eeHow to Reset a Printer to Factory Settings
Whether your printer is behaving erratically, refusing to connect to Wi-Fi, or producing garbled output, knowing how to reset a printer to factory settings is one of the most effective troubleshooting tools at your disposal. A factory reset wipes stored network credentials, clears corrupted memory, and returns every setting to its original out-of-the-box state — giving your device a clean slate. Before you call a technician or buy a replacement, try a reset. It resolves far more problems than most users expect.
Printers accumulate configuration data over time: wireless profiles, IP addresses, print queue errors, alignment offsets, and firmware flags that can conflict with new drivers or updated router settings. When things go wrong, a simple restart rarely helps. A full factory restore is the nuclear option — and in many cases, exactly what the situation calls for. If you are also dealing with related output issues, our guide on how to fix printer ink smearing on paper covers complementary problems worth checking once your printer is reset and running again.
This guide covers factory reset procedures for the most common printer brands — HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother — along with when to reset, what you will lose, and how to get back up and running quickly afterward. We also cover resets on printers used with Macs, Windows PCs, and mobile devices.
Contents
When Should You Reset a Printer to Factory Settings?
A factory reset is not something you do lightly — it erases every customization you have made. But there are specific scenarios where it is clearly the right call, and recognizing them saves you hours of trial-and-error troubleshooting.
Signs That a Factory Reset Is Needed
The most common triggers for a factory reset include persistent Wi-Fi connection failures that survive router reboots and driver reinstalls, error codes that reappear after being cleared, and unresponsive touchscreens or control panels. If your printer was previously connected to a network that no longer exists — such as after moving to a new home or office — a network reset is often faster than manually clearing old profiles one by one.
Other scenarios where a reset makes sense: you are selling or donating the printer and want to erase stored credentials, the device has been used in a corporate environment with locked-down settings, or a failed firmware update left the printer in an inconsistent state. According to the FTC's consumer guidance on electronics, wiping personal data from devices before transfer is a recommended practice that applies equally to networked printers storing Wi-Fi passwords and user preferences.
What You Will Lose After a Reset
Understanding what a factory reset removes helps you prepare before you start the process. The table below summarizes what is erased versus what is preserved across the four major printer brands.
| Setting / Data | HP | Canon | Epson | Brother |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi credentials | Erased | Erased | Erased | Erased |
| Static IP address | Erased | Erased | Erased | Erased |
| Custom paper settings | Erased | Erased | Erased | Erased |
| Print quality / alignment calibration | Erased | Erased | Erased | Erased |
| Address book / fax numbers | Erased | Erased | Erased | Erased |
| Page count / usage statistics | Preserved | Preserved | Preserved | Preserved |
| Firmware version | Preserved | Preserved | Preserved | Preserved |
| Ink / toner level tracking | Preserved | Preserved | Preserved | Preserved |
Note that a factory reset does not roll back your firmware version. If a firmware update caused your problem, you will need to use the manufacturer's downgrade tool separately. Importantly, page count and ink tracking data are stored in non-volatile memory that resets cannot touch — this protects against users gaming warranty ink counters.
How to Factory Reset an HP Printer
HP offers several levels of reset depending on the printer model: a network settings reset, a semi-full reset, and a full factory restore. The steps differ slightly between touchscreen models and older button-only units. Always start with the lightest reset — network only — before escalating to a full restore.
HP Printers With a Touchscreen
- From the Home screen, tap the Setup icon (gear or wrench symbol).
- Scroll to and tap Printer Maintenance or Tools, depending on your model.
- Select Restore or Reset.
- Choose from the available options:
- Restore Network Settings — clears Wi-Fi only.
- Restore Factory Defaults — clears all settings.
- Restore All Settings — full wipe including fax and email settings on all-in-one models.
- Confirm the action when prompted. The printer will restart automatically.
On HP OfficeJet Pro and LaserJet Pro models, the path may instead be Setup → Printer Setup → Restore Settings. If you cannot find the reset option in the menu, consult the HP support site or check the model-specific manual — HP periodically reorganizes its menu structure in firmware updates.
HP Printers With Button-Only Controls
Older HP DeskJet and ENVY models without a touchscreen use button combinations. A common sequence is:
- With the printer powered on, press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button simultaneously for three seconds.
- Release both buttons. The printer will reset its network settings and restart.
- For a full factory reset on these models, hold the Resume/Cancel button for 20 seconds until the power light flashes, then release.
