A situation when you need to connect an office or home HP LaserJet A common problem is connecting to a wireless network, but access to settings is blocked. Users may be prompted to enter administrator credentials when attempting to change the IP address or configure a static route through the web interface. EWSOften, the previous system administrator leaves behind configured equipment with unknown access codes, making it impossible to make changes to the network configuration.
There's a fundamental difference between the password used to connect the device to the router (the WPA2 key) and the administrator password used to manage the printer. While the former is stored in the router's memory or on a sticker, the latter is a security measure for the MFP's settings. In most cases, it's impossible to "find" a forgotten administrator password for security reasons, and the only solution is to perform a full reset of the network settings to factory defaults.
In this guide, we'll cover all legitimate access recovery methods in detail. We'll cover methods for models with a touchscreen and keypad, and explain how to use the Wireless button to initiate setup mode. Following these steps correctly will allow you to regain control of the device and successfully integrate it into your local network.
Differences between password types in the HP ecosystem
Before taking any action, you need to clearly understand which access code is required in your specific case. Users often get confused. network security key (WiFi router password) administrator password The printer's IP address. The first is required for the device to authenticate to the ISP's wireless network or home router. The second is requested when accessing the control panel through a browser using the IP address.
If your device asks for a code when trying to connect to a hotspot, you need the WiFi password. It can be found on the bottom of the router, in your ISP contract, or in the settings of an already connected computer. However, if your browser displays a login window with "User Name" and "Password" fields when navigating to your IP address, it's a security issue. HP Embedded Web Server.
There is also a third type - PIN code for technology HP Wireless DirectThis feature allows you to print directly from mobile devices to the printer without using a router. By default, this code is often found on the wireless information sticker located on the device. Be careful not to confuse these two, as entering the Direct PIN into the WiFi password field will not work.
- 🔑 WiFi Password: Key for accessing the printer to the local network (WPA/WPA2).
- 🛡️ Admin Password: Password for accessing device settings via browser.
- 📱 Wireless Direct PIN: Code for direct connection of smartphones to the printer.
⚠️ Note: The default administrator password for new HP models is often empty (the field is left blank) or equal to "admin". For older enterprise models of the series Enterprise The password can be random and printed on the "Security Password" sticker on the back of the device.
Search for factory data and standard combinations
The first step should always be a visual inspection of the device. Engineers Hewlett-Packard Important information is often placed on special stickers. On models of the series LaserJet Pro MFP The sticker is usually located on the back panel near the ports or under the removable panel in the front. On large office models of the series Enterprise Flow This information may be duplicated on the inside of the paper tray.
Look for lines labeled "Default Password," "Security Code," or "PIN." If the sticker contains an 8-digit code, it will likely be required for initial setup or reset. In some cases, especially for devices released before 2015, the default login and password combination is admin / admin or admin / 123456.
For devices that support the technology Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), a password may not be required at all if the router also supports this feature. Pressing the WPS button on the router and then searching on the printer allows you to transfer encryption keys automatically, eliminating the need to manually enter complex characters.
If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can try finding the device model in the documentation or on the manufacturer's official website. Default login credentials for a specific model are sometimes listed there. However, use this method with caution, as modern firmware requires a unique password to be set upon initial boot for security reasons.
Reset network settings via Control Panel
If the default passwords don't work, the most effective solution is to reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults. This doesn't affect page counters or general system settings, but it completely clears saved WiFi profiles and resets the EWS administrator password to the default. For models with a color touchscreen, this procedure is performed through the settings menu.
You need to go to the main menu, select the section Setting up (gear icon). Then follow the path Net or NetworkIn the list that opens, find the item Restore network settings or Restore Network SettingsThe system will ask you to confirm the action, as all current IP addresses will be lost.
☑️ Checklist before resetting the network
After confirmation, the printer will reboot the network module. The wireless indicator will begin flashing, indicating that it has entered setup mode. At this point, the device is ready for a new configuration. If a complex administrator password was previously set, it will be removed, and logging into the web interface will require the default password again, or the field will remain blank.
For models without a touchscreen, equipped only with arrow keys and a display, the procedure is slightly different. Typically, you need to press and hold the wireless button (antenna icon) and the cancel button (cross) simultaneously for 5-10 seconds. The power and wireless indicators will start flashing, indicating a successful reset.
Using the Wireless Button for Setup Mode
Many users are unaware of a hidden feature that is activated by long-pressing the Wireless button. This feature switches the printer HP LaserJet into a special recovery mode, which often allows you to bypass the password requirement during initial setup through the application HP SmartThis is especially relevant when the web interface is unavailable or blocked.
To activate this mode, press and hold the wireless button on the control panel for 5 seconds (up to 10 seconds on some models) until the power light and wireless button begin flashing simultaneously. The printer will then create a direct access point.
Connect to a network with a name like HP-Setup-Printer-Model from your smartphone or laptop. Launch the app HP Smart or open a browser. In this mode, security is often relaxed, allowing you to reconfigure the device to a new network without entering the old administrator password. The app will automatically transfer the new credentials to the printer.
It's important to note that this method doesn't work on all firmware versions. HP patches these vulnerabilities in new security updates. If this method doesn't work and the device prompts for a password again, you'll need to resort to more drastic measures, such as a cold reset, which affects the entire system, not just the network.
What is Cold Reset?
A Cold Reset is a deep reset of your HP printer that returns it to its out-of-the-box state. It clears not only network settings but also print lists, temporary files, and user-defined tray configurations. Use this only as a last resort.
Working with the EWS web interface and the Security tab
If you were able to access the device (for example, the password was blank), but you want to change it or check the current security settings, you will need Embedded Web Server (EWS)Enter the printer's IP address in the browser's address bar. If the page doesn't open, check whether your computer and printer are on the same subnet.
Go to the tab Security (Security). This is where the key settings are located. In the section General Security You can change the administrator password. If you've forgotten the current password but have physical access to the device, some models allow you to reset it through the printer's menu: Setting up -> Security -> Reset Security Settings.
The table below shows the paths to the reset menu for different series of HP printers:
| Printer series | Path to the menu on the display | Action |
|---|---|---|
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428 | Settings -> Network -> Restore | Network reset |
| HP LaserJet Enterprise M507 | Settings -> Management -> Factory Reset | Full reset |
| HP LaserJet P1102w | Wireless + Cancel button (5 sec) | Reset WiFi |
| HP Color LaserJet M255 | Settings -> Network -> Network Reset | Network reset |
Please note the function Access ControlIf enabled, the printer may require a password even for simple printing. Disable this feature in the Security tab if it interferes with your trusted home network. You can also configure IP address whitelists here, which increases security without having to remember complex passwords.
Remote management via HP Smart and the cloud
Modern printers HP LaserJet tightly integrated with cloud services. If the printer was previously linked to an HP account, passwords and settings can be managed through the app. HP SmartThis is an alternative method that sometimes allows you to bypass local blockages.
Open the app on your smartphone and select your printer. If the device status is "Offline" or "Needs Attention," try deleting the device from the app (minus icon or device settings -> Delete Printer). After deleting, re-add it. During the re-linking process, the system may prompt you to reset the network settings on the device itself, which will resolve the password issue.
This method is especially effective for models that support HP Web ServicesThe cloud server can send a command to the printer to update security settings. However, this still requires the printer to have some internet access, albeit limited.
If the printer is corporate and managed through HP Web JetadminLocal reset attempts may be blocked by group policies. In this case, you should contact the system administrator who has the master password for the domain or print management server.
⚠️ Note: Menu interfaces and item names may vary depending on the firmware version. If you don't see the described items, check that your printer firmware is up-to-date or refer to the user manual for your specific model.
Common connection problems and their solutions
Even after properly resetting the password, users may still experience connection issues. One common issue is frequency band incompatibility. Many older models LaserJet work only in the range 2.4 GHz and don't see 5 GHz networks. Make sure your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network and the network name (SSID) doesn't contain Cyrillic characters.
Another issue is address misconfiguration. After a reset, the printer receives a new IP address from the DHCP server. The computer may try to connect to the old address. Use the utility HP Print and Scan Doctor to find the device on the network using the new address. This will automatically update the print port in Windows.
It's also worth checking your firewall settings. After a reset, the printer may view the network as "Public" and block incoming configuration requests. Temporarily switch the network profile to "Private" in Windows settings to complete the configuration.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
What is the default password for the HP LaserJet Pro M402?
For most modern models, including the M402, the administrator password field is blank by default. Leave it blank and click OK. If that doesn't work, try "admin." On some enterprise versions, the password is printed on the "Security Password" sticker on the back panel.
Is it possible to find out the WiFi password that has already been entered into the printer?
For security reasons, viewing the saved WiFi password in plain text via the printer menu or web interface is not possible. You can only see the network name (SSID) to which the device is connected. To find the password, look it up in the router settings or on another connected device.
What should I do if the wireless button is not responding?
If the button doesn't work, the interface may be blocked or the network module may be frozen. Turn off the printer using the power button, unplug the power cord from the outlet for 30 seconds, and then turn it on again. If the button still doesn't work, try resetting it through the menu (Setup -> Reports -> Configuration) to check the device's status.
Will Network Repair reset the page counter?
No, the "Restore Network Settings" operation only affects connection settings (IP, WiFi, passwords). The Total Pages Printed counter is stored in non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) and is not reset by network operations. Resetting the counter requires complex manipulation of the chip or service software.