Restarting an HP printer is one of the simplest and most effective ways to resolve common printing issues. Whether your printer is stuck on a print job, showing an error message or has become unresponsive, a restart can often return it to normal operation without the need for technical support. This guide explains how to properly restart your HP printer, when a restart is necessary and what to do if restarting does not solve the issue.
Why You Might Need to Restart Your Printer
Like any electronic device, printers can occasionally experience glitches. These might include jobs getting stuck in the print queue, the device freezing on a loading screen, error messages appearing on the control panel or connectivity problems between the printer and your device. Restarting the printer helps clear temporary memory, resets basic functions and often fixes small software hiccups that may have built up during regular use.
A restart can also help if you have recently installed a firmware update, replaced a cartridge or changed wireless settings and the printer has not responded correctly.
Basic Method to Restart HP Printer
The simplest way to restart most HP printers is to use the power button. Begin by turning off the printer using the power button located on the front or side of the machine. Wait for the device to shut down fully. On some models this might take a few seconds as the printer completes its shutdown sequence.
Once the printer is completely off, unplug the power cable from the back of the machine and also remove the plug from the wall socket. This ensures that all residual electricity is drained from the internal components. Leave the printer disconnected for at least thirty seconds to allow the memory to clear.
After the short wait, plug the printer back into the wall and then into the printer. Press the power button again to turn the printer on. You should see the screen light up and the printer begin its startup process. In most cases this will return the printer to a ready state.
Restarting HP Printers with a Touchscreen
If your HP printer includes a touchscreen display and it has frozen or is not responding to commands, the restart process is the same. Press and hold the power button until the screen goes blank then disconnect the power supply for a short time before plugging it back in and switching the device on again.
Some touchscreen models may offer a ‘Restart’ or ‘Reset’ option in the settings menu. If the screen is still functional, navigate to the settings or maintenance area and choose the restart option if available. This will reboot the printer without the need to unplug it.
Restarting HP Printer Connected to a Computer or Network
If your HP printer is connected to a desktop or laptop computer via USB or to a network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, it is worth restarting those connections at the same time. Restarting your computer or router can help resolve any communication errors between devices. This is particularly helpful when a print job is stuck or when the printer shows as offline despite being powered on.
Also check your printer’s software or drivers. HP recommends keeping these up to date, and a quick restart can sometimes help the system detect new settings or updates properly.
Soft Reset vs Hard Restart
A soft reset refers to turning the printer off using the power button and turning it back on again. This is the standard approach for resolving minor issues.
A hard restart involves unplugging the printer and waiting before plugging it back in. This clears any power-related faults and fully resets the internal memory. Use a hard restart if the printer is frozen or if a soft reset has not worked.
In some situations, a hard reset may be the only way to recover an unresponsive printer especially after a power cut or firmware glitch.
What to Do if Restarting Does Not Work
If your printer continues to have issues after a restart there may be a deeper problem. Try checking for software updates using the HP Smart app or HP’s website. You can also reinstall the printer driver or reset the print queue on your computer.
Persistent hardware faults such as paper jams cartridge recognition errors or printhead issues will not always be solved by restarting the printer. In those cases refer to the user manual or run the printer’s built-in diagnostic tools.
If the printer refuses to turn back on after being restarted double-check that the power cable is securely connected at both ends and that the power outlet is working.
Maintaining Printer Performance
Regular restarts are not always necessary for everyday use but they can help if your printer is used heavily or across multiple devices. To keep your HP printer running smoothly switch it off properly using the power button when not in use rather than unplugging it while it is active.
Avoid repeatedly switching the printer on and off in quick succession as this can cause damage to the internal power components or lead to system errors. If you notice recurring issues even after restarting, it may be time to contact HP support or consider servicing the device.
Final Thoughts
Restarting your HP printer is a quick and reliable way to fix many common problems. Whether you use a simple inkjet model at home or a more advanced wireless printer in a small office, knowing how to restart it correctly can save you time and prevent unnecessary frustration. By following the correct shutdown and restart process you can keep your printer responsive and ready whenever you need it.