<h1 data-path-to-node="0"><strong data-path-to-node="0" data-index-in-node="0">{FIXED} HP Printer "Cartridge Locked" and Instant Ink Cancellation</strong></h1> <p data-path-to-node="1">If your HP printer has stopped printing or displays a message saying <strong data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="69">"Cartridge cannot be used until the printer is enrolled in HP Instant Ink,"</strong> it means your 2026 cancellation has been processed. When you cancel an HP subscription, the <strong data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="237">Instant Ink cartridges</strong> currently inside your printer are remotely disabled at the end of the billing cycle.</p> <p data-path-to-node="2">For immediate help with a 2026 billing dispute or to manually "Unlock" your printer's connection, you can speak with a human support agent at <strong data-path-to-node="2" data-index-in-node="142">+1-855-508-8955</strong>.</p> <hr data-path-to-node="3" /> <h3 data-path-to-node="4"><strong data-path-to-node="4" data-index-in-node="0">I. Why the Cancellation Blocks Your Printing</strong></h3> <p data-path-to-node="5">In 2026, HP's "Smart Printing" policy is strictly enforced. It is important to distinguish between your printer hardware and the subscription ink.</p> <ul data-path-to-node="6"> <li> <p data-path-to-node="6,0,0"><strong data-path-to-node="6,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Rented Ink Policy:</strong> The cartridges sent via Instant Ink are technically "rented." Once the 2026 subscription is terminated, HP sends a signal via Wi-Fi to the printer&rsquo;s firmware to reject those specific cartridges.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="6,1,0"><strong data-path-to-node="6,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">The "Final Bill" Sync:</strong> You will receive one final bill at the end of the cycle for any overage pages printed in 2026. If this payment fails, the printer may enter a "Locked" state even for standard ink.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="6,2,0"><strong data-path-to-node="6,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">HP+ Restrictions:</strong> If you have an "e" series printer (e.g., ENVY 6000e), canceling the 2026 plan may require a manual firmware reset to allow the use of standard retail ink.</p> </li> </ul> <hr data-path-to-node="7" /> <h3 data-path-to-node="8"><strong data-path-to-node="8" data-index-in-node="0">II. Step-by-Step Cancellation Fixes</strong></h3> <h4 data-path-to-node="9"><strong data-path-to-node="9" data-index-in-node="0">1. The Cartridge Swap (Required)</strong></h4> <p data-path-to-node="10">To resume printing after a 2026 cancellation, you <strong data-path-to-node="10" data-index-in-node="50">must</strong> remove the subscription ink:</p> <ol start="1" data-path-to-node="11"> <li> <p data-path-to-node="11,0,0">Open the cartridge access door.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="11,1,0">Remove all cartridges labeled "Instant Ink."</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="11,2,0">Install <strong data-path-to-node="11,2,0" data-index-in-node="8">Standard Retail HP Cartridges</strong> (purchased from a store).</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="11,3,0">Restart the printer. The error message should disappear immediately.</p> </li> </ol> <h4 data-path-to-node="12"><strong data-path-to-node="12" data-index-in-node="0">2. Clearing the UA_200 "Subscription Error"</strong></h4> <p data-path-to-node="13">If you have installed new ink but the printer still says "Subscription Required":</p> <ol start="1" data-path-to-node="14"> <li> <p data-path-to-node="14,0,0">Log in to <code data-path-to-node="14,0,0" data-index-in-node="10">hpsmart.com</code> and ensure the printer is removed from the "Instant Ink" section.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="14,1,0">On the printer's screen, go to <strong data-path-to-node="14,1,0" data-index-in-node="31">Settings &gt; Web Services &gt; Remove Web Services</strong>.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="14,2,0">If the printer stays "Offline" or locked, call <strong data-path-to-node="14,2,0" data-index-in-node="47">+1-855-508-8955</strong> to have a specialist "Unlink" the serial number from the 2026 cloud servers.</p> </li> </ol> <h4 data-path-to-node="15"><strong data-path-to-node="15" data-index-in-node="0">3. Disconnecting from the 2026 Cloud</strong></h4> <p data-path-to-node="16">To prevent HP from remotely monitoring your page counts after cancellation:</p> <ol start="1" data-path-to-node="17"> <li> <p data-path-to-node="17,0,0">Access the printer's <strong data-path-to-node="17,0,0" data-index-in-node="21">Embedded Web Server (EWS)</strong> by typing its IP address into a browser.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="17,1,0">Go to the <strong data-path-to-node="17,1,0" data-index-in-node="10">Connectivity</strong> or <strong data-path-to-node="17,1,0" data-index-in-node="26">Privacy</strong> tab.</p> </li> <li> <p data-path-to-node="17,2,0">Disable <strong data-path-to-node="17,2,0" data-index-in-node="8">Usage Tracking</strong> and <strong data-path-to-node="17,2,0" data-index-in-node="27">Auto-Updates</strong>.</p> </li> </ol> <hr data-path-to-node="18" /> <h3 data-path-to-node="19"><strong data-path-to-node="19" data-index-in-node="0">III. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</strong></h3> <p data-path-to-node="20"><strong data-path-to-node="20" data-index-in-node="0">Q: Can I use the leftover ink in the Instant Ink cartridges?</strong><strong data-path-to-node="20" data-index-in-node="61">A:</strong> No. As soon as the 2026 billing cycle ends, the internal chip on the cartridge is disabled. There is no way to bypass this without reactivating the plan or calling <strong data-path-to-node="20" data-index-in-node="228">+1-855-508-8955</strong> for a temporary grace period.</p> <p data-path-to-node="21"><strong data-path-to-node="21" data-index-in-node="0">Q: Why was I charged after I canceled?</strong><strong data-path-to-node="21" data-index-in-node="39">A:</strong> HP bills for Instant Ink <strong data-path-to-node="21" data-index-in-node="67">after</strong> the month of use. Your final 2026 charge occurs at the very end of your final billing period. If you believe this is a duplicate charge, contact the refund desk at <strong data-path-to-node="21" data-index-in-node="237">+1-855-508-8955</strong>.</p> <p data-path-to-node="22"><strong data-path-to-node="22" data-index-in-node="0">Q: Do I have to return the old 2026 cartridges?</strong><strong data-path-to-node="22" data-index-in-node="48">A:</strong> Yes, HP provides a prepaid recycling envelope. However, returning them does not "cancel" the plan&mdash;you must still cancel the subscription online or by phone to stop the charges.</p> <p data-path-to-node="23"><strong data-path-to-node="23" data-index-in-node="0">Q: My printer is stuck in an "Offline" loop after the 2026 update. What now?</strong><strong data-path-to-node="23" data-index-in-node="77">A:</strong> This is a common "DNS Mismatch." A technician can help you assign a <strong data-path-to-node="23" data-index-in-node="148">Static IP</strong> to the printer by calling <strong data-path-to-node="23" data-index-in-node="184">+1-855-508-8955</strong>, which forces the printer back to "Ready" status.</p>