Smart Tank 7301 - Admin Custom Password Can't Be Used (wrong)

[Bob_R_R]

I set a custom Admin password on the printer using the web interface. The printer accepted it. It then asked me to sign back in. This is all normal behavior so far. The password I used was from a password generator, and might have contained characters that the custom admin password didn't like - I don't know. 

I copied & pasted the exact same password in for the Admin password, and the web interface / printer didn't accept it. 

Now I have a problem. I don't know what the printer did accept, and don't have a way to reset the printer, since the reset function is admin password protected. I have called hp Support, and the person was unable to fix this (we tried several things, at least two of which don't even apply to this printer.)

The printer works normally (and well! It's a great printer!) but I need the ability to administrate it. I need to change it's IP address and it's name.

[Bob_R_R]

As it turns out, any Custom Admin Password cannot be longer than 16 characters. 

ideally, there shouldn't be a character limit. The password should be hashed and salted. If so, length doesn't matter, since all passwords hashed become a particular length. That length, known only to hp, is the only thing needing to be stored. 

So, hp, why is there a hard length for the entered password, if that password isn't stored in the clear? 

OTOH, why would hp store a password in the clear?

[Max3Aj]

@Bob_R_R, Hello and welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your question. I'm here to help you get things back on track.

You're absolutely right to expect secure password handling, and I appreciate your thoughtful feedback regarding password hashing and character limits.

You've set a custom admin password via the Embedded Web Server (EWS), but the printer now rejects it. Since the reset function is password-protected, you're locked out of admin settings like IP address and device name changes.

Recommended Solution: Factory Reset via Control Panel

To regain access, you’ll need to reset the printer to factory defaults, which clears the admin password:

Steps:

1. Power on the printer.
2. On the printer control panel, tap the gear icon to open Settings.
3. Navigate to:
   • Settings > Printer Maintenance > Restore > Restore Factory Defaults
4. Confirm the reset when prompted.

This will:

• Erase the custom admin password.
• Reset network settings.
• Allow you to reconfigure the printer from scratch.hp

📘 You can refer to the HP Smart Tank 7301 User Manual for detailed setup instructions.

Pro Tips:

• After reset, set a new admin password within the 16-character limit.
• Avoid special characters that may not be supported by the printer’s firmware.
• Use a password manager to store the new password securely.

If you’re unable to access the reset menu due to password lockout, try these alternate methods:

• Use the HP Smart App to access EWS and reset settings.
• Try default credentials: admin / admin or check for a PIN sticker inside the printer.

I hope the information shared has been useful and resolves your concern.

Wishing you a smooth and hassle-free experience ahead!

If this solution helped, please click “Accepted Solution” so others can benefit too. Don’t forget to hit the “Yes” button if you found this helpful!

Warm regards,

Max3Aj

HP Support