When a printer starts acting strangely, a reset can clear the state that is holding it up. That might mean frozen menus, jobs that will not disappear, settings that refuse to apply, or behavior that does not match a clear paper jam or ink error.
Does this affect you?
Use this guide when the printer is confused rather than physically broken. There are two reset levels: a soft power reset that clears temporary memory without changing saved settings, and a factory reset that returns the printer to out-of-box settings.
Power reset (soft reset)
Start here. A power reset is low risk and fixes many stuck jobs, frozen displays, and temporary communication glitches.
- Turn the printer off with its own power button so it can shut down normally.
- Unplug the power cable from the wall outlet or from the back of the printer.
- Wait a full 60 seconds so residual power drains from the internal electronics.
- Plug the cable back in and turn the printer on.
- Wait until the ready light is steady or the display has finished starting before sending a test print.
This does not erase Wi-Fi settings, address books, fax numbers, paper defaults, or other preferences.
Factory reset
Use a factory reset only after the soft reset fails, or when you are selling, donating, or handing the printer to someone else.
- On printers with a screen, open Setup, Settings, or the gear/wrench menu.
- Look for Restore Default Settings, Reset All Settings, Factory Reset, or a similar option under General, Preferences, or Device Settings.
- If the printer has no screen, look up the exact button sequence for your model on the manufacturer site; the combination varies by model.
- Confirm the reset and let the printer restart.
- Reconnect Wi-Fi and reapply custom settings afterward.
More control
Factory reset erases saved configuration
A full reset removes saved wireless networks, address books, fax shortcuts, paper defaults, and custom preferences. Other computers may need to add the printer again afterward.
Try a network reset when Wi-Fi is the only issue
Many printers offer Network Reset or Wireless Reset separately. That clears Wi-Fi credentials without wiping every printer setting.
Do not reset for hardware problems
A reset will not remove torn paper, fix a bad sensor, replace a worn roller, or solve a persistent hardware error code. If the same code immediately returns, check that exact code with the manufacturer.
Sources
- HP Support – Reset the printer (2025)
- Canon Support – Resetting your printer to factory defaults (2025)
- Brother Support – How to reset your printer (2025)