How to Retrieve or Reset EWS Password

The HP Embedded Web Server (EWS) lets you manage printer settings, check ink levels, and configure network options directly from your web browser. If you have forgotten your EWS password or never set one up, you might find yourself locked out of important configuration pages. Here is how to retrieve or reset the EWS password on your HP printer.

What is the EWS Password on an HP Printer?

The EWS password is an administrator credential that protects your printer's web-based management interface. HP builds several security mechanisms into its printers to limit access to configuration settings and protect data. When you set an EWS admin password, certain tabs, pages, and options become viewable only after authentication. Without this password, anyone on your network could change printer settings.

The EWS also includes a security log where you can review device-generated syslog event data. All generated syslog messages are saved in the EWS Security Log and can be exported from the Security page.

How to Assign an EWS Administrator Password

If you have not set a password yet, HP recommends doing so immediately to secure your printer. Follow these steps:

1. Open a web browser and type your printer's IP address in the address bar. You can find the IP address by printing a Configuration Page from the printer's control panel.
2. Click the Sign In button on the top right corner of the EWS Home page.
3. Enter the default administrator credentials: Username is Administrator and Password is admin.
4. Select Security from the navigation menu.
5. Click General Security in the left panel.
6. Enter your preferred administrator username in the User Name field.
7. Create a new password in the New Password field and confirm it in the Verify Password field.
8. Write down the password and store it somewhere safe. The administrator password cannot be recovered if lost.
9. Click Apply to save your changes.

How to Reset the EWS Password

If you have forgotten your EWS password, the only way to regain access is to restore the printer's network settings to their factory defaults. This clears the old password and lets you set a new one.

Method 1: Using the Printer Control Panel

1. Press and hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons on the printer's control panel simultaneously for about three seconds.
2. The printer will restore its network settings to defaults, which removes the EWS password.
3. Once the reset is complete, open a web browser and enter the printer's new IP address (print a new Configuration Page to find it since it may have changed).
4. Navigate to the Security tab, then General Security.
5. Keep the default username as admin.
6. Fill in the New Password and Password Verification fields with your new password.
7. Click Apply at the bottom of the page.
8. Use these new credentials the next time you log in to the EWS.

Method 2: Full Factory Reset (If Method 1 Does Not Work)

1. Turn off the printer completely.
2. Press and hold the Resume button (or the combination specified in your printer model's manual) while turning the printer back on.
3. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds until the printer resets.
4. This restores all settings including the EWS password to factory defaults.
5. Set up the EWS password again using the steps described above.

Tips to Avoid Getting Locked Out of EWS Again

• Write down your EWS password and keep it with your printer documentation.
• Use a password manager to store the credential securely.
• If multiple people manage the printer, share the password through a secure channel.
• Avoid using overly complex passwords that are easy to forget but still use a mix of letters and numbers for security.

If you have tried everything above and still cannot access the EWS, contact HP Support at support.hp.com for further assistance. They can walk you through a complete printer reset specific to your model.