AIBU to think connecting my HP printer to my instant ink account via my phone is impossible?

[HolidayArmadillo26]

I can print fine from my phone to my wireless printer but now it needs me to connect the printer to my instant ink account to update how much ink there is. I cannot do it. I don’t have a computer, I don’t have WiFi at home. All I’ve got is my phone and 4g. The so called helpline woman in India couldn’t comprehend I didn’t have broadband or a computer. I need my printer to print off the kids school work. I’m FRAZZLED!!!!

I have one of those.

I was under the impression that it needs wifi to connect to the Internet to update the ink levels.

When the printer is running low on ink,it sends a signal and you receive your ink cartridges through the post.

@YewandOak it advertises as being able to be used with JUST a phone, therefore it must be possible!

I didn't know that. Can't help,I'm afraid. Hope you get it sorted.

I'm guessing you'll have to set up our phone as a hotspot the printer can connect to.

Your phone, not ours.

@HolidayArmadillo26 I've had a look on Google.

Have you tried connecting using your phone as a hotspot?
It does say on the links I've found,that you do need broadband for it to work.
''A printer with an active Internet connection: The printer must be set up on a wired or wireless network and Web Services must be turned on. This connection is required so that HP Instant Ink can securely monitor your printer’s ink status. A daily connection between your printer and the Internet is not required, but HP recommends that you allow your printer to remain connected as often as possible. After your printer has been disconnected for a few days, you receive reminders to connect. If you fail to connect, eventually your HP Instant Ink cartridges stop printing.''

Someone else suggested this - ''If you have a cell phone with a Hot Spot feature, turn that on and connect the printer to the Hot Spot. Now let Instant Ink transfer it data. Need to do this about twice a month''

I have a HP printer and to do this it requires to be connected to WiFi. What model do you have OP?

I’ve just been grappling with mine all day trying to set it up. I was using my phone and the instant connection thing but actually to set up the print subscription I needed all devices including the printer to be connected to my home wifi.
Finally done... only took me about 3 hours ffs

Can you just order more ink yourself? That’s what I do. When it says it is low on ink, I go online and order ink. Do you really need that step of ordering the ink to be done for you?

I went to my brothers empty house and did it on his WiFi. It won’t work with hotspot, although my brother reckons that if I uninstall it from my app on my phone and reinstall it, it should upload printer ink levels at the same time so I’ll try that next time.

Thank you @YewandOak
And @EstellaHanclay I’m glad I’m not the only only one struggling!

Mine was a nightmare. I was low on ink but couldn’t connect and in the end gave up and cancelled as it was so utterly frustrating. Plus I couldn’t ever get any help. I always ended up with a bloody chat bot.