If you’re wondering “how to unlock my HP printer after I stop subscription?” We’ve created this step-by-step guide to address this specific problem.
Table of Contents
Understanding Error Messages
If your HP printer is locked, it usually displays error messages like “Subscription Ended,” “Service Terminated,” or “Features Disabled.” These messages are indicators that you’ll need to take steps to unlock your device.
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How to Unlock My HP Printer After I Stop Subscription Solutions
Try out the following solutions in the given order to resolve the problem at hand.
Contact Customer Support
Contacting HP customer support should be your initial step in troubleshooting this issue. Customer support professionals can guide you through the most appropriate solutions for your specific printer model. Here’s how to reach them:
Visit the official HP customer support website at https://support.hp.com.
Scroll down to the ‘Contact Us’ section, typically located at the bottom of the page.
Select the method that suits you: options include live chat, email support, or a toll-free phone number.
Provide your printer model and explain that you’ve stopped your subscription service and need to unlock the printer.
Follow their step-by-step guidance carefully.
Manually Reset the Printer
If you find yourself unable to reach HP Customer Support, or if their suggested solutions don’t work for you, manually resetting your printer is an option you can try. This procedure will restore your printer to its default factory settings. Note that all your personalized settings and stored data will be erased. Here’s a more detailed guide on how to proceed:
Turn Off the Printer: Locate the power button on your printer. This is usually at the front or top, depending on your printer model. Press it to turn off the printer. You’ll know it’s off when all the lights on the printer go out.
Disconnect the Power Cable: On most HP printers, the power cable is detachable. Go to the back of the printer and gently pull out the power cable from the power port. Ensure that you also unplug it from the wall socket.
Wait for 2 Minutes: Waiting is important because it allows the printer’s internal memory to fully discharge. This helps in completely erasing settings and temporary configurations that might be causing the lock.
Reconnect the Power Cable: After waiting for 2 minutes, plug the power cable back into the printer and into the wall socket. Make sure the connections are secure.
Turn On the Printer: Press the power button to turn the printer back on. The printer will undergo a startup sequence. You may hear sounds of mechanical movement as the printer self-aligns and performs initial checks. This is normal.
Wait for Printer Initialization: The printer might take a few minutes to fully initialize. You’ll know it’s ready when the control panel (or the LED indicators) shows that it’s in a ready state.
Update Printer Firmware
Old firmware can sometimes be incompatible with the current software requirements, causing your HP printer to lock after you stop your subscription. Firmware updates often include bug fixes and enhancements that can resolve these kinds of issues. Here’s a step-by-step guide to updating your printer firmware:
Visit HP Printer Support: Open your web browser and navigate to the HP Support website.
Search for Your Printer Model: You’ll usually find a search bar at the top of the page. Type in your printer model and hit Enter. This will take you to the product page specific to your printer.
Navigate to Firmware Section: On the product page, look for a tab or a link that says ‘Software, Drivers and Firmware’ and click it. This will open a list of available updates for your printer.
Download Latest Firmware: Find the most recent firmware update listed and click on it. There will typically be a ‘Download’ button. Click this to download the firmware file to your computer.
Run the Firmware Update File: Locate the downloaded firmware file on your computer. It’s generally in the ‘Downloads’ folder unless you chose a different location. Double-click the file to run it.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: An installation wizard will appear. Make sure your printer is turned on and connected to your computer. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the firmware update. This may include confirming that you want to update, agreeing to terms and conditions, and clicking ‘Install’ or ‘Update’ to initiate the process.
Wait for Update Completion: Do not turn off your printer or your computer during this process. Once the update is complete, your printer will likely restart automatically. If it doesn’t, manually restart it to ensure the new firmware settings take effect.
Why Your HP Printer Gets Locked After Subscription Ends
HP offers various subscription services like HP Instant Ink, which link your printer to their services for seamless ink delivery, scanning solutions, and more. When you cancel these services, it’s possible for your printer to become locked, thereby limiting its functionality. This lockout can disable features like printing, scanning, and photocopying, making it essential for you to unlock the printer to regain full access.
