=HP Instant Ink vs. HP Plus vs. HP Smart: Which Ink Program Saves You the Most? |url=https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/hp-instant-ink-vs-hp-plus-vs-hp-smart-which-ink-program-saves-you-the-most |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=PCMag}}</ref> After activating HP+, the printer is permanently flashed with updated firmware, which causes the printer to only accept genuine HP-branded consumables.<ref>https://www-dodrukarki-pl.translate.goog/blog/dlaczego-drukarki-z-serii-hp-nie-obsluguja-zamiennikow?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=pl&_x_tr_pto=wapp</ref>

HP+ is a free six-month trial of HP Instant Ink that comes with a new printer. It is optional, but it is extremely easy for a user to activate HP+ during installation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=M. David |date=9 Sep 2021 |title=HP Instant Ink vs. HP Plus vs. HP Smart: Which Ink Program Saves You the Most? |url=https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/hp-instant-ink-vs-hp-plus-vs-hp-smart-which-ink-program-saves-you-the-most |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=PCMag |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250213054522/https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/hp-instant-ink-vs-hp-plus-vs-hp-smart-which-ink-program-saves-you-the-most |archive-date=13 Feb 2025}}</ref> After activating HP+, the printer is permanently flashed with updated firmware, which causes the printer to only accept genuine HP-branded consumables.<ref>https://www-dodrukarki-pl.translate.goog/blog/dlaczego-drukarki-z-serii-hp-nie-obsluguja-zamiennikow?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=pl&_x_tr_pto=wapp ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171741/https://www-dodrukarki-pl.translate.goog/blog/dlaczego-drukarki-z-serii-hp-nie-obsluguja-zamiennikow?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=pl&_x_tr_pto=wapp Archived])</ref>

All HP printer models ending with an "e" (for example ''HP OfficeJet 8035e'') support activating HP+.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 May 2023 |title=HP+ printers models ending with the letter "e" does not recognize compatible cartridges |url=https://support.shopperplus.com/en/support/solutions/articles/9000227500-hp-printers-models-ending-with-the-letter-e-does-not-recognize-compatible-cartridges |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=Shopper+}}</ref> This has the potential to devalue used HP printers in this class, as the previous owner of the printer may have activated HP+, rendering the printer incompatible with cheaper non-OEM replacement ink cartridges or toner.

All HP printer models ending with an "e" (for example ''HP OfficeJet 8035e'') support activating HP+.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 May 2023 |title=HP+ printers models ending with the letter "e" does not recognize compatible cartridges |url=https://support.shopperplus.com/en/support/solutions/articles/9000227500-hp-printers-models-ending-with-the-letter-e-does-not-recognize-compatible-cartridges |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=Shopper+ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251013130101/https://support.shopperplus.com/en/support/solutions/articles/9000227500-hp-printers-models-ending-with-the-letter-e-does-not-recognize-compatible-cartridges |archive-date=13 Oct 2025}}</ref> This has the potential to devalue used HP printers in this class, as the previous owner of the printer may have activated HP+, rendering the printer incompatible with cheaper non-OEM replacement ink cartridges or toner.

==Lawsuit==

On July 6, 2021, a [[class action|class-action lawsuit]] was filed against HP.<ref>[https://www.classaction.org/media/barnert-v-hp-inc.pdf Barnert v HP Inc.] Case File via classaction.org</ref>

On July 6, 2021, a [[class action|class-action lawsuit]] was filed against HP.<ref>[https://www.classaction.org/media/barnert-v-hp-inc.pdf Barnert v HP Inc.] Case File via classaction.org ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171736/https://www.classaction.org/media/barnert-v-hp-inc.pdf Archived])</ref>

The main allegations made in the suit were:

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*Upon cancellation, you cannot use the remainder of your ink.

In February 2023, HP settled the complaints, and the parties have filed for dismissal.<ref>[https://www.therecycler.com/posts/hp-settles-instant-ink-complaint/ HP settles Instant Ink Complaint]</ref>

In February 2023, HP settled the complaints, and the parties have filed for dismissal.<ref>[https://www.therecycler.com/posts/hp-settles-instant-ink-complaint/ HP settles Instant Ink Complaint] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251025104639/https://therecycler.com/posts/hp-settles-instant-ink-complaint/ Archived])</ref>

