To reset your HP printer, go to the touch panel and select the Restore option.
If your HP printer doesn’t have a display panel, access the printer’s web page to reset it. Ensure that you have its IP address before starting the process.
Printers can be finicky devices, and a reset can often resolve issues. If your HP printer encounters persistent errors and has been idle for a while, a timely reset can be crucial. This blog offers a comprehensive guide on how to reset an HP printer. If you’re keen to learn more, continue reading.
When Should You Reset Your Printer
Your HP printer might act up at times. When you come across certain situations, performing a reset could be the solution.
Lots of Error Messages: If your printer screen often shows confusing error codes or messages like “Ink System Failure” or “Paper Jam” even when there’s no visible issue, a reset might help clear up the confusion
Connection Woes: A spotty Wi-Fi or USB connection will interrupt your printing from time to time. Resetting can sometimes re-establish a stable connection, allowing your printer to communicate flawlessly.
Print Quality Dilemma: If your printed documents look faded, smudged, or have misaligned text, it could be due to a clogged printhead or improper printer settings. Performing a reset may help re-calibrate settings and restore clear prints.
System Overload: If your HP printer experiences temporary malfunctions due to overloading or extended use, performing a reset can help clear these issues by restarting the printer
Printer Not Responding: Sometimes the printer becomes unresponsive to commands, and a reset may restore it to a functional state.
Also, Read How to Fix the Printer Validation Failed Error on HP Printers
Precautions for Resetting an HP Printer
Before you start resetting your HP printer, take a few precautions to avoid trouble later.
Back up Your Settings: Make a note of your custom settings before starting the reset.
Proper Shutdown: Before unplugging the power cord, make sure the printer is properly shut down.
Classification and Difference:
There are generally two methods to reset HP printers: soft reset and hard reset.
Soft Reset
A quick restart is similar to restarting your computer. It solves small problems without deleting personalization or data. This is a useful initial troubleshooting method for common problems such as temporary glitches, minor connection issues, or unresponsive printer behavior.
Hard Reset (Restore Factory Settings)
Restore to factory settings. In effect, it resets the printer to the state it was in when it was first purchased. A hard reset is a last resort to fix printer issues that persist despite attempts at soft troubleshooting.
IV. How to Soft Reset HP printer
- This HP printer reset allows the printer to cool down for a short time.
- First, press the power button to turn off the printer, then remove all power from the printer.
- Wait about a minute and then reconnect the power cord.
- Finally press the power button to turn the printer on.
- Check out the video to learn about soft resetting your printer.
How to Hard Reset HP Printer – Restore Factory Settings
Sometimes, a more thorough approach is needed to clean up printer errors. There are several ways to factory reset an HP printer:
1. Using Your Printer Control Panel
HP printers with touch screens allow users to perform a factory reset through the control panel:
Press “-“, “home”, “-” and “-” successively, then select “OK” to enter the “Support Menu”.
Select the down arrow and scroll down until you find “Resets Menu” and select “OK”.
Swipe down to select “Semi-full reset” and select “OK”.
Check out the video to learn how to do a hard reset using the control panel, e.g. HP Envy 4500 e-All-in-One.
2. Resetting via Embedded Web Server (EWS)
The Embedded Web Server (EWS) offers a web-based interface that allows you to manage and configure printer settings.
To find the IP address of your HP printer, go to the HP Smart App, select “Network Configuration,” and the printer will print the relevant information for you.
To access the Embedded Web Server (EWS) and reset your HP printer, open a browser on a computer connected to the same network as the printer, and enter the printer’s IP address.
3. Button Combinations or Sequence
For HP printers without touch screens, you can initiate a factory reset using specific button combinations or sequences, such as pressing the “X” button and the WiFi button simultaneously. The exact steps may vary depending on your printer model, so it’s advisable to refer to your printer manual or HP support documentation for accurate instructions.
4. Using the HP Smart App (Available on Some Models)
For printers that are compatible with the HP Smart app, you can easily set up using your phone.
Open the HP Smart app on your mobile device and select your HP printer icon.
Select “Advanced Settings”, find “System” in the menu bar in the upper right corner, and click “Services”.
Then log in to your account and finally select “Restore Defaults” and the printer will begin to reset.
Sometimes troubleshooting can resolve the issue without resetting:
Check for software updates or driver problems.
Check if your HP printer is connected to the network correctly.
Finally, if resetting doesn’t fix the issue, consider seeking professional help.
