Last updated: September 24, 2026.
Quick answer: Most HP printer problems clear with a power reset. With the printer on, unplug the power cord from the back of the printer and from the wall, wait 60 seconds, plug it straight back into the wall (not a power strip), and turn it on. If that doesn't work, restore network settings for Wi-Fi problems, or restore factory defaults from the printer's menu, the HP Smart app, or the printer's Embedded Web Server.
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Which Kind of HP Printer Reset Do I Need?
| Reset type | What it clears | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Power reset | Temporary errors and memory; keeps all settings | Printer is stuck, offline, jammed with no paper, or showing a generic error |
| Restore network settings | Wi-Fi name, password and network setup only | You changed routers, the Wi-Fi password changed, or the printer won't reconnect |
| Restore factory defaults | All settings back to out-of-box (network, trays, preferences) | Selling or giving away the printer, or nothing else has worked |
How Do I Do a Hard (Power) Reset on an HP Printer?
- Turn the printer on and wait until it's idle and silent.
- With it still on, unplug the power cord from the back of the printer.
- Unplug the cord from the wall outlet too.
- Wait at least 60 seconds.
- Plug the cord back into the wall outlet first, then into the printer. Skip surge protectors for this test.
- Turn the printer on if it doesn't start by itself, and wait for it to finish warming up.
This is the reset HP support asks for first, and it fixes a surprising number of errors.
How Do I Reset an HP Printer With Buttons (No Screen)?
On many button-only HP DeskJet and ENVY models, such as the DeskJet 2700, 2800 and 4100 series, pressing and holding the Wireless button and the Cancel (X) button together for about 5 seconds restores network settings. The Wireless light then blinks, meaning the printer is back in setup mode. Open the HP Smart app to reconnect it, or follow our guide to connecting an HP printer to Wi-Fi without a screen. Button combinations vary by model, so check your model's support page if the lights don't respond.
How Do I Factory Reset an HP Printer With a Touchscreen?
- On the control panel, open Setup or Settings (the gear icon).
- Choose Printer Maintenance or Tools, then Restore.
- Select Restore Network Settings for Wi-Fi issues or Restore Factory Defaults for a full reset.
- Confirm. The printer restarts, and you'll need to set it up again in HP Smart.
How Do I Factory Reset an HP Printer Without the Buttons?
Use the Embedded Web Server (EWS). Print a network configuration page to find the printer's IP address, type that address into a browser on the same network, and go to Settings → Printer Settings / Restore Defaults. If it asks for a password, the default is usually the PIN printed on the label on the printer (often inside the cartridge door or on the back), not a password you created. The HP Smart app also offers "Restore network settings" under Printer Settings on many models.
Will Resetting My HP Printer Fix Ink or Cartridge Errors?
Sometimes. A power reset clears temporary cartridge-communication errors. It won't fix a cartridge that is empty, blocked by HP firmware, or tied to an HP Instant Ink subscription that has ended. For those, see fixing an "incompatible cartridge" message on HP printers.
What Should I Do After Resetting My HP Printer?
- Reconnect to Wi-Fi through HP Smart, or through the Wireless Setup Wizard on touchscreen models.
- Re-add the printer on your computer if it shows as offline. If it keeps dropping off the network, see why your printer keeps going offline.
- Print a test page to confirm print quality and alignment.
If a cartridge error is what sent you to the reset, read our guide to compatible HP-friendly ink cartridges before you buy replacements. It compares compatible and remanufactured sellers and explains which chip types hold up best after HP firmware updates.
More HP Reset Questions
Can I reset the ink levels or the chip on an HP cartridge?
No. HP printers do not let you reset a cartridge's chip from the printer. The level resets when the printer detects a new cartridge. Refilled and many remanufactured cartridges show an unknown or empty level even when they are full, so dismiss the warning and keep printing. See how to turn off low ink warnings.
How do I reset only the Wi-Fi settings on an HP printer?
On printers with a screen, look for Restore Network Settings in the Wireless or Network menu. Many DeskJet and ENVY models without a screen restore network defaults when you hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons together for a few seconds, but the exact combination varies, so check your model's manual. This keeps your other settings and is often enough to fix connection problems. If the printer shows offline afterwards, see why your printer keeps going offline.
How do I reset an older HP Photosmart or DeskJet?
Older models, such as the Photosmart 5520 and DeskJet 2540, 2060 and 3630, follow the same pattern. Start with a power reset: unplug the printer for 60 seconds with it on, then plug it back in. Models with a screen keep Restore Factory Defaults under menus such as Setup, Tools or Preferences.
Is there a secret HP reset button combination?
Some HP models have service-menu or semi-full reset combinations, but they differ from model to model and can erase network settings, stored faxes and calibration. Try the documented power reset and factory reset first. If you need a deeper reset, HP support lists the correct combination for your exact model.
Will resetting fix a cartridge or ink error?
Sometimes. A power reset clears temporary cartridge errors. If the error came from a firmware update blocking compatible cartridges, a reset will not undo it. See how to stop HP firmware updates from blocking your ink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do HP printers have a reset button?
Most HP home printers don't have a dedicated reset button. Resets are done by unplugging the power cord, with a button combination on button-only models, or from the Restore menu on touchscreen models.
Will a factory reset delete my Wi-Fi settings?
Yes. Restoring factory defaults erases network settings, and you'll need to connect the printer to Wi-Fi again. A simple power reset keeps all settings.
How do I get my HP printer to work again after it stops printing?
Do a power reset first, then clear the print queue on your computer, check that the printer shows as online, and make sure the cartridges are seated. That sequence resolves most "HP printer not printing" cases.
Can I reset an HP printer without a password?
Yes. A power reset and the control-panel Restore options don't need a password. Only the Embedded Web Server asks for one, and its default is the PIN printed on the printer's label.
Using another brand? See how to reset a Canon printer and how to reset an Epson printer. More fixes are in the printer troubleshooting center.
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See the CastleScore rankings →▶ Prefer to watch? How to Reset an HP Printer: Factory Reset + Soft Reset — the video version of this guide.