-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Setup, Software & Drivers
- how to disable auto off on DeskJet 4255e

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
12-19-2025 02:48 PM
I just purchased the 4233e and am running it off multiple devices including a Mac using OS12, 2 iPads using iOS26 and a Chromebook. Even with all those devices, there will often be periods of a couple days when the printer is not used. The printer is in a different room on a different floor from where my wife works. I don't want the printer to turn off as that would be a huge inconvenience for her to have to go upstairs to manually turn the printer on. How do I deactivate the annoying auto off feature? Or is there a work around to avoid the problem?
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
12-19-2025 04:27 PM
Welcome to the HP Community --
According to the user manual, Auto-Off is only enabled in certain conditions.
User Guide – HP DeskJet 2800 4200 4900 All-in-One Series
OR
User Guide – HP+ - HP DeskJet 2800e DeskJet 4200e All in One Series
Section Auto-Off - Page 57
Excerpted
Auto-Off
This feature turns the printer off after a period of inactivity to help reduce energy use. Auto-Off turns the printer off completely, so you must use the Power button to turn the printer back on.
If your printer supports this energy saving feature, Auto-Off is automatically enabled or disabled depending on printer capabilities and connection options.
NOTE: Even when Auto-Off is disabled, the printer enters Sleep mode after 5 minutes of inactivity to help reduce energy use.
● Auto-Off is enabled when the printer is turned on, if the printer does not have network, fax or Wi-Fi Direct capability, or is not using these capabilities.
● Auto-Off is disabled when a printer’s Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct capability is turned on or when a printer with fax, USB, or Ethernet network capability establishes a fax, USB, or Ethernet network connection.
=================================
Section Change the time for Sleep mode from EWS
Sleep mode cannot be used to disable Auto-Off --
The time-to-sleep can be adjusted, perhaps at 5, 10, or 15 minutes.
Example - EWS - Settings > Power Management > Energy Save Mode
EWS_9025_Settings_Power_Management_Sleep_2
Printers that have a manual / static IP address assigned and the router set to that IP address for the printer might tend to stay connected better than, for example, if the router is assigning a DHCP (rotating) IP address.
===================================
Message Content References
Technology Tips - Video Gallery from our HP Expert greenturtle
Technology Tips– YouTube Video Help for Printers
HP Support Official Channel – HP Support Video Gallery
=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
References / Resources
HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources
Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems
“Things that are your printer”
When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic
NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System
Categories: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair
Open
Enter the device type and model name of your HP product
OR
Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard
OR
HP DeskJet 4200e All-in-One Printer series
Thank you for participating in the HP Community --
Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.
Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !
Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"
12-19-2025 04:27 PM
Welcome to the HP Community --
According to the user manual, Auto-Off is only enabled in certain conditions.
User Guide – HP DeskJet 2800 4200 4900 All-in-One Series
OR
User Guide – HP+ - HP DeskJet 2800e DeskJet 4200e All in One Series
Section Auto-Off - Page 57
Excerpted
Auto-Off
This feature turns the printer off after a period of inactivity to help reduce energy use. Auto-Off turns the printer off completely, so you must use the Power button to turn the printer back on.
If your printer supports this energy saving feature, Auto-Off is automatically enabled or disabled depending on printer capabilities and connection options.
NOTE: Even when Auto-Off is disabled, the printer enters Sleep mode after 5 minutes of inactivity to help reduce energy use.
● Auto-Off is enabled when the printer is turned on, if the printer does not have network, fax or Wi-Fi Direct capability, or is not using these capabilities.
● Auto-Off is disabled when a printer’s Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct capability is turned on or when a printer with fax, USB, or Ethernet network capability establishes a fax, USB, or Ethernet network connection.
=================================
Section Change the time for Sleep mode from EWS
Sleep mode cannot be used to disable Auto-Off --
The time-to-sleep can be adjusted, perhaps at 5, 10, or 15 minutes.
Example - EWS - Settings > Power Management > Energy Save Mode
EWS_9025_Settings_Power_Management_Sleep_2
Printers that have a manual / static IP address assigned and the router set to that IP address for the printer might tend to stay connected better than, for example, if the router is assigning a DHCP (rotating) IP address.
===================================
Message Content References
Technology Tips - Video Gallery from our HP Expert greenturtle
Technology Tips– YouTube Video Help for Printers
HP Support Official Channel – HP Support Video Gallery
=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
References / Resources
HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources
Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems
“Things that are your printer”
When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic
NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System
Categories: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair
Open
Enter the device type and model name of your HP product
OR
Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard
OR
HP DeskJet 4200e All-in-One Printer series
Thank you for participating in the HP Community --
Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.
Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !
Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"