Beware: Opting in can cause your printer to be taken over.

HP is widely recognized for its printers, but the company engages in questionable practices to increase profits. Similarly to Apple, HP aims to establish a closed ecosystem, compelling users to utilize only its ink with its printers, particularly if they choose HP+.

I signed up for HP+ for my in-laws through the app, but I later discovered that the printer firmware is updated permanently once you accept it. There's no way to undo it, and you're locked into using HP ink cartridges to print anything.

I was unable to print on my in-laws' printer because they were using third-party cartridges. I spent hours trying to find a workaround, but ultimately learned that there is no way out. HP has been sued multiple times over this issue.

What is HP+ and why you may want to avoid it

HP+ is a free service that comes with select HP printers and provides cloud connectivity, an extended warranty, and more. As per HP, HP+ is a smart printing system that offers up to three months of free Instant Ink with compatible printers.

The HP+ subscription restricts you to using only HP ink and requires a continuous internet connection to function. The HP+ subscription was launched in 2020 and supports the HP LaserJet M200 Series and the HP OfficeJet Pro 8000e and 9000e series among other printers.

Once you install HP+ is there a way to reverse or opt out?

Unfortunately, I couldn't avoid signing up for HP+, so I called customer support in hopes of finding a solution. However, despite spending over an hour on the phone, I didn't receive one. The customer service representative informed me that once you sign up, there's no turning back. They then stated that the only way to fix the issue and allow my in-laws to use their third-party cartridges is to send the printer back.

You can use any brand's ink with your printer, making it more affordable and convenient to choose ink that fits your budget. I previously wrote a guide on the cheapest printer ink and how to make cartridges last longer. You may want to refer to it for optimal printer usage.

HP offered to replace my printer with a new one, but I would have to pay for shipping. Alternatively, they suggested sending me four HP cartridges, but it's not a permanent solution. We decided to go with the cartridges for now while we explore other printer brands.

What a headache.

The HP printer ink issue is now in court

The lawsuit filed by Mobile Emergency Housing Corp., Performance Automotive & Tire Center, and David Justin Lynch against HP has reached a settlement in principle, and HP is currently working on finalizing the agreement.

The lawsuit alleges that HP intentionally updated its printer software to make them incompatible with other brands' ink cartridges. The lawsuit seeks to represent anyone nationwide who owns an HP Color LaserJet Pro M254, HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M280, HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281, or any other model affected by HP's malware transmissions, as reported by Top Class Actions.

A lawsuit that began in January alleges that a firmware update from late 2022 to early 2023 disabled printers when non-HP cartridges were used.

We contacted HP for a reply to our article, but did not receive a response before our deadline.

Kurt’s key takeaway

HP+ service is not a practical option for consumers who value their money. If they can obtain the same ink at a lower cost or already have third-party ink available, why would they spend extra on HP-branded ink? If they are purchasing printer hardware, they should have the freedom to use it as they see fit, not be restricted by the company's dictation. As a warning, HP+ may not offer the flexibility in ink options that some consumers desire.

Should printer manufacturers have the right to restrict ink cartridge usage or should consumers have the freedom to choose? Share your thoughts by writing to Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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