In recent weeks, we've received an increasing number of support requests from customers who purchased compatible HP 923 ink cartridges and HP 936 ink cartridges - only to face a frustrating error when installing them: “Cartridge Rejected.” This blog aims to explain why this happens, especially with newer HP printers, and how you can avoid this issue in the future.
What’s Causing the Cartridge Rejected Error?
If you're seeing a “Cartridge Rejected” error with your HP printer, there's a high chance that your printer is enrolled in HP+ - a program that locks your printer into using only original HP ink.
The root cause isn't your compatible cartridge - it's the HP+ system restriction, which blocks all third-party or remanufactured cartridges, even if they are fully functional and perfectly compatible.
Why Are So Many Compatible HP 923 and 936 Users Affected?
This issue has become common with models that use the HP 923 and 936 ink cartridges. Here's why:
1. HP+ Printers Are Sold at Lower Prices
HP has significantly stepped up its promotion of HP+ printers, using lower prices, longer warranties, and 3-6 months of free ink cartridges to attract consumers to buy HP+ printers. Many new HP printer users do not understand the limitations of HP+ printers for third-party ink cartridges, and unknowingly purchase HP+ printers that appear to be more cost-effective. But in reality, they fell into the trap of HP's razor marketing model. Read our blog Is HP Plus Worth It to learn more details about HP+.
2. Activation Happens During Setup - Often Without Clear Warnings
Many customers are not aware that by setting up their new printer using the HP Smart App, they are automatically activating HP+ - which permanently restricts the printer to original HP ink only.
3. No Warning About Third-Party Cartridge Incompatibility
At no point during the purchase or setup does HP clearly inform customers that third-party ink cartridges will be permanently blocked if they activate HP+. Therefore, many users think that as long as they cancel HP+, they can use any third-party cartridges. But when they installed new compatible HP ink cartridges, they were rejected straight away by the printer.
How to Check If You Activated HP Plus?
To verify whether your printer is enrolled in HP+:
- Go to the HP warranty check page: support.hp.com/us-en/check-warranty
- Find the serial number back on your printer. Normally it's printed on a small sticker.
- Select your country and enter the serial number to check the warranty status.
- If the Service Type is HP 2Y STD EXCHANGE - HP+, it means that you have activated HP Plus in your printer.
Once HP+ is activated, you cannot disable it, and your printer will only ever accept original HP cartridges, or cartridges with a reused HP chip.
How to Fix the "Cartridge Rejected" Error Message?
If you already activated HP+, unfortunately, there's no software fix to make third-party ink cartridges work. Your options include:
1. Switch to Genuine HP Ink
If you must keep your HP+ printer, you’ll need to purchase original HP cartridges - such as HP 923 or HP 936 from HP-authorized sellers.
2. Replace the Printer with a Non-HP+ Model
If you're looking for long-term savings, consider returning your HP+ printer (if still within the return window) and replacing it with a non-HP+ printer:
- Look for printer models without an “e” at the end.
- Avoid activating HP+ during setup.
- Or choose other brands like Brother, Canon, Epson, or Xerox, which typically allow third-party cartridges.
3. Don’t Activate HP+ When Setting Up a New Printer
If you're about to set up a new HP printer:
- Choose the “Continue without HP+” option if prompted.
- Avoid signing up for HP Instant Ink unless you plan to stick with HP cartridges permanently.
Final Thoughts
HP+ may sound like a convenient program with free ink and extra warranty, but it comes at a high long-term cost: your freedom to choose affordable, high-quality third-party ink cartridges.
At Ready Toner, we stand by our ink quality and understand how frustrating this hidden lock-in can be. That’s why we always recommend checking your printer model and avoiding HP+ if you want the option to use cost-effective alternatives.
If you've already bought compatible HP 923 or 936 ink cartridges and encountered a rejection error, please reach out to our support team. We’ll help you troubleshoot and explore your options.