HP is the name to everyone when it comes to printers, but they employ some questionable methods to maximize profits. Like Apple, HP aims to create a closed ecosystem, forcing you to use only HP ink with their printers, especially if you choose HP+.
I was recently at my in-laws' house and signed them up for HP+ through the app, only to discover that once I agreed, it would permanently update the printer's firmware – there's no way to undo it and I'll have to use HP ink cartridges to print anything.
My parents-in-law's printer would no longer print because they were using third-party cartridges. Below I'll explain the sequence of events with the HP+, how I spent hours trying to find a workaround only to discover there was no solution, and how HP ended up facing multiple lawsuits over the incident.
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Man using a printer (HP)
What is HP+ and why should you avoid it?
HP+ is an optional service available on select HP printers. It's free and offers cloud connectivity, an extended warranty, and more. As HP describes it, “HP+ is an innovative smart printing system that comes with select HP printers. It gives you a variety of benefits, including up to three months of free Instant Ink on compatible printers.”
It may seem harmless at first, but upon closer inspection, you'll find that the subscription blocks the use of non-HP inks. Plus, it requires a constant internet connection to function. HP+ was introduced in 2020, and its initial supported printers include the HP LaserJet M200 series and the HP OfficeJet Pro 8000e and 9000e series.
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Printer on the office desk (HP)
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Once I install HP+, is there a way to revert or opt out?
The best solution would be to not sign up for HP+ in the first place, but unfortunately that was not an option for me. So I called customer support to try and find a solution, but after being on the phone for over an hour, no solution was found. The customer service rep told me that once you sign up, there is no going back. They then told me that the only way to fix what was done and allow my parents-in-law to use third-party cartridges again was to send the printer back.
On a related note, printers usually allow you to use any brand of ink, making things easier and more affordable for you by allowing you to choose the ink that fits your budget. How to make your cheapest printer ink and cartridges last longerCheck it out to get the most out of your printer.
Back to the story. HP said they were willing to replace my printer with a new one (without HP+) but I would have to cover the shipping costs. As an alternative they offered to send me 4 HP cartridges, but that's a one-time thing so it's not really a long term solution. For the time being I've decided to use the 4 HP cartridges while I consider replacing my printer with a completely different brand.
I have a headache.
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Printer on a table in the office (HP)
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HP printer ink issue goes to court
Not only has HP+ been a headache for me, but many others have had problems, including suing HP. Lawsuits brought by Mobile Emergency Housing Corp., Performance Automotive & Tire Center, and David Justin Lynch have been settled in principle, and HP is working on finalizing the agreement.
The lawsuit alleges that HP pushed software updates to its printers that made them incompatible with ink cartridges from other companies. The company is reportedly seeking to defend anyone across the country who owned an HP Color LaserJet Pro M254, HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M280, HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281, or any other model affected by the HP malware transmission. Top class action.
In another lawsuit, Starts in Januarymakes a similar claim, pointing out that a firmware update released sometime between late 2022 and early 2023 would disable printers when using non-HP cartridges.
We contacted HP for a response to the article but did not hear back by deadline.
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Important points about the cart
The HP+ service makes absolutely no sense to me as a consumer, and probably no more so to anyone else who values money. Why spend the extra money on HP branded ink when you can get the same ink cheaper, or if you already have third-party ink on hand? If you're paying for printer hardware, you should be able to use it how you want, not as dictated by a company. A word of warning: if you want more ink choices, don't sign up for HP+.
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