How to reset a printer to factory settings

A full reset typically clears the Wi-Fi network and password, IP settings, the admin password on many models, email and fax address books, speed dials, the fax header, scan destinations and saved defaults such as paper size. The printer may also lose its link to the maker's app or online account. Faxes held in memory that haven't printed yet may be deleted, so print them first.

Open the printer's built-in web page and export the address book to a file if it offers that, or print a list of contacts and speed dials. Note your fax header, any scan to email or network folder settings, and your Wi-Fi password, which you'll need to reconnect.

Most printers offer more than one kind of reset. A network reset, often called restore network settings, clears only the Wi-Fi and network setup. A full reset, often called restore factory defaults or restore all settings, clears everything. Some models also have separate options for stored data or fax settings, so start with the smallest one that matches your problem.

On printers with a screen, look in Setup, Settings, Tools, Maintenance or Service for an option with Restore or Reset in its name, then confirm. Printers without a screen usually reset with a button combination or by holding a button while powering on. Get the exact method from the manual or the manufacturer's official support site rather than guessing, as other combinations can start cleaning cycles or service modes.

Type the printer's IP address into a browser on the same network and sign in as administrator. Look under settings, system, general or maintenance for a restore defaults or reset option. Once it runs, the page stops responding, because the printer restarts and may come back with a different address or without a network connection.

After the restart, the printer may walk you through first-time setup: language, country or region, date and time, paper size and Wi-Fi. Reconnect it to your network, set a new admin password, and re-enter the fax header and scan settings you saved.

Run the full factory reset. On office printers with a hard drive or internal storage, also run any secure erase, sanitize or clear all data option the printer offers. Remove the printer from the maker's app or online account, take out memory cards and USB drives, and check the scanner glass, document feeder and output tray for forgotten pages.

After a reset, the printer may have a new IP address, so the old entry on your PC can stop working. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners (Windows 10: Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners), select the printer and choose Remove (Windows 10: Remove device).

Once the printer is back on your network, click Add device (Windows 10: Add a printer or scanner) and select it from the list. If it doesn't appear, add it by its IP address, which you can read from its screen or a network configuration page.

If you use the maker's app for scanning, ink alerts or cloud features, open it and add the printer again, signing in to your account if asked.

Choose Apple menu > System Settings > Printers & Scanners (on macOS 12 and earlier, System Preferences). Control-click the printer in the list and choose the option to remove it.

When the printer is back on the network, click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax, select it and click Add. AirPrint printers usually appear without any extra software.

If you use the maker's app for scanning or ink alerts, open it and add the printer again so it finds the printer at its new address.