Check the printer's default password first

Most HP printers ship with a default password that works until you change it. The default is usually admin for the username and admin for the password, or sometimes the username is admin and the password field is left blank. You can try these combinations when you log into the printer's web interface — the page you reach by typing your printer's IP address into a web browser.

If those don't work, look for a sticker on the back or bottom of the printer itself. HP sometimes prints the default credentials directly on the device, especially on older models or office-grade printers. The sticker may also list the IP address you need to reach the settings page.

For some HP printers, particularly OfficeJet and LaserJet models, the default password may be the printer's serial number. You'll find the serial number on that same sticker, or in the printer's settings menu under Device Information or System Settings.

Key Takeaways

  • The default username and password for most HP printers is admin/admin, printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device.
  • You reach the password prompt by typing your printer's IP address into a web browser, which you can find in the printer's network settings menu.
  • If you changed the password and forgot it, you can reset the printer to factory defaults, though this erases all custom settings and network information.
  • HP printers used on a network may also have a separate password for wireless setup, which is different from the admin password.
  • Some HP models require you to set a password the first time you access the web interface, rather than using a pre-set default.

Find your printer's IP address to reach the login page

You can't enter a password until you reach the login screen, and that screen lives at your printer's IP address. To find the IP address, go to the printer's physical menu on the device itself. Press the Home or Menu button, then look for Settings, Network, or System Administration. Inside that menu, you should see Network Settings or TCP/IP, which will display the IP address as a series of four numbers separated by periods — something like 192.168.1.100.

Once you have the IP address, open any web browser on a computer connected to the same network as the printer. Type the IP address into the address bar exactly as it appears, and press Enter. You should see a login page. This is where you enter the password.

If you can't find the IP address in the menu, print a network configuration page. On most HP printers, you can do this by holding down the Information or Settings button for a few seconds until the printer beeps. A page will print that lists the IP address, MAC address, and other network details.

Reset the printer to factory defaults if you forgot the password

If you changed the password yourself and can no longer remember it, you can reset the printer to its original factory settings. This erases all custom configurations, saved networks, and any passwords you set, returning the printer to the state it was in when it left the factory.

The reset process varies by model. On most HP printers, go to Settings or System Administration on the printer's physical menu, then look for Restore Defaults, Factory Reset, or Reset All Settings. Select it and confirm. The printer will restart and the password will return to the default.

Some models require you to hold down a physical button on the printer for 10 to 15 seconds. Check your printer's manual or the HP support page for your specific model number to find the exact button and duration. After a reset, you'll need to set up the network connection again and may need to set a new password when you first log in.

Distinguish between the admin password and the wireless password

HP printers have two separate passwords that are straightforward to confuse. The admin password is what you use to log into the web interface and change printer settings. The wireless password (or WPA password) is what you use to connect the printer to your WiFi network, the same way you'd connect a phone or laptop.

If you're trying to connect the printer to WiFi for the first time, you need the wireless password — the one for your home or office network. If you're trying to change printer settings like paper size, toner alerts, or email notifications, you need the admin password. These are not the same thing, and resetting one does not reset the other.

The wireless password is usually found on a sticker on your router or in your router's settings page. The admin password is on the printer itself or is the default admin/admin combination.

Check your printer's manual or HP's support site for your model

If the default password doesn't work and you can't find a sticker with credentials, look up your specific printer model on HP's website. You'll need the model number, which is usually printed on the front of the printer or on the back near the power cord.

Go to hp.com, search for your model number, and look for the manual or user guide in PDF form. The manual often lists default passwords, the location of the IP address in the menu system, and the exact steps to reset the printer if needed. HP also publishes support documents for common password issues on their support pages.

If you bought the printer from a business or received it from an IT department, the password may have been customized during setup. In that case, contact whoever manages the printer or your IT support team — they will have the password or can reset it for you.

Understand what you can and cannot do without the password

Without the admin password, you cannot change most printer settings through the web interface. You can still print to the printer normally from your computer or phone, and you can usually access basic information like ink or toner levels and page count. You just cannot modify settings like network configuration, security options, email alerts, or device name.

If the printer is on a network and you need to change its IP address, set up email notifications, or configure security features, you will need the password. For everyday printing, you do not. This distinction matters because it tells you whether you actually need to recover the password or whether you can work around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the default admin/admin password doesn't work?

Check the sticker on the back of the printer — HP sometimes uses the serial number as the password instead. If that doesn't work, try leaving the password field blank and entering only the username. If none of these work, the password was changed by a previous user and you'll need to reset the printer to factory defaults.

Can I print without knowing the admin password?

Yes. The admin password only controls access to the settings page through a web browser. You can print normally from your computer or phone without ever entering a password. You only need the password if you want to change printer settings or configure the network.

How do I know if my printer is connected to the network?

Check the printer's physical menu for Network Settings or TCP/IP. If an IP address is displayed there, the printer is connected. You can also print a network configuration page by holding the Information button for several seconds. If no IP address appears, the printer is not yet connected to WiFi or Ethernet.

Is the wireless password the same as the admin password?

No. The wireless password connects the printer to your WiFi network — it's the same password you use for your phone or laptop. The admin password controls access to the printer's settings page. They are completely separate and resetting one does not affect the other.

What happens if I reset the printer to factory defaults?

The printer returns to its original state: all custom settings are erased, the password resets to the default, and the network connection is cleared. You'll need to reconnect the printer to WiFi and may need to set a new password when you first log in. Any saved configurations or custom names are lost.