Printer owner change

[KimmCheee]

I bought a printer from someone. They dont know which email its registered to. I need it unregistered to them and registered to me so I can use it.

[Dragora]

Hi KimmCheee

This is a common problem with used HP printers, especially if the previous owner was enrolled in an HP+ or Instant Ink program. The printer's serial number is essentially locked to their account.

Since the previous owner is unable to remove the printer, you will need to contact HP Support directly to have them perform a manual transfer or de-registration from their end.

Here is the recommended process:

1. Gather Necessary Information

Before contacting HP, make sure you have the following details ready:

Information	Why you need it
Printer Serial Number	This is the unique identifier HP uses to locate the previous owner's account. It's usually on a sticker inside the cartridge door or on the back/bottom of the printer.
Your Proof of Purchase	This could be a receipt, a bill of sale, or even a screenshot of your transaction with the person you bought it from. This proves you now own the hardware.
Your HP Account/Email	You will need to create your own HP Smart account (if you don't have one) so they can transfer the printer's registration to you.
Printer Model Number	You mentioned the OfficeJet Pro 8020, but having the full model number ready is best.

2. Contact HP Technical Support

You will need to contact the HP support line and specifically explain the situation.1

• USA HP Support Phone Number: 1-**bleep**-999-4747 (General Home Customer Support)

When you speak to an agent:

1. State the problem clearly: "I bought this HP printer secondhand. The previous owner does not know which email address it is registered to. I need the printer's serial number unregistered from the previous owner's account so I can register it to my own account."

2. Request a "De-registration" or "Account Transfer": Use these specific terms, as they refer to the process HP must perform on their servers.

3. Provide Proof: They will likely ask you to email or upload your proof of purchase (the receipt from the person you bought it from) to verify you are the current owner of the hardware.

Once they receive your proof of ownership and verify the serial number, HP will manually force the de-registration on their server.

3. After HP Support De-registers the Printer

After the HP agent confirms they have removed the printer from the old account, follow these steps:

1. Perform a Factory Reset on the Printer: This clears all settings from the printer itself. The exact steps vary by model, but you can usually find the "Restore Factory Defaults" option under the Settings/Setup menu on your printer's control panel.

2. Set Up with Your Account: Open the HP Smart app on your computer or phone, sign in with your own HP account, and select the option to Add a New Printer.3 The setup process should now allow you to claim the printer under your name.

I hope the above is helpful