How to Reset an HP Deskjet Printer?

Printers are great to have at home. It is an easy way to print off a letter, fill out forms, or just print pictures of the family. These devices come in all sizes and shapes and have new smart features that make life easier. Sometimes these devices stop working though, and that means it is time to ask how do I reset an HP Deskjet printer?

Resetting any technological device can be intimidating. Many people are afraid they will break the device, short it, or void the warranty. Properly resetting an HP Deskjet printer will not void the warranty, but other mistakes might. Read on to learn the proper way to reset an HP Deskjet printer and common reasons why a user may have to reset the device.

HP Deskjet Printer Reset

When the HP Deskjet printer stops functioning properly, it is time to reset it. Resetting the device will likely fix the problem and allow you to continue using the printer as originally intended. Usually, you’d do this if the device you’re printing from isn’t connecting. To reset the printer, follow these simple instructions:

1. Push and hold down the power button on the printer. Wait until it shuts off fully. If it does not do so, proceed to step two.
2. Find the power cord and follow it back to the outlet. Unplug it from the outlet.
3. Wait five minutes.
4. Plug the printer back in and turn it back on.

The printer will boot up normally at this point. Since it’s considered a soft reset, it should not bring you to a setup menu. The settings and options you inputted before will be the same. You may just need to ask it to print again. 

Perform a Factory Reset

When a soft reset does not solve the problem, it may be time for a hard reset, also known as a factory reset. This reset type will bring the HP Deskjet printer back to its original manufacturer settings when it was first taken out of the box. To accomplish this, follow these steps:

1. Go to the web page associated with the network settings on the printer and sign in as an administrator.
2. Go to the general tab and select it.
3. Find and select Reset Factory Settings.
4. Find Reset Firmware and click the option to reset it.
5. The printer will begin to restart on its own. When it turns back on, you will need to set it up again as if it was just coming out of the box for the first time.

This type of reset can sometimesfix corrupted drivers or software that were downloaded and failed initiation. This is something that can happen with technology, as it is not perfect. The best way to fix it is to perform a factory reset. If the problem still persists, then it is a good indication that the hardware or internet connection may be the issue.

Reasons to Restart or Reset

There are many reasons why someone would need to restart or reset their printer. Not all of them are negative reasons either. Resetting and restarting technology is a normal part of life that helps refresh the device. To get a better understanding of why this occurs, read this list of common reasons to reset or restart a printer:

1. Toner or Ink Change. If you just changed the ink or toner on a printer, and it is not reading the new cartridges, you may need to reset the printer. This will refresh the sensors and allow the printer to partake in a new system check. It is likely the cartridge will read as full again.
2. Printer Jam. After a really severe jam, it may be smart to reset or restart a printer. The printer heads and rolls may have malfunctioned or gotten off track. A reset will put everything back in its place so that the next printing job is smooth.
3. Internet Connectivity Issues. Sometimes a printer will stop reading a wireless network. This can be due to a system error or a software update. Reset the printer to refresh its settings and allow it to reread the drivers and software.
4. Frozen Printer. Computers are not the only devices that can freeze. Printers can stop working mid-print due to a firmware issue or connectivity loss. If you confirm that the internet is up and running, the printer may need to be reset to get back on track.
5. Stuck Print Job. Sometimes the printer receives print job data but cannot act on it. These print jobs get stuck in the system and will not move along until it is reset. Unless you like to provide a huge backlog of work for yourself later, save yourself the hassle and restart the printer.

Reset and Restart

Restarting an HP Deskjet printer is easy with the right tools and knowledge. It is often one of the best ways to fix a problem with a printer too. This is because technology is fickle and can malfunction at the drop of a hat. A clean reset can get it back on track and wipe the system from the memory of a problem it may have had previously.