Unable to access HP LaserJet Pro M201dw after setting an admin password

[DMetre]

Hello,

I own an HP LaserJet Pro M201dw printer. Recently, I tried to secure its access by setting an administrator password through the printer’s web interface. However, since doing so, I’ve been unable to log in.

When I try to sign in—either leaving the username field blank or entering any name—the password is not accepted.
During setup, I was instructed that the username could be anything and that only the password mattered.
I’m certain the password is correct, as it’s stored in my password manager.

The password I used is quite complex, so I’m wondering if that might be causing the issue.
For troubleshooting purposes, here is the exact password I set: [edited]

Resetting the printer is not possible through the digital menu, as access to each submenu is password-protected.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Best regards,
DM

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @DMetre,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP LaserJet Pro M201dw is inaccessible after setting an admin password on the web interface, and even entering the correct password isn’t letting you log in. Since the printer menu is locked, let’s go through the safe steps to regain access:

Power Cycle the Printer

Turn off the printer completely and unplug it from power for 60 seconds.

Plug it back in and turn it on.

Sometimes the web interface temporarily locks due to multiple failed login attempts.

Clear Browser Cache / Try Different Browser

Access the printer web interface from a different browser or device.

Sometimes cached sessions interfere with login when complex passwords are used.

Attempt Default Username

For HP LaserJet Pro M201dw, the username field is usually left blank, or you can try admin.

Only the password you set matters, but some firmware versions may require admin as the username.

Reset the Printer (Manual/Physical Method)
Since you cannot access the menu, a manual reset is needed:

Turn off the printer.

Press and hold the Go button (the button on the front panel) while turning the printer on.

Keep holding the Go button for ~10–15 seconds until all lights flash.

This resets the printer to factory defaults, including all passwords and network settings.

After reset, reconnect to your network and set a new admin password carefully.

Avoid Using Certain Characters

Some special characters (like #, !, %) can cause web interface login issues on older firmware.

When setting a new password, use letters and numbers, and only simple symbols supported by HP firmware.

Reconfigure Printer After Reset

Once reset, log in using the default settings.

Set a new admin password and save it in a password manager that allows copy-paste to avoid typos.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[DMetre]

Hello,

Thank you for your response.

There is no "Go" button on the front panel of the printer.

Nevertheless, I tried using the buttons: Back, OK, and ePrint – with no conclusive result.

Best regards,

DMetre

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @DMetre,

Thanks for getting back to us and confirming that your HP LaserJet Pro M201dw doesn’t have a Go button, that’s a great clarification. Let’s go through the correct reset steps for your model so we can help you regain access.

Perform a Network and Administrator Reset

Since menu access is restricted, we’ll use a hardware-level reset:

Turn off the printer.

Press and hold the Wireless and Cancel (X) buttons together.

While holding both buttons, turn the printer back on.

Continue holding the buttons for about 10–15 seconds until the lights on the control panel start flashing, then release them.

This will restore the printer’s network and administrative settings to factory defaults, including the password lock.

After Reset:

Reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi using the HP Smart app or the Embedded Web Server (EWS).

When setting a new password, use a simple combination of letters and numbers. Avoid complex special characters like #, %, or !, which may not be fully supported in older firmware.

If needed, you can check for a firmware update using HP Smart or HP Easy Start on your PC once the printer is connected again.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[DMetre]

Hello,

Thank you again for your help.

Unfortunately, the procedure did not work.
I tried turning the printer off using the side button, and unplugging/replugging it from the power source.

Best regards,
DM

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @DMetre,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

We're here to help you tackle that malfunction! Don't worry, we've got your back! 

To get you the best assistance, we need to take this conversation to a private chat. We're inviting you to a private message to protect your privacy and ensure that any sensitive information remains confidential. 

To access your private message, just click the little blue envelope icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile, next to your profile name. Alternatively, you can click on this link. 

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We're looking forward to helping you resolve this issue! 

Stay tuned, and thanks for your patience! 

Best regards,