How To Reset HP Printer: Step-by-Step Guide

Printers are no different than any other machine, having software issues, and seeing unexpected warnings pop-ups are quite common signs for your printer to have either a Soft reset or a factory reset.

So, if your HP printer gets stuck every time you try to print an important document, this is a sign to get your HP printer a RESET boost!

Check out the steps for “How to reset HP printer” below:

HP Printer Soft Reset

What do you do when your phone starts hanging or showing a network issue? “You turn your phone off and then on or simply restart it,” The same goes with the HP soft reset option. 

The soft reset for an HP printer involves “Turning the printer off and then on”  again to resolve minor software or connectivity issues. 

This action does not erase any settings or data.

How to Soft Reset Your HP Printer: 6 Steps

Follow these simple steps correctly: 

• Step 1: Turn off your HP printer.
• Step 2: Unplug the power cable from the printer. 
• Step 3: Wait for 1 minute, then plug the power cable back into the printer.
• Step 4: Wait till it turns “ON”, once ON, press and hold the resume button for 15 sec. Then release the button. 
• Step 5: Wait till it initializes.
• Step 6: Your printer is ready to work again!

HP Printer Factory Reset

Now what do you do when you pass your phone to your younger sibling? “You simply factory reset your phone, this erases your data from the phone. And put all its settings back to factory reset.” Now, the same goes for the HP Printer factory reset option. 

A factory reset for an HP printer restores it to its original factory settings, erasing all user-configured settings and data. 

This clears all your (user-customized) network settings, and custom preferences. 

The HP Printer factory reset can be done in 3 different ways:

1. Resetting your HP Printer via The HP Smart App: 5 Steps

You can remotely reset your printer using the HP Smart app.

NOTE: It is important to have an HP account

Follow these simple steps correctly:  

• Step 1: Log in HP smart app on your device.
• Step 2: Select the printer model you want to reset. 
• Step 3: The settings page will open, go to “Advanced Settings” and select “Factory Reset.” 
• Step 4: Once you've made your decision, wait for your HP printer to complete the process.

2. HP Printer Factory Reset via Embedded Web Server (EWS)

To perform this action you first need to get your printer’s IP address. To get the IP address (from the printer screen) you need to: Tap Information Icon > Ethernet Tab > HP Printer IP Address.

• Step 1: Enter the printer IP address on the browser address bar.
• Step 2: The browser warning may occur as you access the piece of hardware; HP printer. Click through the warning. 
• Step 3: Go to > General Tab (upper part of the screen). 
• Step 4: On the bottom left part > Find “Reset Factory Settings.” 
• Step 5: Click > Reset button> Wait for the printer to turn back ON. 
• Step 6: Your printer is all reset to work again.

How to reset HP Printer via WiFi Direct with Embedded Web Server (EWS)

For this no external software is needed. You can simply perform the printer reset option via WiFi directly with HP EWS. 

Carefully follow these steps: 

Step 1: Go to Connections/ Network > Direct (e.g. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w) > Connect > Add Network Security Key > YES.  

•  your computer is connected via WIFI directly to the printer. 

Step 2: Open a tab on any internet browser or Google Chrome.

Step 3: Add your Key IP address following “https:\\”

• e.g.- https:\\ Your IP address > Enter.

Step 4: The browser will show “Your connection is not private.”

• For this go to Advanced> (Left corner) Proceed to (IP address) (Unsafe)
• Click on the above option. 

Step 5: The HP EWS page will open.

Step 6: Navigate to System > Service > Restore Defaults Button (Right corner) > (Dialogue box may occur) OK.

Step 7: The printer will do a “Power Cycle.”

Step 8: Once your printer power cycles; your HP printer resets.

 3. HP Printer Factory Reset via The Printer Control Panel:

The HP printers come with different control panel screens - without or with touchscreens. Below are the steps for both.

How To reset an HP Printer with a touchscreen panel: 5 Steps

• Step 1: Go to the Home screen > Settings icon> General menu.
• Step 2: At the bottom, find the “Reset Factory Settings” option and select it. Then “Tap on Reset”.
• Step 3: Your HP printer will warn you about the “Loss of data” if you proceed.
• Step 4: Select “Reset again” to confirm.
• Step 5: Your printer gets reset, and you can now print.

Here’s how to reset an HP Printer without a screen: 7 Steps

• Step 1: Turn your printer off, and unplug the cable.
• Step 2: Leave the device to reset for 1 minute.  
• Step 3: Reconnect the power cable to your printer.
• Step 4: Long press the “Resume” button for 30 sec. while turning on the printer. 
• Step 5: Once the “Attention light” turns on, release the Resume button.
• Step 6: The “Attention and Ready lights” will go ON and OFF while your HP printer resets.
• Step 7: Once done you’re all set to enjoy your prints.

NOTE: The above-mentioned steps might change a little depending on your HP Printer and its version.

HP Printer Cold Reset Vs Factory Reset: Key Difference

Here’s the table showcasing the difference between Cold Reset Vs Factory Reset:

ASPECT	FACTORY RESET	COLD RESET
Purpose	Restores the device to its original factory settings and erases user-configured settings and data.	Reboots the device without changing user settings or data.
Data and Settings	Erases all user-configured settings and data, returning the device to its default state.	Keep user-configured settings and data. There’s no data loss.
Network Settings	Resets network settings, clearing Wi-Fi and network configurations.	Leaves network settings intact, with no impact on network connections.
Impact on Data	Deletes user-generated data and configurations.	No impact on user data or settings.
Use Case	Typically used for troubleshooting complex issues, selling or returning the device.	Used for resolving minor issues, refreshing the device, or rebooting it.
Configuration Loss	Loss of all customized settings and preferences.	Preserves user settings and preferences.

 

So, when should you reset your HP Printer?

You should get your HP printer reset when you experience constant technical issues like

• Connectivity problems
• Error messages
• Printing Errors 

Other issues that cannot be resolved through basic troubleshooting. 

Resetting the printer can often clear these issues and restore normal functionality.

In A Nutshell

We hope the above steps will help you understand how to reset your HP printer. This guide showcases quick methods that will help you reset and reboot your printer quickly without dealing with rough technical difficulties. 

It’s recommended to keep in mind that the navigation methods and menu names may differ based on the control panel design and your printer model. Also, the terms and options to access network settings and IP address display may vary depending on your HP printer model.