How to Reset an HP Printer: 7 Methods (Factory, Network, Firmware)

If you are experiencing printer problems and need to reset your HP printer, there are a few methods you can try. In this article, we will show you how to reset an HP printer using 7 different methods. 

To reset an HP printer, you can use software, the reset button, and a combination of power and other buttons. The problem might only require a firmware reset but may require a hard reset or even a factory reset. Your HP printer might require a network reset so it will connect via WiFi.

Here are all the details for these methods.

Software Reset Method

This method is used to reset an HP printer’s settings to their factory defaults.

To reset your printer using this method, you will need to open the printer’s software and find the reset button.

How to perform software printer reset

1. Open the printer software.
2. On the General tab, select Reset Factory Settings.
3. Under Reset Firmware, click Reset.
4. A message will pop up asking if you want to reset the printer. Click Yes.
5. The printer will reset to its factory defaults.

Hardware Reset Method

This method is used to reset an HP printer’s settings to their factory defaults, and it can also be used to reset an HP printer’s ink levels. 

How to Perform Hard Reset

1. Open the printer’s cover.
2. Locate the reset button and press and hold for 5 seconds.
3. A message will pop up asking if you want to reset the printer. Click Yes.
4. The printer will reset to its factory defaults.

On many HP printers, holding the Power button for 4 seconds will perform a Hard Reset.

3 Network Reset Methods

Resetting the network settings on your printer can resolve many common issues, such as being unable to print, scan, or have an incorrect IP address.

There are three ways to attempt a network reset.

First Method

The first way is to unplug the printer from the power outlet, wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.

After you have plugged it back in, turn on the printer and wait for it to boot up.

Second Method

In a second way, you will need to press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button at the same time.

After about 15 seconds, you will hear a beep and the printer’s network settings will be reset.

Third Method

The final way to perform a network printer reset is to use the LCD control panel, if available, and follow these steps:

1. Press the Menu button on the printer control panel.
2. Use the arrow buttons to navigate to the Network Settings menu.
3. Press the OK button.
4. Use the arrow buttons to navigate to the Reset Network Settings option.
5. Press the OK button.
6. A message will pop up asking if you want to reset the network settings. Click Yes.
7. The printer will reset to its factory defaults.

In other printers without an LCD, you can perform a network reset by pressing and holding the printer Wireless button for about 10 seconds.

Sometimes you’ll have to reset the ink levels after your change ink in your HP printer.

Factory Reset Method

This method is used to reset an HP printer’s settings to their factory defaults, and it can also be used to reset an HP printer’s firmware.

To reset your printer using this method, you will need to open the printer’s software and find the factory reset button.

How to perform factory printer reset using a software:

1. Open the printer software.
2. Find the factory reset button in the printer software and click it.
3. A message will pop up asking if you want to reset the printer. Click Yes.
4. The printer will reset to its factory defaults.

How to perform a factory reset for a printer with LCD control panel:

1. Press the Menu button on the printer control panel.
2. Use the arrow buttons to navigate to the Factory Reset menu.
3. Press the OK button.
4. A message will pop up asking if you want to reset the printer. Click Yes.
5. The printer will reset to its factory defaults.

What is the difference between Hardware reset method and Factory reset method?

The hardware reset method resets the printer to its factory defaults using a button on the printer, while the factory reset method restores the printer’s settings to their factory defaults using the printer software.

• The hardware reset method is only available for printers with an LCD control panel, while the factory reset method can be used for printers with or without an LCD control panel.
• The factory reset method will also reset the printer’s firmware to its original version.

More reading: How to Fix a Printer Not Responding Error

Here’s how to connect an HP printer to WiFi (3 Steps).

Difference Between Software Reset and Factory Setting Reset?

Software reset will restore the printer’s settings to their factory defaults, while the Factory setting reset will also reset the printer’s firmware to its original version.

The firmware is the software that controls the printer’s hardware, so resetting the firmware can fix certain issues that the software reset cannot.

What problems can be solved by printer reset?

• Printer is offline or not connected to the network
• Print jobs are stuck in the queue
• Printer has a paper jam
• Print quality is poor
• Printer is not printing correctly
• Printer is not scanning correctly
• Printer is displaying an error message
• Unable to print or scan from the computer or mobile device
• Incorrect IP address or network settings
• Can’t connect to the printer over Wi-Fi or Ethernet
• Printer is overheating or not turning on

After completing any of the above methods, your HP printer will have been restored to its factory defaults and any issues you were experiencing should be resolved. If not, please consult with HP support.

Note: if you are troubleshooting a printer problem with a Mac your process will differ slightly.

Still having trouble? Here’s how to Fix an HP Printer that Won’t Print

Your Turn

How did it go for you? I would love to hear how your got your printer working again.