How to factory reset my printer

[elle-evie]

Desperately seeking your help!

I purchased my printer in 2019 and have had no problems with it until now. Back then, I set-up the printer (using the HP Smart app) to autostart at 6:00 am and power down at 11:00 pm. For some reason and completely out of the blue, this feature is no longer working: the printer turns itself on midday (~1:30-ish) and shuts itself down 12 hours later. I attempted to reset the time and autostart functions via the HP Smart tool, but it asks for my username and password--which after 6 years I have well and truly forgotten!

Is there a way to do a hard reset of my printer that will clear out the old password and settings? I don't mind having to set it all up again. I can't get access printer's Control Panel because it asks for the same username/password information that I don't have.

Thanks so much ... evie

[Kuroi_Kenshi · Accepted solution]

Hi @elle-evie,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

It sounds like your printer has developed a mind of its own, waking up at odd hours and deciding its own bedtime like a rebellious teenager. But don’t worry, we’ll get it back under control and reset it to factory-fresh status, even if it’s forgotten who’s boss.

Use the Printer Control Panel (If Accessible)

• Turn on the printer.
• Navigate to Setup → Printer Maintenance → Restore.
• Select Restore Factory Defaults and confirm.

Reset via HP Smart App (If Logged In)

• Open HP Smart → Printer Settings.
• Look for Reset or Restore Defaults and follow the instructions.

Hard Reset (For Locked Printers)

(This clears passwords and settings)

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from power.
• Hold down Wi-Fi & Cancel (or Back button, varies by model).
• While holding, plug the printer back in and turn it on.
• Release buttons when the printer restarts.

Reset Network Settings (If needed)

• On the printer Control Panel, go to Network → Restore Network Settings.

After resetting, you'll need to set up the printer again using HP Smart. 🚀

Let’s get your printer back on track and behaving like the well-trained gadget it once was! Follow these steps, and let me know how it goes. No more printer-curfew chaos on our watch! 🖨️✨

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[elle-evie]

Holy moly! I used the nuclear option and that worked. Thank you so much!

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @elle-evie,

A huge thank you for marking this post as the 'Accepted Solution'! We're thrilled that we could help resolve your issue. 

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help! 

Thanks again for your confirmation, and we wish you an amazing day ahead! 

Best Regards,