Button combinations vary significantly by model year. If the above sequence does not work, locate your model number on the label beneath the printer and search HP's support pages for the exact procedure. For broader maintenance advice, our laser printer maintenance tips guide covers preventive steps that reduce the need for resets in the first place.
How to Factory Reset a Canon Printer
Canon uses a tiered reset system across its PIXMA, MAXIFY, and imageCLASS lines. The terminology differs — Canon calls its full reset "Reset All Settings" or "Reset LAN Settings" depending on what you want to erase — but the underlying process is consistent across recent models.
Using the Canon Menu System
- Press the Menu or Setup button on the printer's control panel.
- Navigate to Device Settings using the arrow keys.
- Select Reset Setting.
- Choose your reset scope:
- Web Service Setup Only — clears cloud/web service registration.
- LAN Settings Only — clears network configuration only.
- All Settings — full factory restore.
- Press OK to confirm. The printer will reboot.
Canon Button Combination Reset
For Canon PIXMA models without a display (entry-level inkjets), a button combination triggers the network reset:
- With the printer powered on and idle, press and hold the Stop button until the alarm lamp flashes orange twice.
- Release the button, then press the Stop button five more times.
- Press the Black or OK button to confirm. The printer will reset its LAN settings and restart.
Canon does not provide a hardware-level full factory reset via button combination on most consumer models — you must use the menu system for a complete restore. If the menu is inaccessible due to a frozen display, power cycling the printer 10 times in quick succession (a Canon-documented diagnostic mode) can sometimes unlock the menu.
How to Factory Reset an Epson Printer
Epson's reset options are accessible through the control panel on most EcoTank and WorkForce models, but some consumer inkjets require the Epson Adjustment Program — a utility that Epson originally designed for service technicians. Understanding which method applies to your model saves significant time. If you are considering whether an EcoTank model is worth it over a cartridge printer, our EcoTank vs cartridge printer comparison covers the trade-offs in detail.
Epson Control Panel Reset
- Press the Home button to return to the main screen.
- Select Settings (wrench icon).
- Go to Restore Default Settings.
- Choose between:
- Network Settings — clears Wi-Fi and Ethernet configuration.
- All Settings — full restore including print quality settings.
- Copy Settings — resets only copy-related preferences.
- Confirm when prompted. The printer restarts automatically.
Using Epson Adjustment Program
For certain Epson models — particularly older Expression and Artisan lines — the control panel does not expose a factory reset option. In these cases, Epson's Adjustment Program (available for Windows and macOS) can perform a complete initialization. Download it from Epson's official support site using your model number. Within the program, navigate to Maintenance → Initialization and follow the on-screen prompts. Be aware that some Epson models have pad counters that the Adjustment Program can reset — do this only if Epson Support has recommended it, as resetting pad counters prematurely can mask maintenance needs.
How to Factory Reset a Brother Printer
Brother printers are widely used in small offices and are known for their straightforward menu navigation. The reset process is consistent across most MFC and HL series models, making Brother one of the easier brands to reset without consulting a manual.
Brother Menu Navigation Reset
- Press the Menu button on the control panel.
- Press the Up or Down arrow to select Initial Setup, then press OK.
- Press the arrow to select Reset, then press OK.
- Choose the type of reset:
- Machine Reset — resets machine settings only (not network).
- Network Reset — clears all network settings only.
- Factory Reset — restores all settings to factory defaults.
- Press 1 (Yes) to confirm, then 1 again to reboot.
Network-Only Reset on Brother
If your only issue is a failed Wi-Fi connection and you want to preserve other settings, the network-only reset is the safer choice. On Brother laser models with an LCD, the path is Menu → Network → Network Reset → Yes → Yes. The printer will restart with all network configuration cleared, ready to be reconnected via WPS, manual SSID entry, or USB setup. Once reset, Brother's wireless setup wizard walks you through reconnection — it typically takes under two minutes on supported networks.
What to Do After Resetting Your Printer
A factory reset is only the beginning. Getting your printer back into a fully functional state requires a few deliberate steps. Skipping any of them is a common reason people think the reset "didn't work" when the real issue is an incomplete reconfiguration.
Reconnecting to Wi-Fi
After a reset, your printer has no knowledge of your wireless network. You have three options for reconnecting:
- WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup): Press the WPS button on your router, then the wireless setup button on the printer within two minutes. Most modern routers and printers support this — it is the fastest method.
- Manual SSID entry: Navigate to the printer's wireless settings menu, select your network name, and enter the password. Use this if WPS is disabled on your router.
