Where to find the password settings on your HP printer

The password settings live in your printer's web interface, not in your computer. You reach this interface by typing your printer's IP address into a web browser on any device connected to the same network. The IP address is usually printed on a page when you hold the printer's menu button, or you can find it in your router's connected devices list.

Once you have the IP address, open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge all work), type http:// followed by the IP address into the address bar, and press Enter. For example: http://192.168.1.100. This opens your printer's control panel in the browser window.

You will see a login screen. The default username is almost always admin, and the default password is either blank (leave it empty) or admin depending on your printer model. If neither works, check the manual or the sticker on the back of the printer itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Access your printer's settings through a web browser using your printer's IP address, not through your computer's printer settings.
  • Log in with the username admin and either a blank password or the word admin, depending on your model.
  • Navigate to Security or Administration settings and look for a Password or Access Control section.
  • Change the admin password to something you can remember but others on your network cannot guess.
  • Write down your new password somewhere safe, because a forgotten printer password usually requires a factory reset.

Logging in with the default credentials

After the login page loads, enter admin in the username field. In the password field, try leaving it blank first and clicking Log In. If that does not work, go back and type admin in the password field instead.

Some HP printers, especially older models, may have a different default password printed on a label inside the printer's access panel or in the quick-start guide. If the standard defaults do not work, check those sources before assuming the password has been changed.

Once you are logged in, you will see the printer's main control panel. This page shows information about your printer, its network status, and links to different settings sections.

Finding the password change option

Look for a menu item called Security, Administration, Settings, or Network on the left side or top of the page. Click on it. Different HP models organize these menus differently, so you may need to explore a bit.

Once you are in the administration area, look for an option labeled Password, Access Control, User Accounts, or Change Password. Click on that option. You should now see a form with fields for your current password and a new password.

If you cannot find a password section after checking the main menu items, try clicking on System Administration or Device Settings. HP printers vary in how they label these sections, but the password option is always in one of these areas.

Entering your new password

In the password change form, type your current password (which is admin or blank, depending on what you just used to log in). Then type your new password in the next field. Most HP printers require passwords to be at least 8 characters long and to include a mix of numbers and letters.

Type the new password again in the confirmation field to make sure you did not make a typo. A password you cannot remember is useless, so choose something you can type correctly every time but that is not your name, your address, or a common word.

Click explore, Save, or OK to confirm the change. The printer will process the change and may restart briefly. You will then be logged out of the web interface.

Testing your new password

Close the browser tab or window. Wait 30 seconds for the printer to finish restarting, then go back to the same IP address in your browser. You should now see the login screen again. Try logging in with the username admin and your new password.

If you can log in successfully, your password change worked. If you cannot log in, you may have made a typo when entering the new password. Try again, being careful with uppercase and lowercase letters and any special characters you included.

If you are locked out and cannot remember the password you just set, the only way back in is a factory reset. This erases all your printer settings and returns it to its original state. Check your printer's manual for the factory reset procedure, as it varies by model.

What to do if you forget the password later

Write your new password down and store it somewhere safe — a notebook in a drawer, a password manager, or a note in your phone. A forgotten printer password is harder to recover than a forgotten computer password because you cannot reset it through email or security questions.

If you do forget it, you will need to perform a factory reset. This returns the printer to its original settings and erases any custom configurations you made. The reset procedure is usually a combination of button presses on the printer itself, held for several seconds. Consult your manual or HP's support website for your specific model.

Why change your printer password at all

If your printer is on a home network with only people you trust, changing the password is less critical. But if your printer is on a work network, a shared office network, or a home network with guests, changing the default password prevents anyone from accessing your printer's settings, viewing your print history, or changing network configurations.

A changed password also prevents someone from resetting your printer to factory settings or installing malicious firmware. For home use, a straightforward password is usually enough. For office use, follow your organization's password policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is my printer's IP address?

Print a network configuration page by holding the Menu or Settings button on your printer until a menu appears, then select Network or Information. The IP address appears on the printed page. Alternatively, log into your router's admin panel and look for connected devices — your printer will be listed with its IP address.

I cannot log in with admin and a blank password. What do I try next?

Try the username admin with the password admin. If that fails, check the back of your printer for a sticker with default credentials, or look in the quick-start guide. Some models use different defaults. If you still cannot log in, the password may have been changed by someone else, and you will need a factory reset.

Do I have to change the password, or can I leave it as admin?

You do not have to change it. If your printer is only on your home network and you are the only person with access, leaving the default password is fine. If others can access your network, changing it prevents them from accessing your printer's settings.

What happens if I forget my new password?

You will need to perform a factory reset on your printer, which erases all settings and returns it to its original state. The reset procedure varies by model — check your manual or HP's website for instructions. This is why writing down your password is important.

Can I change the password from my computer instead of through the web interface?

No. Printer passwords are managed through the printer's own web interface, not through your computer's printer settings. You must access the printer's IP address in a web browser to change the password.