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What is HP plus and its Benefits

What is HP+, How to Get it, and its Benefits

Linsey Knerl
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Reading time: 4 minutes
HP+ is an innovative smart printing system that comes with select HP printers. It offers several benefits, including up to 3 months of free Instant Ink with compatible printers. By connecting your printer, ink, and app into an integrated ecosystem, HP+ aims to make printing smarter and more convenient. Let’s explore what HP+ offers and how it can enhance your printing experience.

What is HP+?

HP+ is a free upgrade available on many newer HP inkjet and laser printers. It integrates your printer with HP’s cloud services to provide additional features and benefits beyond a standard printer. Key aspects of HP+ include:
  • Cloud connectivity for printing from anywhere
  • Smart features like automatic updates and issue detection
  • Free HP Smart app premium features
  • Optional HP Instant Ink subscription
  • Extended warranty coverage
  • The requirement of a reliable internet connection for full functionality
The goal is to create a more seamless, hassle-free printing experience. It’s important to note that HP+ requires the use of genuine HP ink cartridges to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.

Key Benefits of HP+

benefits of hp plus
When you activate HP+ on a supported printer, you’ll get access to several useful features:
  1. Cloud-based printing: Print from any device, anywhere, using the HP Smart app.
  2. Automatic updates and fixes: Your printer will keep itself up-to-date and can detect and resolve many issues automatically.
  3. Enhanced HP Smart app: Get premium features in the app for easier printing, scanning, and more.
  4. Extended warranty: Enjoy an extra year of HP warranty coverage at no cost.
  5. Optional HP Instant Ink: Sign up for HP’s ink delivery service for up to 3 months free.
  6. Smart security: Get added protection against malware and unwanted access.
  7. Private Pickup: Only release print jobs when you’re physically at the printer.
  8. Sustainable printing: HP plants trees to offset paper use with HP+.
  9. Monitor ink levels: Check ink levels remotely and receive alerts for low ink through the HP Smart app.
  10. Improved print quality: Benefit from advanced print settings available with HP+ for better print quality.

How HP+ Works

HP+ creates an integrated printing ecosystem between your:
  • HP+ enabled printer
  • HP Smart mobile app
  • HP cloud services
When you set up an HP+ compatible printer, you’ll be prompted to activate HP+. This connects your printer to HP’s cloud and enables the extra features.
You’ll need to:
  • Create or sign in to an HP account
  • Keep the printer connected to the internet
  • Use only genuine HP ink/toner cartridges
HP Instant Ink ensures timely delivery of replacement cartridges before your current supply runs out.

HP+ and Instant Ink

With HP+, you get up to 3 months of Instant Ink included. Here’s how it works:
  1. Sign up & pick a plan: Choose a plan based on how often you print, not how much ink you use. Plans start as low as $1.49/month.
  2. Start printing: Every page costs the same, so you can print high-resolution photos for the same price as black and color documents.
  3. Ink ships when low: Your printer detects when you’re low on ink and automatically ships more when you need it.
  4. Recycle cartridges: Easily send empty cartridges back for recycling with the included prepaid return envelope.
  5. Change or cancel anytime: Modify or cancel your plan at any time. Extra pages cost just $1.

Supported HP+ Printers

HP+ is available on various printer models, including:

ENVY printers with HP+

Premium printers for families and working from home.

OfficeJet Pro printers with HP+

Best for small businesses and home offices.

DeskJet printers with HP+

Affordable options for basic home printing needs.

Is HP+ Worth It?

For many users, activating HP+ on a supported printer offers clear benefits:
  • Extended warranty coverage
  • Premium app features
  • Cloud printing capabilities
  • Automatic updates and fixes
These perks come at no extra cost, making HP+ an attractive option for most.
However, there are a few considerations:
  • You must use genuine HP cartridges
  • The printer needs to stay internet-connected
  • Some may have privacy concerns about cloud connectivity
Ultimately, if you’re comfortable with genuine HP supplies and online connectivity, HP+ provides valuable extras at no added cost.

How to Activate HP+

Activating HP+ is straightforward:
  1. Purchase an HP+ enabled printer
  2. During setup, follow the prompts to activate HP+
  3. Sign in or create an HP account
  4. Connect your printer to the internet
  5. Agree to use genuine HP cartridges
You can activate HP+ during the initial printer setup for the best experience.

Conclusion

HP+ offers a range of useful features to enhance your printing experience at no extra cost. From extended warranty coverage to smart app functionality and free Instant Ink, it can simplify printing for many users. While it does require using HP cartridges and staying connected, the benefits outweigh the restrictions for most people.
If you’re in the market for a new printer, considering an HP+ model could give you access to helpful extras to make your printing life easier. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and preferences.
Have you used HP+ on your printer? Let us know about your experience in the comments!

About the Author

Linsey Knerl is a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. Linsey is a Midwest-based author and public speaker. She has a passion for helping consumers and small business owners do more with their resources via the latest tech solutions.

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