How to Reset HP Printer

Printers are sometimes finicky devices, and a timely reset might save the day. Many people's HP printers sit idle for long periods of time because the printer cannot skip a certain error that occurs frequently. At this time, resetting the printer is particularly important. This blog provides a detailed guide on how to reset HP printer. If you're interested, keep reading.

I. When Should You Reset Your Printer

Your HP printer may lose its temper from time to time. When you encounter the following situations, a reset may be the answer.

Lots of Error Messages: Your printer screen frequently displays confusing error codes or messages. Examples include "Ink System Failure" or "Paper Jam" errors that persist even when there is no obvious paper jam. A reset at this point might 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: Your printed documents appear faded, smudged, or even have misaligned text. It's most likely a clogged printhead or an improper configuration inside the printer. A reset may help re-calibrate settings and restore clear prints.

System Overload: Your HP printer may temporarily malfunction due to overloading or extended use. Resetting the printer to restart will clear these problems.

Printer Not Responding: Sometimes the printer becomes unresponsive to commands, and a reset may restore it to a functional state.

II. 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.

III. Classification and Difference:

There are generally two methods to reset HP printers: soft reset and hard reset.

Soft Reset

A quick restart 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 actually 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.

V. 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.

Or you can try the entry route below.

Visit "Settings" and find "Printer Maintenance". Then scroll down to find the "Restore" option and select "Restore Factory Settings". Finally, select "Continue" to confirm the reset.

2. Resetting via Embedded Web Server (EWS)

The Embedded Web Server (EWS) provides a Web-based interface to manage printer settings and configuration.

First get the IP address of your HP printer. Select "Network Configuration" from the HP Smart App and the printer will print relevant information.

Open a browser on a computer connected to the same network as the printer and enter the printer's IP address.

After entering, select "General" on the page, then select "Reset Factory Settings" and “Reset”.

3. Button Combinations or Sequence

HP printers without touch screens have specific button combinations or sequences that trigger a factory reset, such as the "X" button and the WiFi button at the same time. These steps may vary depending on your printer model, please refer to your printer manual or HP support documentation.

View the video to learn how to do a hard reset on an HP printer without touch screen.

5. 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.

Watch the video to learn how to make a hard reset using the HP Smart app.

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.

VI. Conclusion

Resetting your HP printer can effectively resolve a variety of issues, from error messages to printing failures. A soft reset is a common way to deal with printing problems. When it can't do its job, a hard reset clears everything, returning everything to square one. Also, seeking professional help from HP is always an option, especially if the problem persists.

Related Reading: How to Reset Canon PIXMA Printer