Owners of modern office equipment often encounter situations where they need to connect the device to a wireless network, but the required data is lost or unknown. The question of where to find the password for an HP LaserJet printer regularly arises, as factory default values can be changed by previous users or hidden by the manufacturer for security reasons. The standard connection procedure via WPS or USB cable is not always possible, forcing people to seek alternative authentication methods.
It is important to immediately differentiate the concepts: there is Wi-Fi network password, to which you connect the printer, and administrator password device itself, required to enter the web-based configuration interface. In modern models of the series HP LaserJet Pro MFP or M402 This data is often generated automatically upon first power-up. If you didn't write it down when unpacking, you can find it by printing configuration reports or resetting network settings.
Many users confuse the WPS PIN code, which is sometimes required to pair a router and printer, with the access credentials for the administrative panel. Depending on the model of your LaserJetThe approach to solving the problem will vary. Some devices require entering a code from a sticker on the device's body, others allow entry with a blank password field, and still others block access until the network modules are fully rebooted.
Search for factory data on the case and in the documentation
The first and most obvious place to find the necessary data is the physical case of the device. Engineers Hewlett-Packard Information stickers are often placed on the back panel, side, or under the removable cover of the paper feed tray. The label may indicate Wireless PIN, WPS PIN or the standard administrator password. Please note that on older models, the password may be printed in small print next to the MAC address.
If the sticker is worn off or missing, check the included documentation. The user manual or a separate "Start Here" card may sometimes contain a temporary password that is valid until the first setup. For models in the series M100 or M200 It is typical that there is no default password - the field should be left blank. However, in the business series Enterprise The protection is set by default and cannot be ignored.
⚠️ Important: Never rely on generic passwords found online (such as "admin/admin") when working on a corporate network. HP's security policies have become stricter in recent years, and default combinations often don't work without a password reset.
If a visual inspection yields no results, it's worth checking the printer's screen if it has a touchscreen. Menu navigation Network → Wireless → Wi-Fi Direct can show the current status and, in some firmware versions, a temporary code for connection. This method is relevant for devices that support the technology. Wi-Fi Direct, allowing you to connect directly without a router.
What to do if the sticker is illegible?
If the factory label is damaged or worn off, it's impossible to recover the data. In this case, the only solution is to reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults. This will return the device to its out-of-the-box state, and the default passwords (or lack thereof) will be valid again.
Printing configuration reports and test pages
The most reliable way to find out current network settings and passwords is to print a built-in report. Even if the printer isn't connected to a computer, it can generate a document with all the technical information. To do this, look for the button with a sheet of paper or the "i" (Information) icon on the control panel. Pressing this button usually initiates printing of the configuration report.
In the received document you should look for the section Network Summary or Wireless DirectIt will show the device's IP address, connection status, and, most importantly, the Wi-Fi Direct password. This password is often used as a temporary measure during initial setup. If the report says "Disabled," then the Wi-Fi Direct feature is disabled and must be activated through the menu.
- 🖨️ Find the "Information" button (the "i" icon or a leaf) on the control panel.
- 📄 Press and hold it for 3-5 seconds until printing starts.
- 🔍 Check the "Wireless Direct Password" or "WPS PIN Code" section of the printed report.
For models without a screen, such as HP LaserJet Pro M15wThe key combination may vary. Often, you need to simultaneously press and hold the wireless and cancel buttons. The report also displays the MAC address, which is needed for filtering on the router if you're setting up access based on a list of approved devices. This is an important step. diagnostics current settings.
Using the WPS button to connect automatically
If your goal is simply to connect the printer to Wi-Fi, and not to find out a specific password, the easiest way is to use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)This method allows you to transfer network data from your router to your printer without manually entering security keys. For this to work, both devices must support this feature, which is true for most modern routers and printers. HP LaserJet released after 2015.
The process is as follows: press the WPS button on the router (sometimes you need to hold it for a few seconds). Within two minutes, activate WPS mode on the printer. On models with a display, this is done through the menu. Settings → Network → Wireless → WPSOn models without a display, you often need to hold the wireless button until the indicator light starts flashing.
⚠️ Warning: The WPS protocol has known security vulnerabilities. If you use the printer in an office with high data security requirements, it's best to use manual password entry or a USB connection to eliminate the risk of brute-force attacks.
