If you’ve recently bought a new HP printer, you may have been asked to activate HP+ during the setup process.
At first glance, it sounds appealing. Extra warranty, a few months of “free” ink, and even a promise to plant trees. But before clicking yes, it’s worth understanding exactly what HP+ does, and what it commits you to long term.
What is HP+?
HP+ is an optional service available on certain HP printers, usually models ending in the letter “e”. It connects your printer more closely to HP’s online systems and comes with a number of advertised benefits, including:
• Extra security updates and monitoring
• Printing from more devices (via HP Smart app)
• 6 months of HP’s Instant Ink subscription
• Access to HP’s “Advanced Features” for 2 years
• A 2-year extended warranty
• HP’s ‘Forest First’ promise to plant trees
Sounds pretty good, right?
For many people, the six months of Instant Ink is the main draw. Free ink is always tempting.?
The Important Bit to Be Aware Of
What’s less clearly highlighted during setup is that activating HP+ permanently restricts your printer to HP-branded cartridges only.
Once HP+ is enabled:
• Compatible ink cartridges cannot be used
• You lose the ability to shop around for better-value ink
• Remanufactured or refilled cartridges are blocked, even recycled originals)
This restriction remains in place even if you cancel Instant Ink later. The printer stays locked to HP’s system and will reject non-HP cartridges going forward.
In short, HP+ offers short-term extras, but it removes long-term choice.
What About Firmware Updates?
In some cases, a brand-new HP printer may initially accept compatible or remanufactured cartridges before HP+ is fully activated or before firmware updates are applied.
However, once HP updates the printer’s software, non-HP cartridges may stop working. This isn’t a fault with the cartridges themselves, it’s a manufacturer-imposed restriction built into HP+.
Should you activate HP+?
HP+ may suit you if:
• You’re happy to always use HP-branded cartridges
• You like subscription-based ink delivery
• You’re comfortable staying within HP’s ecosystem
You may prefer to skip HP+ if you value:
• Lower long-term printing costs
• Environmentally friendlier options like remanufactured ink
• Freedom to choose where you buy your ink and toner
If you skip HP+ during setup, you still get a perfectly good printer, just without the lock-in.
Our Stinky Verdict
At Stinkyink, we believe customers should have choice.
HP+ can look helpful on the surface, but it quietly removes that choice by permanently restricting which cartridges you can use. For many customers, especially those who want to save money or reduce waste, leaving HP+ switched off is the better option.
Need Help Choosing the Right Ink?
If you’re unsure whether your HP printer is compatible with our cartridges, our customer service team are always happy to help. You’ll speak to a real person who can check your exact model and talk you through your options before you buy.
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