Planning to buy an HP OfficeJet Pro printer? Before you finish the setup, there’s one decision that could determine what ink cartridges you’re allowed to use for the life of your printer.
Many customers unknowingly enroll their printer in HP+ or activate the HP Instant Ink free trial during setup. Unfortunately, once that happens, many users discover they can no longer use compatible replacement cartridges and are locked into purchasing genuine HP cartridges.
This guide explains what you need to know before you set up your printer.
What Is HP+?
HP+ is an optional program that is offered during the initial setup of many newer HP printers.
While HP advertises benefits such as cloud features and an extended warranty, there is an important tradeoff:
Once HP+ is activated, the printer is permanently tied to using Original HP ink cartridges.
As of today, there is no supported way to remove HP+ from an enrolled printer.
What About HP Instant Ink?
HP Instant Ink is HP’s monthly ink subscription service.
Even if you only activate the free trial, many users find that after the subscription ends, their printer will no longer accept compatible replacement cartridges.
If your printer has ever been enrolled in HP Instant Ink, you should assume there is a significant possibility that aftermarket cartridges will not work.
Which Printers Are Affected?
HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e & 8130e Series
These printers use HP 923 / 923e cartridges.
Affected models include:
- HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e
- HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e
- HP OfficeJet Pro 8128e
- HP OfficeJet Pro 8130e Series
- HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e
- HP OfficeJet Pro 8138e
- HP OfficeJet Pro 8139e
If your printer has never been enrolled in HP+ or HP Instant Ink, you can use our compatible replacement cartridges:
Compatible HP 923 / 923e XL Ink Cartridges
HP OfficeJet Pro 9110, 9120 & 9130 Series
These printers use HP 936 / 936e cartridges.
Affected models include:
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9110b
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9117b
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9122e
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9125
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9128e
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9130b
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9135e
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9720e
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e
If your printer has never been enrolled in HP+ or HP Instant Ink, our compatible cartridges are an excellent replacement:
Compatible HP 936 / 936e XL Ink Cartridges
How to Avoid Being Locked Into HP Ink
When setting up your new printer:
- Carefully read every setup screen.
- Decline HP+ enrollment if you want the freedom to choose compatible cartridges.
- Skip the HP Instant Ink trial unless you intend to remain in the subscription program.
- Don’t simply click Next through the setup wizard. Some enrollment options can be easy to overlook.
Taking a few extra seconds during setup can save you hundreds of dollars in ink costs over the life of your printer.
How Do I Know If My Printer Qualifies?
Your printer generally qualifies for compatible cartridges if:
✅ HP+ has never been activated.
✅ HP Instant Ink has never been activated or used.
If either service has been enabled, compatible cartridges may no longer work.
Why We Ask Customers Before Purchasing
Because this cannot usually be reversed, we ask customers to confirm their printer has never been enrolled in HP+ or HP Instant Ink before purchasing compatible cartridges.
This helps prevent unnecessary returns and ensures you receive cartridges that will work with your printer.
(Insert your confirmation image here.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I disable HP+ later?
No. Once HP+ has been activated, HP does not currently provide a supported method to remove it.
I only used the free HP Instant Ink trial. Can I still use compatible cartridges?
In many cases, no. Even printers that only participated in the free trial may reject compatible cartridges afterward.
Will your compatible cartridges work?
Yes, provided your printer has never been enrolled in HP+ and has never used HP Instant Ink.
Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality
If your printer has never been enrolled in HP+ or HP Instant Ink, compatible cartridges can provide outstanding print quality and significant savings compared to Original HP cartridges.
Shop our compatible cartridges here:
