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How to reset your printer to factory settings safely

5 min read · Updated · PrinterErrors editorial team

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OverviewBefore you resetReset from a touchscreen or menu panelReset a button-only printerReconnect and re-add the printer afterwardsWhen to stop and get help

Overview

A factory reset returns a printer’s settings (network details, custom preferences, and often the admin password) to how they were out of the box. It is a legitimate fix for a printer that won’t connect, keeps dropping offline, or is stuck after a failed setup. It does not repair hardware and it does not reset ink or toner levels.

This guide only covers the reset options the makers document on their own support pages. Menu names differ by brand and model, so we note the differences inline. Avoid third-party “chip reset” or firmware-downgrade tricks. Those are not manufacturer procedures and can brick the printer or void the warranty.

Before you reset

A reset is not destructive to your documents, but it does wipe configuration you may have to re-enter, so plan for the after-steps.

01Understand what clears: Wi-Fi/network settings, the device (admin) password, custom tray/paper and quality preferences, and address-book/fax entries on all-in-ones. Manufacturers warn that after a network reset you must reconnect and re-add the printer on every device.
02Note your details first: write down your Wi-Fi network name and password, and any static IP or fax settings you set, so you can re-enter them afterwards.
03Try the lighter option first: many brands offer a “Reset network settings” or “LAN settings” reset that fixes connection problems without wiping everything else. Use that before a full “Reset all”.
04Keep the printer powered and idle: let any active job finish and don’t unplug the printer mid-reset.

Reset from a touchscreen or menu panel

If your printer has a screen, this is the documented route on HP, Epson, Canon, and Brother models.

01HP: touch Setup or Menu, then Tools or Printer Maintenance › Restore › Restore Factory Defaults, and confirm. The printer restarts on its own after about 20 seconds.
02Epson: open Setup › Restore Default Settings, choose either Reset Network Settings (lighter) or All Settings, then confirm with Yes.
03Canon: press Setup, go to Device settings › Reset setting, then pick a specific reset (for example LAN settings) or Reset all, and confirm.
04Brother: open Settings › All Settings › Network › Network Reset, then press OK for two seconds to confirm the reboot.
05When it finishes, print a network or status page to confirm the printer restarted cleanly.

Reset a button-only printer

Screenless models use a button combination instead. Use the exact sequence for your model from the maker’s support page. The examples below are the common documented ones.

01HP DeskJet/ENVY (common): open the cartridge access door, press and hold the Power and Wireless buttons together for at least 3 seconds, then close the door after about 20 seconds.
02Brother (common laser models): power off, hold the GO button while powering on, keep holding until the Toner, Drum, and Error LEDs light up, release, then press GO six times.
03Because these sequences vary by model, confirm yours on the manufacturer support page before trying: a wrong combination on some models triggers a different service function.

Reconnect and re-add the printer afterwards

A reset removes the link between the printer and your devices, so you finish setup the same way you did when it was new.

01Reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi from its panel (Wireless Setup Wizard) or the maker’s app, entering your saved network name and password.
02Windows: Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners › Add device, and pick the printer once it appears.
03macOS: System Settings › Printers & Scanners › Add Printer, then choose the AirPrint/Bonjour entry.
04If you had a static IP or fax settings, re-enter them now, and reinstall the printer app on any phones you print from.

When to stop and get help

If the printer won’t complete the reset, shows a persistent hardware error code, or still won’t connect after a full reset and re-setup, stop. Repeating the reset won’t fix a hardware or firmware fault. Check for a firmware update in the maker’s app, then contact the manufacturer’s support or an authorised service centre. Do not attempt firmware-downgrade or chip-reset “hacks” to force it; those are not supported and can permanently damage the printer.

PEPrinterErrors editorial teamUpdated
PrinterErrors editorial team

Last updated · Content is independent and not sponsored by any manufacturer.

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