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There is no single default password for every HP network printer. The credential depends on the printer model, the sign-in prompt, and whether an administrator changed the factory setting. For some HP LaserJet Embedded Web Server (EWS) sign-ins, the username is admin and the password is a printer-specific PIN—not a universal password such as admin.

First identify which password the printer is asking for

HP printers can use separate credentials for different purposes. An EWS credential lets you sign in to the printer’s browser-based settings page; a Wi-Fi Direct password connects a device directly to the printer; and your home Wi-Fi password connects the printer to your wireless network. These credentials are not interchangeable.

Prompt or task Credential to look for Where to check
Sign in to the printer’s browser settings (EWS) A model-specific PIN or administrator-set password; on some LaserJet EWS workflows, the username is admin The printer’s label or Network Configuration Page, depending on model
Connect directly using Wi-Fi Direct The printer’s Wi-Fi Direct password The printer menu or Network Configuration Page, as described in HP’s LaserJet guidance
Connect the printer to your home wireless network Your home network’s Wi-Fi password The router, network administrator, or saved network settings—not the EWS PIN

How to find the EWS password or PIN

  1. Find the exact printer model. Check the model label or the printer’s control panel. HP’s instructions vary by model family, so do not assume that a credential or label location applies to every HP printer.
  2. Check the model-specific HP instructions. Look for HP Support guidance for that exact model and the EWS username, password, or PIN. This is especially important if the printer is not one of the LaserJet families described below.
  3. For supported LaserJet EWS sign-ins, find the printer’s IP address. Open that address in a browser on a device connected to the same network as the printer.
  4. Use the credential HP specifies for that printer. In the LaserJet EWS workflow described by HP, enter admin as the username. If prompted for a password, use the WPS Security PIN shown on the Network Configuration Page. Follow the model’s instructions to print that report.
  5. Check the PIN label on specified LaserJet models. For the LaserJet Pro 4001–4004 and MFP 4101–4104 families, HP says the factory-set default PIN is on a label inside the cartridge access door. Other printer families may put a label elsewhere or use a different lookup method.

What to do if the PIN is missing or does not work

A factory PIN may no longer work if an administrator changed the EWS credential. If the label is absent, the PIN is not accepted, or you do not know whether it was changed, contact the printer administrator. HP’s guidance for a missing PIN label likewise directs users to the administrator for the PIN or password.

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For the LaserJet Pro 4001–4004 and MFP 4101–4104 families, HP says a forgotten custom EWS password may require a factory reset. Do not use a reset as the first troubleshooting step: the procedure depends on the model, and an HP+ printer needs to reconnect to HP Cloud services after a reset. Check the exact model’s HP instructions or ask the administrator before proceeding.

#1 Best Overall
HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn | Monochrome | Laser Printer
  • CONNECT VIA ETHERNET ONLY – Does not support wireless printing. For wireless printing, look for LaserJet Pro 4001dw
  • FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing professional-quality black & white documents and reports plus auto 2-sided printing. Perfect for up to 10 people
  • BLAZING FAST PRINT SPEEDS – Up to 42 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided
  • PROTECTS YOUR DATA – Includes HP Wolf Pro Security with customizable settings so your printer and information are always secure
  • PRINT FROM ANY DEVICE – Print from any mobile device, PC or tablet. Ethernet included. Works with Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android, Chromebook and more

Keep the three credentials separate

The EWS PIN or password controls access to printer settings; Wi-Fi Direct credentials are for a direct wireless connection; and the home Wi-Fi password is for joining the household or office network. HP’s LaserJet guidance describes Wi-Fi Direct credentials as available from the printer menu or Network Configuration Page, while its EWS instructions use the WPS Security PIN for sign-in. Using the wrong type of credential will not solve the prompt.

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Older Jetdirect setups are a separate case

Older or managed networks may use a Jetdirect print server password. HP documents this separately, and its behavior can depend on whether the password is synchronized with the printer. If the prompt refers to Jetdirect rather than the printer’s EWS, use the relevant Jetdirect and printer documentation or contact the network administrator instead of applying the general EWS steps.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn | Monochrome | Laser Printer
HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn | Monochrome | Laser Printer
BLAZING FAST PRINT SPEEDS – Up to 42 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided
$448.90
SaleBestseller No. 2
HP Laserjet Pro 3001dw Wireless Black & White Printer, Best-for-Office (3G65OF)
HP Laserjet Pro 3001dw Wireless Black & White Printer, Best-for-Office (3G65OF)
SUPER-FAST PRINT SPEEDS – Up to 35 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided
$209.00
Bestseller No. 3
HP LaserJet Pro 4001n | Monochrome | Laser Printer
HP LaserJet Pro 4001n | Monochrome | Laser Printer
BLAZING FAST PRINT SPEEDS – Up to 42 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided
$379.00
Rank #3
HP LaserJet Pro 4001n | Monochrome | Laser Printer
  • PERFECT FOR SMALL TEAMS – Print professional-quality black & white documents and reports. Ethernet/USB only (for wireless, see LaserJet Pro 4001dw).
  • FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The LaserJet Pro 4001n is best for up to 10 users, with intuitive tools to set up and manage your printer.
  • BLAZING FAST PRINT SPEEDS – Up to 42 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided
  • PROTECTS YOUR DATA – Includes HP Wolf Pro Security with customizable settings so your printer and information are always secure
  • PRINT FROM ANY DEVICE – Print from any mobile device, PC or tablet. Ethernet included. Works with Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android, Chromebook and more
Rank #2
Sale
HP Laserjet Pro 3001dw Wireless Black & White Printer, Best-for-Office (3G65OF)
  • FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing professional-quality black & white documents and reports plus auto 2-sided printing. Perfect for up to 7 people
  • SUPER-FAST PRINT SPEEDS – Up to 35 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided
  • STAYS CONNECTED – Intelligent Wi-Fi looks for the best connection to stay online and ready to print
  • PROTECTS YOUR DATA – Includes HP Wolf Pro Security with customizable settings so your printer and information are always secure
  • PRINT FROM ANY DEVICE – Wireless printing from any mobile device, PC or tablet. Ethernet and Bluetooth included. Works with Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android, Chromebook and more

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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