After successful pairing, the wireless indicator on the printer will stop blinking and turn solid blue. This means the device has accessed the network and now has an IP address. If the connection fails, the WPS feature may be disabled on the router or blocked by antivirus software. In this case, you'll have to revert to manually entering data via your computer.
Login to the EWS web interface via IP address
For deep customization and viewing hidden parameters, a built-in web server is used. EWS (Embedded Web Server)To get there, you need to know the printer's IP address. You can find it by printing a configuration report (as described above) or by viewing the printer's properties in Windows via Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Properties → Web Services.
By entering the IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.55) into the browser's address bar, you will be taken to the management page. The system will ask for a username and password. By default, the login is usually admin, and the password field may be empty. If the default information doesn't work, the network administrator may have set custom values. In this case, you won't be able to log in without resetting the settings.
In the EWS interface, go to the tab Network or NetHere you can view the current Wi-Fi Direct password, change the network SSID, or even clone Wi-Fi settings from your computer. This is a powerful tool that allows you to manage your printer remotely without physically approaching it. However, for the initial connection to a new network, this method requires the printer and PC to already be on the same local network.
Reset network settings to factory defaults
If none of the previous methods work, or you've purchased a used printer and don't know its settings history, a radical yet effective solution remains: a full network reset. This restores all connection settings to factory defaults, deleting saved Wi-Fi passwords and resetting IP addresses. After this, the printer will behave as if it were new.
To perform a reset on most models HP LaserJet Pro necessary:
1. Press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (cross) at the same time.
2. Hold them for about 5-10 seconds until all indicators flash simultaneously.
3. Release the buttons and wait for the network module to reboot.
After rebooting, the printer will create a new Wi-Fi Direct network with a name like this HP-Setup-XX-LaserJetThe password for this network will be the default (often 12345678), which will allow you to connect and re-run the setup procedure through the app. HP SmartThis is a guaranteed way to bypass forgotten administrator passwords.
☑️ Checklist before resetting settings
Setup via the HP Smart app
The modern standard for setting up HP office equipment is using a mobile app. HP Smart for Android or iOS. It allows you to bypass complex printer menus and set up Wi-Fi via Bluetooth or a direct connection. The app automatically detects the device and prompts you to enter your router password, automatically transmitting it to the printer.
To get started, download the app and click "Add Printer." If your printer is in setup mode (blue indicator flashing), the app will detect it immediately. If not, it will guide you through the process. This is the most user-friendly method, eliminating the need to manually search for passwords.
The app also features an "Advanced Settings" feature, which provides access to the EWS web interface. Using your smartphone, you can check the firmware version, cartridge status, and fine-tune security settings. For home users, this is the most convenient option, as it eliminates the need for a USB cable.
HP Standard Passwords and Logins Table
Below is a summary table of the most common factory credentials for various printer series. Please note that modern models (2018 and newer) may not have a single password—it is randomly generated and located on a sticker.
| Printer series | Default login | Default password | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP LaserJet Pro (old) | admin | (empty) | Leave the password field blank |
| HP LaserJet Enterprise | admin | changeme | Change required upon first login |
| HP LaserJet MFP M28-M31 | admin | 12345678 | Standard WPS PIN code |
| New models (2020+) | admin | From the sticker | 8-digit code on the case |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if the password on the sticker doesn't work?
If the code on the sticker is not accepted, the printer settings may have already been changed by the previous owner or network administrator. In this case, you will need to perform a full network reset to restore the factory defaults. Only after a reset will the password on the sticker be valid again.
Is it possible to connect an HP LaserJet without an administrator password?
For simple document printing, an administrator password is not required—the driver is sufficient. However, access to the control panel is required to change Wi-Fi settings, a static IP address, or update firmware. Without a password, these functions will be blocked.
Where can I find the PIN code for a WPS connection?
The WPS PIN is usually dynamic and displayed on the printer screen in the wireless network setup menu or printed in the configuration report. A permanent WPS PIN typically does not exist, as it is regenerated for each connection request.
How do I find out my printer's IP address if it doesn't print?
If the printer doesn't print a report, try viewing the list of connected devices in your router's interface (see the DHCP Client List section). Look for a device with a name containing "HP" or "LaserJet." You can also use the Windows command line and the arp -a command, but this requires some skill.