I have an HP Office Jet Pro 8028 security lock

[JoshL76]

I have an HP Officejet Pro 8028.  I need to reset the setting to allow network changes but the printer is giving me a message saying it has been locked by the person that set up the printer.  I have never made these changes.  I performed a reset via the HP smart app and now the printer is no longer hooked up to the old network and I cannot make any changes to the printer due to the "lock function" that I didn't enable. 

[Alden4]

Hi @JoshL76,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It seems like the security lock feature on your HP OfficeJet Pro 8028 has been enabled, preventing you from making changes to the network settings. If you didn’t enable this lock, it may have been set by a previous user or as part of a configuration process.

Here are a few steps you can try to resolve the issue:

Reset the Security Lock (if possible)

• Using the Control Panel:
  1. On the printer's touchscreen: Tap on the Setup icon (gear symbol).
  2. Navigate to Printer Maintenance or Security settings.
  3. Look for an option like "Disable Security Lock" or "Security Settings".
  4. If prompted, you may need to enter a PIN (this could be a default PIN, like 0000 or 1234, or something set previously).

Check for a Reset Option via the Printer’s Menu:

If the control panel method doesn’t work, you can try performing a factory reset:

1. On the printer's touchscreen: Go to Setup > Printer Maintenance or Restore Defaults.
2. Select Restore Network Defaults (this should reset the network settings and may also reset any security lock settings).
3. If this does not reset the lock, it might still be tied to the HP Smart App configuration.

Try the HP Smart App Again:

After resetting the printer, reconnect it to your Wi-Fi network using the HP Smart App on your phone or computer. The app may prompt you for the PIN to disable the lock if it’s still active.

Perform a Full Reset via Web Interface (HP Web Services):

1. Make sure the printer is connected to your network.
2. Open a browser and enter the printer's IP address (you can find this in the printer's Network settings).
3. Once logged into the printer's web interface, look for a section related to Security Settings or Network Configuration.
4. You may be able to disable the lock directly from there if you're asked for a PIN.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support 

[JoshL76]

These options do not work for me.  I purchased this printer from Costco a few years ago and I am the only owner.  I never initiated a lock on the device and never set up a password/passcode on the device.  I did set up an account with HP to initiate the Instant Ink program, but that is the only time I set up an account.  

Anytime I have tried to make changes on the printer itself it prompts a message stating it has been locked and prompts me to enter login information.  I have tried using the HP account information that I use online, but it does not recognize this.  

On 11/29 I opened the Smart App on my computer to troubleshoot this issue.  I saw where I could reset my password, which I had never set one up on this before, so I thought if I followed these prompts I could establish the login information it was requesting, but to no avial, I am still locked out of the printer and now I cannot make any changes to my wifi connection without logging in.  I am forced to use an ethernet cable and can print from my desktop but not my laptop.  

I need to perform a complete hard reset on the printer and start completely over with these locks removed.  I am requesting instructions on how to do this please.  

My only other option would be to return this to Costco.   I spoke with them about it last week and they agreed they have had customers complain of similar issues with the same model and would accept a return.  

Please help.  I am requesting instructions on how to perform a hard reboot or provide me with a login combination that will override whatever is locking me out.

[Alden4]

Hi @JoshL76,

Thank you for your response, 

It sounds like you're dealing with a security lock issue on your HP OfficeJet Pro 8028. Since the usual steps haven't worked, here are some advanced troubleshooting steps to help you fully reset the printer and remove the lock.

Factory Reset via Printer Control Panel

1. Perform a Full Factory Reset:
   • On the printer's control panel, tap the Setup icon (gear symbol).
   • Go to Printer Maintenance or Restore Defaults.
   • Select Restore Factory Defaults or Reset All Settings.
   • This should erase all settings, including any security lock, network configurations, and saved preferences. After this, you can set up the printer from scratch.

Reset Network Settings

1. Restore Network Defaults:
   • If the full reset option doesn't work, try restoring the network settings to defaults.
   • On the printer’s touchscreen: Tap Setup > Network > Restore Network Defaults. This will reset the Wi-Fi connection and may help with the security lock issue.

Reset via HP Smart App (if the printer reconnects)

1. Reset from the HP Smart App:
   • If the printer reconnects to your network, open the HP Smart App on your computer or mobile device.
   • Follow the steps to reconnect the printer, and if prompted for a PIN to disable the security lock, try the default PINs like 0000 or 1234.

Use the Printer's Web Interface (HP Web Services)

1. Access the Web Interface:
   • Find the printer's IP address by printing a network configuration page (typically available in the Network Settings menu on the printer’s touchscreen).
   • Open a web browser and type the IP address of the printer in the address bar.
   • This will open the HP Embedded Web Server (EWS).
   • Go to Security Settings or Network Configuration, and if prompted for a PIN, enter 0000 or 1234 (or any default PIN you might have set).
   • Disable the security lock from this interface, or check for any specific options to reset the security lock.

Check HP Account Settings

1. Check HP Account Settings:
   • Log in to your HP account online, and check if any security settings are associated with your printer.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support