How to reset embedded web server password on HP Color Laser MFP 178nw?

[K178]

How to reset embedded web server password on HP Color Laser MFP 178nw? Network settings reset doesn't work. Thank you in advance!

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @K178,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I understand you’re locked out of the Embedded Web Server (EWS) on your HP Color Laser MFP 178nw, and a standard network reset hasn’t cleared the administrator password. This can be frustrating, but here’s what you can do:

How to Reset the EWS Admin Password

Unfortunately, for the HP Color Laser MFP 178nw, only a full semi-NVM (non-volatile memory) reset can clear the EWS admin password.

Try a Full NVM Reset (Tech Mode)

⚠️ Warning: This reset will erase all settings — Wi-Fi, custom preferences, address book entries, etc.

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press and hold the [Stop] button and [Wi-Fi] button.
3. While holding power on the printer.
4. Continue holding the buttons until you see "Cold Reset" or "Tech Mode" on the screen (or LEDs blink in sequence).
5. Follow the on-screen prompts or wait — the printer will perform a cold reset.

This may take a few minutes. When complete, the EWS password should be cleared and the printer restored to factory defaults.

After Reset: Reconfigure the Printer

Once the reset is done:

1. Reconnect the printer to your network via USB or Wi-Fi.
2. Open the HP Smart app or the EWS again via the new IP address.
3. Set a new admin password (or leave it blank if not needed).

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[K178]

Hello @VikramTheGreat,

You understood me right. I updated to the latest firmware, was asked to change the password from default to my own one, saw an error message during setting my new password and since this no password is working, not the default WPS pin nor my new set password. I am remembering both passwords correctly but the printer got the password entry wrong, obviously. 

Thank you for your detailed description. I identified these two buttons as Wi-Fi and Stop button.

 

I tried holding these two buttons and powering on by shortly pressing the power button next to the stop button. I also tried to hold the power button additionally to the two buttons. All tries end up in the same behaviour. Display is showing "wait image" for some seconds, then it's showing "System Initialize" for some seconds and then it's again showing "wait image" and so on. If I release the buttons the printer goes to normal operation mode. I tried to hold the buttons a few seconds or over a minute, it's always the same. I tried releasing the buttons when "wait image" is written and I tried releasing them when "System Initialize" is written on the display. Also then now difference, printer is starting up to normal operation mode. 

So I don't see "Cold Reset", "Tech Mode" or any similar output and I'm not able to do a NVM RAM reset this way. Do you please have some more hints? Thank you in advance.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @K178,

Thank you for getting back and letting me know. Sorry to hear that you still have trouble. Request you to please reach us Via Private message.

Please help us with the Printer serial number or the product number in a private message for further assistance.
 

Here is the link to find the product number: - Click here

To access your private messages, simply click the private message icon in the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile and send a private message to me with the serial number, because we value your privacy.
 

VikramTheGreat

HP Support