Default HP Printer Admin Password: How to Find, Reset, and Secure It?

Many HP printer users experience the printer asking for an administrator password when trying to access the control panel or Embedded Web Server (EWS). If you’ve ever wondered, “Does HP have a default password?” the answer is yes. Most HP printers have a preset administrator login, but the method for finding it can vary depending on the model. This blog will show you how to locate your HP printer’s default admin password and how to reset it.

I. What Is a HP Printer Default Administrator Password?

The default administrator password is the initial password set by the manufacturer to access restricted printer settings. It is used to log in to the printer’s control panel or web interface. Common default password types include:

• admin: Typically used as the default user name and password combination for many HP printers. You can enter this user name and password directly on the printer’s control panel or in the Embedded Web Server (EWS).
• Blank (press Enter): Some models do not have a preset password. When prompted, simply press “Enter” to access.
• password: Some older models may use this password as the default password and can be entered directly on the printer.
• Device serial number: Some printers, particularly the HP LaserJet and DesignJet series, allow you to use the printer’s serial number as the initial password. The serial number is usually located on a sticker on the back of the printer or inside the front cover.
• Internal PIN sticker: The PIN is common in newer models and is printed on the inside of the printer’s front cover or on a sticker on the back. You can enter this PIN directly on the printer control panel or in the EWS for administrator access.

Note: These default passwords can generally be used immediately to access the printer administrator settings. However, for security reasons, it is strongly recommended to change the default passwords after the first login.

II. How to Find Your HP Printer Default Administrator Password

Finding your HP printer’s default administrator password is essential for accessing restricted settings, configuring network options, and managing security. The exact method can vary depending on the printer model, but the following steps cover most HP printers, including LaserJet, OfficeJet, and DesignJet series.

1. Check Your Printer Label

Most HP printers feature a sticker either inside the front cover or on the back of the device. This label usually displays the default PIN or password.

On Wi-Fi-enabled models, the sticker often also includes the Wi-Fi Direct PIN, which can serve as the initial administrator password.

Simply open the front cover carefully and locate the small label containing the necessary information, such as the PIN, serial number, or default password.

2. Refer to the User Manual

HP user manuals provide the default administrator password for each printer model and typically include a diagram indicating the location of the PIN label.

The manuals also describe how to access the control panel login and any model-specific login details.

If you don’t have a paper copy, HP’s official support website provides PDF versions of all manuals, making it easy to find your printer model.

3. Try Default Login Credentials

Many HP printers come with common default usernames and passwords. For example, the username is often “admin,” while the password might be “admin,” left blank, or simply “password.”

Newer models, particularly the HP LaserJet Pro series, often require a PIN code found on a sticker inside the printer for initial login.

Using these credentials allows you to access the printer’s administrator settings without having to reset them.

Let’s look at how to find the default administrative password for the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3200 and MFP 3300 series printers.

For the 3200 series (e.g., HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw), press the “Login Method” button on the control panel, select “Device Administrator,” and then enter the PIN code found on the sticker inside the front cover.

For the MFP 3300 series (e.g., HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw, HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw, HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw), the steps are similar: press the “Login Method” button, select “Device Administrator,” and then use the default PIN code found on the sticker inside.

4. Use the Printer Serial Number

Some HP printers allow you to use the serial number as the initial administrator password. The serial number is typically printed on the same sticker as the PIN or on the back of the printer.

This method is particularly common with the LaserJet M507(e.g., HP LaserJet Enterprise M507dn, M507n and M507x) and DesignJet series and provides an alternative when the default credentials are no longer valid.

5. Access Embedded Web Server (EWS)

You can also find and use the default password by accessing the printer’s Embedded Web Server.

Open a web browser on your computer connected to the same network as the printer and enter the printer’s IP address in the address bar. When prompted, enter the default administrator credentials—typically the username “admin” and the PIN or password found on the label. This grants access to network settings, security options, and other administrator-level configurations.

6. Reset or Contact HP Support

If your printer doesn’t accept the default PIN, password, or serial number, you can perform a factory reset to restore the original settings, including the administrator password.

For enterprise or networked printers, you may need to contact your IT administrator or HP support for assistance in regaining access without losing important configurations.

III. How to Reset HP Printer Administrator Password

If you can’t find or use the default password, there are several ways to reset it, depending on your printer model and environment. Most users can regain access using the following methods:

• Embedded Web Server (EWS): Open a browser on a computer connected to the same network as the printer, enter the printer’s IP address, and follow the administrator reset instructions provided in the EWS interface.
• HP Smart App: Some newer models allow you to reset the administrator password directly from the HP Smart App. Simply open the app, select your printer, and follow the prompts to recover or reset the password.
• Factory Reset: Performing a factory reset returns all printer settings to their original defaults, including the administrator password. This method is useful if other reset options don’t work, but be aware that it also erases customized settings.
• Contact IT Administrator or HP Support: For networked or enterprise printers, contacting your IT administrator or HP Support may be the safest way to regain access without affecting important configurations.

These steps cover most HP printer admin password reset scenarios and help ensure you can safely regain administrator access to your HP printer.

IV. Why You Should Change the Default Password

Default passwords are easy to guess, leaving your printer and network vulnerable to unauthorized access. To ensure security, do the following:

• Set a strong password of at least 8-12 characters that contains letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Avoid using easily guessed passwords, such as “admin” or your name.
• Change the default password immediately after setting it to protect your printer and the connected network.

V. Frequently Asked Questions about Default HP Printer Admin Password

1. Does HP have a default password?

Yes, most HP printers come with a default administrator password. This password allows you to access restricted settings on the printer’s control panel or Embedded Web Server (EWS). Common default passwords include “admin” (for many older and newer HP printers), blank (some models don’t have a preset password; press Enter to log in), and a PIN (newer models often have a PIN sticker inside the front cover or on the back).

2. What is a default administrator password?

The default administrator password is the initial password set by HP to access certain printer settings, such as network configuration, security settings, and system management. This password can be used for the first login after setup. After logging in, it is strongly recommended that you change it to a stronger, more unique password for security.

3. How to login as admin HP printer?

Logging in as an administrator is usually simple: enter the username “admin” and the default password on the control panel or EWS. The password is usually found on the printer label or manual. Some newer models allow you to use the serial number as the initial password.

Once logged in, you can adjust settings such as network configuration, security policies, and print management. If the default password doesn’t work, try restarting the printer or performing a factory reset, then reusing the default credentials.

4. What is the default admin password for HP OfficeJet 8020?

For the HP OfficeJet 8020 series, the default administrator password is typically “admin” or a PIN code located inside the printer.

VI. Conclusion

HP printers typically come with a default administrator password, but this varies by model and series. By following the steps above, you can find your printer’s default password, log in securely, and reset the password if necessary. Once logged in, be sure to change the default password to a strong one to protect your printer and network.