Will my printer stop working if I cancel HP Instant Ink?

Yes — sort of. HP remotely disables the Instant Ink cartridges when you cancel. Your printer itself still works, but you need to install standard HP cartridges to print again.

Do I have to return HP Instant Ink cartridges?

Yes. HP asks you to return the Instant Ink cartridges using a prepaid envelope they provide. The cartridges are HP's property — they're leased, not owned.

Is HP Instant Ink worth it?

For light printers (under 50 pages/month), the $0.99-2.99/month plans save money. For heavy printing, buying standard cartridges or a laser printer is usually cheaper long-term.

How to Cancel HP Instant Ink in 2026

Updated March 3, 2026 • 5 min read

🚨 Buy Regular Cartridges BEFORE Canceling

When you cancel HP Instant Ink, HP remotely disables the subscription cartridges in your printer. Your printer will refuse to print until you install standard cartridges. Order replacement cartridges first.

HP Instant Ink Plans

Light: $0.99/month (10 pages)
Moderate: $4.99/month (50 pages)
Frequent: $5.99/month (100 pages)
Heavy: $11.99/month (300 pages)
Business: $24.99/month (700 pages)

Unused pages roll over (up to 2-3x your monthly allotment). Overage pages cost $1 per 10-25 pages depending on your plan.

Step 1: Order Standard Cartridges

Before canceling, buy compatible cartridges for your printer:

Find your printer model number (on the front or Settings → About)
Search "[your printer model] cartridge" on Amazon
Buy standard HP cartridges or third-party compatible cartridges
Wait for delivery before proceeding

💡 Third-Party Cartridges Are Way Cheaper

HP charges $20-40 per cartridge. Third-party compatible cartridges on Amazon cost $8-15 for multi-packs. They work identically in most HP printers. HP will show a "non-HP cartridge detected" warning — just click through it.

Step 2: Cancel Online

Go to instantink.hpconnected.com
Sign in with your HP account
Go to My Account
Click Cancel My Plan
HP will try to offer a cheaper plan — decline if you're sure
Confirm cancellation

Step 3: Return the Cartridges

HP sends a prepaid return envelope
Remove the Instant Ink cartridges from your printer
Install your new standard cartridges
Put the old cartridges in the return envelope and mail them back
The Instant Ink cartridges are HP's property — they were leased, not sold

Why HP Can Disable Your Cartridges

This is one of the most controversial aspects of modern printers. Here's how it works:

Instant Ink cartridges have DRM chips that communicate with HP's servers via your printer's internet connection
The cartridges are leased, not owned — you pay for pages, not ink
When you cancel, HP sends a signal to the cartridge chip to disable it
The ink inside the cartridge may still be full — but it won't let you use it
This is legal because you agreed to it in the terms of service

Better Printing Alternatives

Laser printer: A $150-250 Brother laser printer costs 2-3 cents per page vs 8-15 cents for inkjet. Toner lasts thousands of pages and never dries out
EcoTank printers (Epson): Refillable ink tanks — one fill lasts 4,500+ pages. $200-300 printer but $13 per refill bottle vs $30+ per cartridge
Third-party cartridges: Save 50-70% vs HP branded cartridges
Library printing: Most libraries offer 10-15 cents per page. Cheaper than owning a printer if you print rarely

What else is quietly charging your account?

Upload your bank statement to JustCancel and we'll find HP Instant Ink, printer subscriptions, and every other recurring charge.