==Workarounds==

@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
 In 2024, HP began offering paper as part of the monthly plans, for an additional fee. This was rolled out to countries including the US, the UK, metropolitan France, and Germany.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Never run out of paper again! |url=https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/l/v2/paper |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206231914/https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/l/v2/paper |archive-date=6 Feb 2026|access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref>
-Also in 2024 HP All-In Plan, a new printer-lease program was announced. This program expanded from just cartridges to include a printer that, depending on the tier of subscription, limited the number of pages that could be printed, effectively removing the ability to use third-party cartridges.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Enjoy hassle-free printing with the HP All-In Plan |url=https://www.hp.com/us-en/all-in-plan/printers.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref> The program at the time of writing offers three different printers, each with various printing plans based on the number of pages to be printed, at different prices.
+Also in 2024 HP All-In Plan, a new printer-lease program was announced. This program expanded from just cartridges to include a printer that, depending on the tier of subscription, limited the number of pages that could be printed, effectively removing the ability to use third-party cartridges.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Enjoy hassle-free printing with the HP All-In Plan |url=https://www.hp.com/us-en/all-in-plan/printers.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260103111258/https://www.hp.com/us-en/all-in-plan/printers.html |archive-date=3 Jan 2026}}</ref> The program at the time of writing offers three different printers, each with various printing plans based on the number of pages to be printed, at different prices.
 ==Consumer impact summary==
-Use of a subscription service for ink/toner cartridges and/or printers allows HP to maintain post-sale control of a product the consumer used to purchase and own outright. Such practices limit autonomy and freedom of consumer to use the products they pay for as they see fit.<ref> See section on limitation of printer usability</ref> Further using a subscription service means the consumer uses these products under specific terms that can change at any time<ref name="TOS">{{Cite web |last= |date=Jan 2024 |title=Instant Ink Terms of Service for Consumer & Business Customers |url=https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/terms |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref> leaving them without recourse in many cases.
+Use of a subscription service for ink/toner cartridges and/or printers allows HP to maintain post-sale control of a product the consumer used to purchase and own outright. Such practices limit autonomy and freedom of consumer to use the products they pay for as they see fit.<ref> See section on limitation of printer usability</ref> Further using a subscription service means the consumer uses these products under specific terms that can change at any time<ref name="TOS">{{Cite web |last= |date=Jan 2024 |title=Instant Ink Terms of Service for Consumer & Business Customers |url=https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/terms |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119111038/https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/terms |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> leaving them without recourse in many cases.
 Of note is also the limitation to use specific brands of ink extending market control of the manufacturer and locking the consumer to an ecosystem entirely under their control.
@@ Line 71: / Line 71: @@
 </div>
-HP claims that "most customers save on ink and many save up to 50% compared to buying traditional ink cartridges."<ref>{{Cite web |title=HP Instant Ink FAQs |url=https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/instant-ink/faq.html#faq |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref> The cost savings are based on the monthly subscription cost of the 700-pages-per-month "Business" plan of the program, and the results are compared to the cost per page to print ISO/IEC 24711 pages on A4 paper in color.
+HP claims that "most customers save on ink and many save up to 50% compared to buying traditional ink cartridges."<ref>{{Cite web |title=HP Instant Ink FAQs |url=https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/instant-ink/faq.html#faq |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251122111550/https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/instant-ink/faq.html |archive-date=22 Nov 2025}}</ref> The cost savings are based on the monthly subscription cost of the 700-pages-per-month "Business" plan of the program, and the results are compared to the cost per page to print ISO/IEC 24711 pages on A4 paper in color.
-The printers used in the study that led to these findings in the 2022 and 2023 reports<ref>[https://keypointintelligence.com/HPInstantInk Keypoint Intelligence Study]</ref> were all HP branded, and the ink or toner was Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) (i.e. not using third-party inks), as HP notes in their FAQ sections. Comparisons were not made with the XL cartridges, which are cheaper per unit of ink.
+The printers used in the study that led to these findings in the 2022 and 2023 reports<ref>[https://keypointintelligence.com/HPInstantInk Keypoint Intelligence Study] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251214111539/https://keypointintelligence.com/HPInstantInk Archived])</ref> were all HP branded, and the ink or toner was Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) (i.e. not using third-party inks), as HP notes in their FAQ sections. Comparisons were not made with the XL cartridges, which are cheaper per unit of ink.
