How to unlock wifi printer

[1C00]

Someone gave me an HP Officejet Pro 8740 printer. But I cannot use the wifi as it is locked and it is asking for a pin code. Is there any way that I can unlock it? Thank you. 

[Raj2111]

Hi @1C00 

Welcome to the HP support community.
 

I understand you're experiencing an issue with your HP device, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. I'm here to help you today.

Here are some ways you can try to unlock or reset the Wi-Fi settings on the printer:

1. Reset the Printer’s Network Settings

If you're unable to access the Wi-Fi settings due to the PIN, the best option is to reset the network settings on the printer. This will clear any saved network information (including the PIN code) and allow you to set it up again from scratch.

Steps to Reset Network Settings on the HP OfficeJet Pro 8740:

Turn off the printer.

Press and hold the Wireless button (a small antenna icon) and the Cancel button at the same time.

While holding those two buttons, turn the printer back on.

Keep holding the buttons until the wireless light starts blinking, which indicates that the network settings have been reset.

Alternatively, you can also reset network settings via the printer’s touchscreen:

1. Go to the Control Panel on the printer screen.
2. Select Setup (gear icon).
3. Go to Network Setup.
4. Choose Restore Network Defaults.

This will reset the Wi-Fi settings, remove any passwords, PIN codes, or old network connections.

2. Access the Printer Admin Settings

If the printer is locked via admin settings (with a PIN required for any configuration changes), you can reset the printer back to its factory defaults to remove the admin PIN. Here’s how to reset it:

Steps to Factory Reset the HP OfficeJet Pro 8740:

1. On the printer control panel, swipe or press the Setup icon (gear icon).
2. Select Printer Maintenance.
3. Choose Restore Factory Defaults (this will reset all settings including the PIN and Wi-Fi configurations).
4. Confirm the action to restore the printer to factory settings.

After the reset, the printer should be unlocked, and you’ll be able to set up Wi-Fi without needing the PIN.

3. Connect to Wi-Fi Without Using the PIN

If you don’t want to perform a full reset, but only need to reconnect to a Wi-Fi network, you can use the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) method to avoid entering the PIN manually. This will connect the printer to your router without requiring a PIN code.

To Connect Using WPS:

1. Make sure your router supports WPS. Look for a WPS button on your router.
2. Press the WPS button on your router (usually a physical button on the back or side of the router).
3. On the printer's control panel, go to the Wireless Setup or Network Setup menu.
4. Select WPS or Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
5. The printer will search for available networks and connect automatically to your router without requiring a PIN.

4. HP Smart App Setup

Another method to set up your printer on a new Wi-Fi network is by using the HP Smart app, which can guide you through the Wi-Fi setup process without the need for entering any PIN code directly on the printer screen.

Steps:

1. Download and install the HP Smart app on your computer or smartphone.
2. Open the app and sign in (or create an HP account if you don’t have one).
3. Select Add Printer and follow the instructions to connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network.
4. The app will detect the printer and guide you through setting it up on the new Wi-Fi network.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
 

-Regards
Raj-HP Support