- USB setup mode: Connect the printer to your computer via USB, run the manufacturer's setup application, and let it configure the wireless settings automatically. Some older printers only support this method.
If Wi-Fi reconnection continues to fail after a reset, the problem may be with your router's client isolation settings or the 5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz band — most consumer printers only support 2.4 GHz. Our guide on what to do when your printer won't connect to Wi-Fi covers these scenarios in depth.
Reinstalling Drivers
On Windows, open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners, remove the old printer entry, and add the printer again. Windows will attempt to install the driver automatically if the printer is on the same network. For best results, download the full driver package from the manufacturer's website rather than relying on the generic driver Windows provides — manufacturer drivers unlock features like duplex printing, scan-to-email, and tray selection.
On macOS, go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners, delete the printer, and re-add it. macOS sources most drivers through Apple's built-in printer driver library, so re-adding usually works without a manual download. If you are managing printer setup on a Mac without a USB connection, our guide on how to add a printer to Mac without USB walks through the process step by step.
After the driver is installed, run a test print and a nozzle check or print quality report. This confirms the printer is communicating correctly and gives you a baseline for print quality before you begin production printing. If you notice output issues after the reset, recalibrating the print heads is usually the first step — consult your printer's manual for the alignment procedure specific to your model.
For more printer buying advice, maintenance guides, and comparisons, visit our printer reviews and guides hub where we cover everything from budget inkjets to high-volume laser models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting my printer to factory settings delete my ink or toner levels?
No. Ink and toner level data is stored in non-volatile memory that a factory reset cannot modify. Your printer will continue to display the same ink or toner levels after the reset as it did before. Page count and usage statistics are also preserved for the same reason — manufacturers protect this data to maintain accurate warranty and service records.
How do I know whether to do a network reset or a full factory reset?
Start with a network-only reset if your sole problem is a Wi-Fi connection failure, a changed password, or moving the printer to a new network. A full factory reset is warranted when you have persistent error codes, a corrupted settings state, unresponsive menus, or when you are preparing to sell or donate the printer. A network reset is reversible and faster; a full reset requires reconfiguring everything from scratch.
Does a factory reset fix a printer that is printing blank pages?
Sometimes. Blank pages are most commonly caused by clogged print heads, empty cartridges, or a driver mismatch — none of which a reset addresses. However, if blank pages are caused by a corrupted print settings profile or a misconfigured paper type setting, a factory reset can resolve it. Run a nozzle check first; if the nozzle pattern is complete and the issue persists, then a reset is worth trying.
How long does a printer factory reset take?
Most factory resets complete in under two minutes. The reset itself takes 10 to 30 seconds; the remaining time is the printer restarting and reinitializing its components. All-in-one models with larger memory banks may take slightly longer. After the printer restarts, allow an additional minute before attempting to reconnect to Wi-Fi or run a test print, as some models continue background initialization after the display returns to the home screen.
Can I factory reset a printer remotely using its web interface?
Yes, on many networked printers. If your printer has an embedded web server (EWS) — accessible by typing the printer's IP address into a browser — you can usually find reset options under a "Management," "Tools," or "Administration" tab. This is particularly useful for printers mounted in inconvenient locations or managed in small office environments. HP, Brother, and Epson WorkForce models commonly support this. You will need to be on the same network as the printer to access the EWS.
Will a factory reset fix printer error codes like "system error" or "fatal error"?
A factory reset resolves error codes caused by corrupted settings or memory conflicts, but it cannot fix hardware failures or mechanical faults. If the error code returns immediately after a reset, the problem is likely hardware-related — such as a failed print head, a jammed sensor, or a worn maintenance cartridge that needs replacement. In that case, contact the manufacturer's support line or a certified repair center. Checking the specific error code against the manufacturer's documentation first will tell you whether it is software or hardware in origin.
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About Marcus Reeves
Marcus Reeves is a printing technology specialist with over 12 years of hands-on experience in the industry. Before turning to technical writing, he spent eight years as a service technician for HP and Brother enterprise printer lines, where he diagnosed and repaired thousands of inkjet and laser machines. Marcus holds an associate degree in electronic engineering technology from DeVry University and a CompTIA A+ certification. He is passionate about helping home users and small offices get the most out of their printers without paying ink subscription fees. When he is not testing the latest cartridge refill kits, he tinkers with vintage dot-matrix printers and 3D printers in his garage workshop.