-HP Chief Financial Officer Marie Meyers has also publicly stated that HP sees a 20% uplift on the value of a consumer (i.e. a consumer spends 20% more with HP) when they are locked into an ink and paper subscription model vs. a traditional transactional pricing model.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kunert |first=Paul |date=4 Dec 2023 |title=HP exec says quiet part out loud when it comes to locking in print customers |url=https://www.theregister.com/2023/12/04/hp_printer_lockin/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref>
+HP Chief Financial Officer Marie Meyers has also publicly stated that HP sees a 20% uplift on the value of a consumer (i.e. a consumer spends 20% more with HP) when they are locked into an ink and paper subscription model vs. a traditional transactional pricing model.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kunert |first=Paul |date=4 Dec 2023 |title=HP exec says quiet part out loud when it comes to locking in print customers |url=https://www.theregister.com/2023/12/04/hp_printer_lockin/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=The Register |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251115134713/https://www.theregister.com/2023/12/04/hp_printer_lockin/ |archive-date=15 Nov 2025}}</ref>
 ===Cancellation or alteration of plans===
@@ Line 88: / Line 88: @@
 ===HP+ trial activation and limitation of printer usability===
-HP+ is a free six-month trial of HP Instant Ink that comes with a new printer. It is optional, but it is extremely easy for a user to activate HP+ during installation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=M. David |date=9 Sep 2021 |title=HP Instant Ink vs. HP Plus vs. HP Smart: Which Ink Program Saves You the Most? |url=https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/hp-instant-ink-vs-hp-plus-vs-hp-smart-which-ink-program-saves-you-the-most |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=PCMag}}</ref> After activating HP+, the printer is permanently flashed with updated firmware, which causes the printer to only accept genuine HP-branded consumables.<ref>https://www-dodrukarki-pl.translate.goog/blog/dlaczego-drukarki-z-serii-hp-nie-obsluguja-zamiennikow?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=pl&_x_tr_pto=wapp</ref>
+HP+ is a free six-month trial of HP Instant Ink that comes with a new printer. It is optional, but it is extremely easy for a user to activate HP+ during installation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=M. David |date=9 Sep 2021 |title=HP Instant Ink vs. HP Plus vs. HP Smart: Which Ink Program Saves You the Most? |url=https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/hp-instant-ink-vs-hp-plus-vs-hp-smart-which-ink-program-saves-you-the-most |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=PCMag |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250213054522/https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/hp-instant-ink-vs-hp-plus-vs-hp-smart-which-ink-program-saves-you-the-most |archive-date=13 Feb 2025}}</ref> After activating HP+, the printer is permanently flashed with updated firmware, which causes the printer to only accept genuine HP-branded consumables.<ref>https://www-dodrukarki-pl.translate.goog/blog/dlaczego-drukarki-z-serii-hp-nie-obsluguja-zamiennikow?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=pl&_x_tr_pto=wapp ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171741/https://www-dodrukarki-pl.translate.goog/blog/dlaczego-drukarki-z-serii-hp-nie-obsluguja-zamiennikow?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=pl&_x_tr_pto=wapp Archived])</ref>
-All HP printer models ending with an "e" (for example ''HP OfficeJet 8035e'') support activating HP+.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 May 2023 |title=HP+ printers models ending with the letter "e" does not recognize compatible cartridges |url=https://support.shopperplus.com/en/support/solutions/articles/9000227500-hp-printers-models-ending-with-the-letter-e-does-not-recognize-compatible-cartridges |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=Shopper+}}</ref> This has the potential to devalue used HP printers in this class, as the previous owner of the printer may have activated HP+, rendering the printer incompatible with cheaper non-OEM replacement ink cartridges or toner.
+All HP printer models ending with an "e" (for example ''HP OfficeJet 8035e'') support activating HP+.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 May 2023 |title=HP+ printers models ending with the letter "e" does not recognize compatible cartridges |url=https://support.shopperplus.com/en/support/solutions/articles/9000227500-hp-printers-models-ending-with-the-letter-e-does-not-recognize-compatible-cartridges |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=Shopper+ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251013130101/https://support.shopperplus.com/en/support/solutions/articles/9000227500-hp-printers-models-ending-with-the-letter-e-does-not-recognize-compatible-cartridges |archive-date=13 Oct 2025}}</ref> This has the potential to devalue used HP printers in this class, as the previous owner of the printer may have activated HP+, rendering the printer incompatible with cheaper non-OEM replacement ink cartridges or toner.
 ==Lawsuit==
-On July 6, 2021, a [[class action|class-action lawsuit]] was filed against HP.<ref>[https://www.classaction.org/media/barnert-v-hp-inc.pdf Barnert v HP Inc.] Case File via classaction.org</ref>
+On July 6, 2021, a [[class action|class-action lawsuit]] was filed against HP.<ref>[https://www.classaction.org/media/barnert-v-hp-inc.pdf Barnert v HP Inc.] Case File via classaction.org ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708171736/https://www.classaction.org/media/barnert-v-hp-inc.pdf Archived])</ref>
 The main allegations made in the suit were:
@@ Line 104: / Line 104: @@
 *Upon cancellation, you cannot use the remainder of your ink.
-In February 2023, HP settled the complaints, and the parties have filed for dismissal.<ref>[https://www.therecycler.com/posts/hp-settles-instant-ink-complaint/ HP settles Instant Ink Complaint]</ref>
+In February 2023, HP settled the complaints, and the parties have filed for dismissal.<ref>[https://www.therecycler.com/posts/hp-settles-instant-ink-complaint/ HP settles Instant Ink Complaint] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251025104639/https://therecycler.com/posts/hp-settles-instant-ink-complaint/ Archived])</ref>
 ==Workarounds==