The HP Instant Ink Error E4 can be an exasperating obstruction for the HP printer users, who are liable to sign up for the HP Instant Ink Subscription. This error is usually a communication problem between your printer and the HP Instant Ink service and is often connected with connectivity, cartridge issues, or the settings on your account. The good news is that fixing this error is easy when you follow a few simple steps. This ultimate troubleshooting guide contains a lot of vital information for you to understand the reason that led to the HP Instant Ink Error E4, as well as actionable solutions to get your printer back on track!
Also Read: How To Download and Install the HP LaserJet Pro M402n Driver
Understanding HP Instant Ink Error E4
HP Instant Ink Error E4 generally occurs when the printer is unable to communicate with the HP Instant Ink servers or when there is an issue with the ink cartridges that are installed. Common causes include:
- Internet connection Issues: If your Wi-Fi signal is weak or unstable, it may result in the printer being unable to communicate with HP’s servers.
- Cartridge problem: Misinstalled or incompatible ink cartridges may bring out the error.
- Account issues: The error can also result from issues related to your HP Instant Ink account, including a lapse in subscription or billing-related issues.
- Printer firmware problems: Old firmware and software bugs can interfere with the connection to the Instant Ink service.
Once the problem is understood, you are in a better position to implement the most suitable solution. Here’s the step-by-step guide for solving the HP Instant Ink Error E4.
Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection
HP Instant Ink depends on an online connection to authenticate your service and check ink levels, so an unstable internet connection may be the main cause of the Error E4. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
- Check Connection to Wi-Fi: Make sure your printer is running on a stable Wi-Fi connection. Look for a Wi-Fi icon or status light on the printer to learn if it’s connected to the network.
- Restart Your Router: Turn off your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in again. Allow the router to reconnect to the internet.
- Bring the printer closer: If the Wi-Fi is weak and your router is located far away, then position the printer closer to the router for a stronger signal reception.
- Test the Connection: Print a network configuration page from your printer’s control panel to make sure that it is connected to the right network.
You need a stable internet connection to wifi because it’s important to complete this step before continuing with the next.
Step 2: Check and Reinstall ink cartridges
The Error E4 can also be caused by problems related to ink cartridges. To eliminate the possibility of the cartridge causing the problem, you need to follow these steps:
- Turn Off the Printer: Disconnect the cord of your printer from power before you unplug the printer.
- Extract the Cartridges: Open the cartridge access door on the printer and then cautiously remove the instant ink cartridges.
- Look for physical damage: Check the cartridges for any physical damage, such as leaks or bent contacts. Make sure the HP Instant Ink cartridges are legitimate, as the error may be due to third-party cartridges.
- Cleaning the Contacts: The copper contacts for the cartridge and printer must remain clean during the replacement process. Turn the printer off, and use a dry, lint-free cloth to clear any dust or debris away from the contacts on the cartridges and inside the printer.
- Re-insert the Cartridges: Put the cartridges back in their place, and make sure the cartridges are locked in position. Close the cartridge access door.
- Printer Turned On: Power on your printer and see if the error still exists.
Correctly installed and genuine HP Instant Ink cartridges should help to mitigate the cartridge-related sources of the HP Instant Ink Error E4.
Step 3: Update Printer Firmware
The firmware version on your printer might be outdated, and this can interfere with the communication between your printer and the HP Instant Ink service. A firmware update is an easy fix:
- Check for Updates: Access the printer’s Control Panel, select “Settings” or “Tools”, and then select “Printer Update” or “Firmware Update.”
- Update: If there is an update, download and install it as shown on the screen. Make sure the printer is internet-connected in this process.
- Reboot the Printer: Reboot the printer after the update.
Alternatively, you can go to the HP Support web page, enter your model number, and download the newest firmware version of your printer manually. HP Instant Ink Error E4 due to Software Malfunction: HP Instant Ink Error E4 is generally caused by software malfunctions, and in most cases, updating the firmware will clear this issue.
Step 4: Check Your HP Instant Ink Account Reminder
After you plug in the printer, you should make sure the printer’s lights are on. Problems in your HP account for Instant Ink, such as expired service or billing issues, can cause the Error E4. Here’s how to check:
- Log In to Your Account: Go to the HP Instant Ink website (instantink.hpconnected.com) and log in to your account.
- Check Subscription Status: Verify that your subscription is current and that there are no past due charges for service. Update your payment details if necessary.
- Reconnect Printer: If your account is current, re-enroll in the service according to the instructions on the HP Instant Ink website.
An active account linked to the printer. An active account directly associated with the printer can alleviate issues related to the account responsible for the HP Instant Ink Error E4.
Step 5: Reset the Printer
If none of the steps above resolved the problem, turning your printer off and back on, as well as doing a factory reset, should be able to clear error messages that won’t go away:
- Find the Reset Option: Go to “Settings” or “Setup” on your printer, then scroll until you see “Restore Factory Settings” or “Reset.
- Confirm the Reset: Click the options to reset the printer to its original settings. Keep in mind that this will clear your customer settings, so you’ll have to reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi network and reregister with HP Instant Ink.
- Reconfigure the Printer: Set up the printer once more using the original instructions for setting up your printer, including connecting to Wi-Fi and re-associating with your HP Instant Ink account.
Sometimes, a factory reset is the solution to some underlying software problems triggering the HP Instant Ink Error E4.
Step 6: Contact HP Support
If none of the above process helps, then it is time to contact HP Support. Here’s how to proceed:
- Visit the HP Support Site: Go to support and type in your printer model number to get troubleshooting information for your particular printer.
- Connect with HP: Spend less time in and out of support calls and more time getting back to work. Benefit from expertise. Contact Support. Propel your work to new heights with the ability to optimize and secure your device and manage devices from one cloud-based solution in real time. Be prepared to give your printer’s serial number and particulars of the Error E4.
- Check Warranty Status: If your printer is under warranty, HP can provide several repair or replacement options.
HP support staff can either offer advanced diagnostics or send out replacement ink cartridges to help with HP Instant Ink Error E4 problems.
Avoiding Future HP Instant Ink Error E4 Problems
To prevent HP Instant Ink Error E4 from happening again, here are what you should do:
- Maintain a Stable Internet Environment: Keep the printer away from your router for a while, as it may generate some interference.
- Original HP Cartridges: Ensure your printing is right the first time and every time with HP printer 61 ink.
- Frequent Firmware Update: Search for and update firmware every month to maintain the up-to-dateness of the printer.
- Keep an Eye on Your Account: Stay on top of your HP Instant Ink account for any billing or subscription updates.
And by being proactive, you can decrease the likelihood of encountering the HP Instant Ink Error E4 the next time.
Conclusion
HP Instant Ink Error E4 can interrupt your printing experience, but through the right troubleshooting steps, you can fix it easily. By testing your internet connection, examining ink cartridges, updating your firmware, confirming your account, and resetting the printer, you can solve the most frequent reasons leading to this error. And if all else fails, HP’s support team is there for you. Follow the steps in this guide to get your printer printing smoothly again and avoid future issues with the HP Instant Ink service.