• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Here is the solution for the error: "Encryption Credentials have expired" when attempting to print or scan from Mac OS or iOS devices: Click here to view the troubleshooting steps!
Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our WINDOWS 11 Support Center info about: OPTIMIZATION, KNOWN ISSUES, FAQs AND MORE.

‎11-06-2025 10:11 AM

HP Recommended
Product: HP Photosmart Plus E-All-In-One Printer - B210a

The Touchscreen on my HP Photosmart Plus B210 was not responding properly so I gained access to the hidden manufacturing menu and tried the calibration for Touchscreen. It now fails to respond to any touches. Any ideas on how to regain access to the menus? I have tried connecting via USB but I the ''HP Utility'' fails to connect to it

Reply
4 REPLIES 4

‎11-11-2025 08:04 AM

HP Recommended

Hi @pmccl 

 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

 

Thank you for trying the calibration and USB connection — I understand how frustrating it is when a once-responsive screen goes silent. 

 

If the touchscreen on your HP Photosmart Plus B210a fails to respond after calibration, you can attempt a full hardware reset and USB-based recovery to regain access. The calibration may have misaligned the touch matrix, making the panel unresponsive.

 

Let’s guide your printer back to usability with a few precise steps.

Step-by-Step Recovery for Unresponsive Touchscreen on HP Photosmart B210a

 

1. Perform a Full Power Reset

  • Disconnect the power cord from the printer and wall outlet.
  • Wait at least 60 seconds to allow internal memory to clear.
  • Reconnect the power cord directly to a wall outlet (avoid surge protectors).
  • Power on the printer and observe if the touchscreen responds.

 

2. Attempt USB Recovery via HP App

  • Disconnect the printer from Wi-Fi (if applicable).
  • Connect the printer via USB to your Windows PC.
  • Download and install the HP App from the Microsoft Store:
    HP App – Microsoft Store
  • Open the app and select your printer manually (if auto-detection fails)
  • Try accessing Printer Settings > Tools > Restore Defaults

 

3. Try a Firmware Recovery Sequence

  • Power off the printer
  • Press and hold the Power and Cancel buttons simultaneously
  • While holding, plug in the power cord and continue holding for 10 seconds
  • Release both buttons and wait for the printer to initialize
  • This may trigger a firmware recovery or reset sequence

 

4. Use the Embedded Web Server (If Networked)

  • If the printer was previously connected to your network, find its IP address from your router
  • Enter the IP address in a browser to access the Embedded Web Server (EWS)
  • Navigate to Settings > Restore Factory Defaults

 

5. Alternative Access via Print Driver

  • Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers
  • Right-click your printer > Printing Preferences
  • Check for any maintenance or reset options under the Services or Features tab

 

Let me know if the screen shows any signs of life after these steps, or if you’d like help navigating the Embedded Web Server. You’ve done a great job staying proactive — let’s keep going until your printer responds with clarity and control.

 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

 

Take care, and have an amazing day!

 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

I am an HP Employee.
Reply
Was this reply helpful? Yes No

‎11-12-2025 06:10 AM

HP Recommended

Hello ,

Thanks for the support tips. I have tried them all apart from the HP app since I have a Macbook not a PC.

Rebooting whilst holding the Power and cancel key does nothing. On boot up it says it is in MFG mode and the touchscreen icons are not responding. The wifi blue light is flashing probably because our home wifi password has been changed and I have no way of updating this in the printer.

The printer is recognised by Mac on serial USB connection but it wont bring up any further print info or accept print jobs.

I will try your steps again but Im not hopeful

Regards

Peter

Reply
Was this reply helpful? Yes No

‎11-12-2025 10:50 AM

HP Recommended

You are welcome @pmccl 

 

Thank you for the thoughtful follow-up—and I’m truly sorry the touchscreen remains unresponsive, especially now that the printer is stuck in MFG mode. That flashing Wi-Fi light and lack of touch response make it feel like the printer is locked out of its own interface, and I understand how discouraging that can be.

 

Let’s try one more recovery path that doesn’t rely on the touchscreen or HP App:

 

Final Recovery Options for HP Photosmart B210a in MFG Mode

1. Restore Network via WPS (No Touchscreen Needed)

If your router supports WPS:

  • Power on the printer.
  • Press and hold the Wireless button on the printer until it starts blinking rapidly.
  • Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
  • Wait for the blue light to become solid.

This reconnects the printer to your network without needing to enter a password manually.

 

2. Access Embedded Web Server (EWS)

Once connected via WPS:

  • Open your router’s admin page and find the printer’s IP address.
  • Type the IP address into your browser.
  • If the EWS loads, go to:
    • Settings > Restore Factory Defaults
    • Or Network > Wireless Setup Wizard (if available)

This may allow you to reset or reconfigure the printer without using the touchscreen.

 

3. Try USB Printing via Generic Driver (macOS)

  • Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners
  • Click Add Printer
  • Select the Photosmart B210a from the USB list
  • Choose Generic PostScript Printer or AirPrint as the driver
  • Try printing a test page

This bypasses HP Utility and may allow basic printing even in MFG mode.

 

Let me know if the WPS method gets the printer back online or if the EWS becomes accessible. You’ve been incredibly persistent—and I’ll stay with you until we exhaust every option.

 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

 

Take care, and have an amazing day!

 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

I am an HP Employee.
Reply
Was this reply helpful? Yes No

‎11-17-2025 10:44 AM

HP Recommended

Hello Hawk_Eye,

Thanks for your continued support. I have tried using the WPS function on my router but the Printer I have does not have a ''WPS button'' to allow me to try this, it only has a blue flashing light to indicate lack of wifi.

As for the USB printer option, my MacBook recognises the Photosmart printer but will not communicate with it either by printing or trying to enter the utility/check supply levels etc.

Hope this explains things

Regards

Peter

Reply
Was this reply helpful? Yes No
Warning
Be alert for scammers posting fake support phone numbers and/or email addresses on the community.
If you think you have received a fake HP Support message, please report it to us by clicking on "Flag Post".
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the Terms of Use and Rules of Participation.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask the community
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.