HP offers a service called HP Instant Ink, which is a simple subscription that automatically sends you new ink cartridges when your printer is running low. You pay a monthly fee based on how many pages you print, starting as low as $1.79 per month, and the fee covers ink, shipping, and recycling. You can manage your subscription online and cancel anytime without penalties. This is why you might see charges from HP if you have this subscription for your printer ink.
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The cancellation process is straightforward, requiring simply logging into the Instant Ink account, navigating to the subscription details, and selecting cancel. The steps are clearly outlined and supported by immediate email confirmation, making it relatively easy for consumers to cancel.
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How to Cancel HP: Step by Step
If you purchased through HP Instant Ink:
- Sign into your account:
- Home / Home Office: Sign into your Instant Ink account
- Business: Sign into your Instant Ink for Business account
- Verify the serial number: Select Overview, and then Printer Details in the Status area.
- Click on: HP Instant Ink, then Update Plan in the left menu.
- Scroll to: Plan Details.
- Click: Cancel my HP Instant Ink Subscription and then follow the prompts.
- You will receive an email confirmation immediately, and another at the end of the billing cycle.
If you purchased through HP SmartFriend:
- Go to: My Subscriptions page (sign-in required).
- Or call: 1-866-211-5207 to cancel by phone.
- You have a 30-day window to cancel without penalty fees.
- Changes to your subscription must be made 48 hours in advance of the scheduled payment processing date.
Tips & Tricks for Canceling HP
- Perform a network reset on your printer the day before your HP Instant Ink subscription expires to disconnect it from the internet, preventing the printer from reporting the expired subscription to HP.
- Remove the printer from your device settings and re-add it using WiFi Direct, allowing local wireless printing without an internet connection.
- Use up all Instant Ink cartridges remaining before cancellation because once canceled, HP remotely disables these subscription cartridges and they will stop working.
- Be prepared to buy regular, non-Instant Ink cartridges after cancellation as the subscription cartridges become unusable.
- Cancel well before the next billing cycle to avoid unwanted renewals or charges; some users report frustration when trying to update payment details last minute.
- Expect cancellation to not be immediate; the subscription typically runs on a rolling 30-day period, so service continues until the end of the paid period.
- Do not rely on HP customer service—many users report difficulties and unhelpful responses, so rely on community-shared tactics instead.
- Consider switching to printers without subscription models, such as laser printers or Epson Ecotank ink tank printers, to avoid future subscription traps.
- Some users recommend changing your Wi-Fi password to disable internet on the printer, but this does not bypass HP's locking mechanisms for subscription cartridges once canceled.
- Know that subscription cartridges are essentially leased and HP can control them remotely, including deactivating them upon subscription cancellation.
HP Customer Service Info
If you need assistance, here's how you can get in touch with HP's support team.
Cancel HP Script
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Dear HP Customer Support,
I hope this message finds you well. I would like to request the cancellation of my subscription. Unfortunately, I’ve found that the service does not meet my current needs and I believe it’s best to discontinue it at this time.
Thank you for your assistance in processing this cancellation. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
HP Instant Ink subscription allows you to change or cancel your plan online at any time, with cancellations taking effect after the current billing period ends. If you cancel within the first 30 days, you receive a full refund; cancellations after 30 days incur a termination fee and partial refund depending on timing. Once canceled, there is no option to reactivate the subscription, and Instant Ink cartridges will stop working after the billing cycle ends.
To cancel your HP Instant Ink subscription, you do need to log in to your HP account, which means you will need your password. If you've forgotten your password, you can reset it at the HP password reset page here: https://reset.hp.com/. Cancellation is done through your account settings after signing in. This ensures your subscription management is secure and linked to your HP ID (usually your email).
- Ink suspension upon cancellation: Ink shipped by HP will be suspended and blocked from use once subscription is canceled.
- Billing without receiving cartridges: Customers sometimes get billed monthly without receiving cartridges if ink levels are sufficient.
- Confusion over billing: Customers may believe they should only be billed when ink cartridges are physically sent to them.
- Perceived deceptive billing practices: Some customers view the monthly charges despite low or no shipments as deceptive or a scam.
- Customer dissatisfaction with support: Poor customer service experiences and difficulty obtaining refunds.
- Changes in printing needs: Reduced use of printing makes the subscription less necessary or economical.
- Finding cheaper alternatives: Customers may find more cost-effective ink or subscription options available.
- Cost and convenience factors: Some find traditional ink purchases more convenient or cheaper than subscription.
- Concerns about post-cancellation consequences: Need to buy cartridges separately, monitor ink levels manually, and loss of automatic deliveries.
- Potential increase in cost per page after cancellation: Without the subscription benefits, printing costs may rise.
- Contractual commitments and penalties: Awareness of any cancellation fees or notice requirements may cause hesitation.
- Lack of frequent use: If printers are not used often enough, the subscription is not cost-effective.
HP Instant Ink subscription can be cancelled at any time online or by calling customer support, but cancellation only takes effect at the end of the current billing period. There are no refunds for unused ink or Service Plan Pages, and once cancelled, HP will remotely disable the subscription cartridges, forcing you to buy regular cartridges to continue printing. Yearly plans may have more restrictive refund policies, and simply stopping usage or removing cartridges does not stop billing, so you must actively cancel to avoid charges.
Before cancelling an HP subscription like HP Instant Ink, know that cancellation is effective at the end of your current billing period and there are no refunds for unused ink or service plan pages. After cancellation, HP will remotely disable your subscription cartridge, and you must return it to HP or buy regular cartridges for continued printing. Additionally, promotional incentives tied to the subscription expire immediately upon cancellation. If you have a yearly plan, cancellation may lead to no refund after 30 days, and unused pages typically do not roll over.
- HP account login credentials (such as HP Smart Account or HP Admin Portal account) to access your subscription dashboard
- Printer serial number or the specific printer linked to the subscription
- Personal details associated with the account (e.g., full name, email address)
- Linked shipping address (as provided during enrollment)
- Billing address and payment information previously used for the subscription
- Reason for cancellation (sometimes requested but not always required)
- Access to HP Instant Ink/Print Plan management page (e.g., via hpinstantink.com or hpprintplans.com)
We've actually written a step by step guide on how to get a refund from HP. Check it out!
The Easiest Way to Cancel HP
If you’re frustrated trying to cancel your subscription, membership, or bill from HP—or if you didn’t even realize you were being charged—Chargeback can help. Chargeback is a personal subscription manager that automatically detects hidden, recurring charges like Netflix, Hulu, and hundreds of others. With one click, we can cancel unwanted subscriptions, flag suspicious billing, and even initiate refund requests on your behalf. No more waiting on hold or navigating confusing help pages. Just connect your bank or email account, and we’ll take care of the rest.
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What Are Some Alternatives to HP?
HP Instant Ink, Hp Instant Ink Deliv, HP*Instant Ink, HP Ink, Hewlett-Packard, HP Store, HP Hardware Support, HP Care Pack, HP Services
Editorial Note: These articles reflect the opinions of Chargeback's writers. Everyone's situation is unique; therefore, it is important to conduct your own research and note that our self-help tools are not guaranteed to help with any specific problem.
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