HP Printer Lock [Guide, Issues & Proven Solutions]

This article will provide you with proven solutions to various HP printer lock issues that you might encounter.

Table of Contents

HP Printer has a Lock [Fixed] – HP Printer Lock

If your HP printer has a lock, do the following solutions:

1. Restore your Printer’s Network Default Settings – HP Printer Lock

To restore your printer’s network default settings, do the following steps:

Step 1: Navigate to your printer’s “Setup” menu.

Step 2: Select the “Network Setup” option.

Step 3: Select “Restore Network Settings.”

This action will display a confirmation message informing you that your printer’s network defaults will be restored.

Step 4: Select “Yes” to confirm your choice.

Step 5: Print a network configuration page.

Read this article: HP Configuration Page [How To/Issues & Solutions] to learn how to print a network configuration page.

Step 6: Confirm that the network settings of your printer have been reset.

If the steps above do not resolve the issue, do the next solution.

2. Perform a Full Printer Reset – HP Printer Lock

To perform a full reset on your HP printer, click this link: How to Perform HP Printer Full Reset – How to Reset HP Printer, and then follow the steps we shared.

If the full reset doesn’t fix the problem, you need to contact HP Customer Support for further assistance.

How to Lock HP Printer [Quick Guide] – HP Printer Lock

To lock your HP printer, try the following methods.

Note: The methods below will work for all HP printer models except in cases where the printer model doesn’t have a wireless feature, Embedded Web Server, or multiple input trays.

1. Assign a Password to your Wireless Network – HP Printer Lock

If you are wondering how to lock an HP printer on a network, assigning a password to your wireless network is the easiest way to do this.

When you assign a password to the wireless network that your printer is connected to, users who do not have the password will be unable to access the network. As a result, they will not have access to all devices connected to that network including your printer, computer, router, etc.

2. Assign a Password to your HP Printer – HP Printer Lock

If you are wondering how to lock your HP envy printer offline, this method is for you. Assigning a password to your printer gives you control over your printer and prevents others from accessing and using the printer.

To lock your HP envy printer or any other HP printer model, you need to assign the password. After doing that, you can either enable or disable the printer’s print functions depending on what you want.

We recommend reading this article: HP Printer Password [How To, Problems & Solutions] to learn more about HP printer passwords.

Here are some things you need to know when you assign a password to your printer:

i. Ensure that you don’t lose your printer password after it is assigned. If you lose it, you cannot retrieve it or reset it without performing a semi-full reset on your HP printer.

Click this link: How to Perform HP Printer Semi Full Reset – How to Reset HP Printer to learn how to perform a semi-full reset on your HP printer.

ii. Ensure that the password you assign is one that you can easily remember. It is also wise to write down the password to aid you in case you forget. However, ensure that the written password is kept safe in a way that no other person has access to it.

3. Manage your Printer’s Security via the Embedded Web Server – HP Printer Lock

 If you are thinking of how to put a lock on your HP 4500 envy printer or any other internet-supported HP printer, the EWS (Embedded Web Server) of your printer is a sure bet.

With the EWS, you can change the settings of your printer and lock it so that other individuals don’t have access to it.

How to Manage your Printer’s Security via the Embedded Server

To manage your printer’s security via the Embedded Web Server, do the following steps:

Step 1: Ensure that your printer

Step 1: Ensure that the computer connected to your printer has an internet connection.

Step 2: Open any web browser on your computer.

Step 3: Type the IP address of your printer in the address bar.

Tip: If you don’t know your printer’s IP address, print a network configuration page. Once the page is printed, check the page for the IP address. This article: HP Configuration Page [How To/Issues & Solutions] will guide you on how to print a configuration page on your HP printer.

Step 4: Press your keyboard’s “Enter” key.

Your printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS) will open.

Step 5: Click on the “Settings” tab.

Step 6: Click on “Security.”

Step 7: Click on “Password Settings.”

Step 8: Assign a password to your printer.

Step 9: Confirm the password.

Step 10: Click “Apply.”

Step 11: Click on “Administrator Settings.”

Step 12: Enable or display the desired features by clicking the checkbox next to each feature.

Step 13: Click “Apply.”

Step 14: Exit the EWS.

Note: Using the EWS to manage your printer’s security will prevent individuals from using your printer directly. However, users who have access to devices connected to your printer such as a computer or smartphone can still print on your HP printer from those devices.

4. Place Restrictions on other Accounts on your Computer – HP Printer Lock

If you want to know how to lock an HP envy printer copier that is connected to a computer with multiple users, this method will work well for you provided there is a password on the computer’s admin account.

Using this method allows you to restrict other users from having access to your printer since they don’t have access to the admin account’s password.

How to Place Restrictions on other Accounts from Using a printer

To place restrictions on other accounts from using a printer, do the following steps:

Step 1: Turn on the computer.

Step 2: Log into the admin account.

Step 3: Navigate to Printers and Scanners.

Step 4: Right-click on your HP printer.

Step 5: Click on “Properties.”

Step 6: Click on the tab labeled “Security.”

Step 7: Click on your user account in the section for “Group or user names.”

Step 8: Check all the boxes under Allow in the section for “Permissions.”

Step 9: Ensure that all the boxes under Deny in the section for “Permissions” are unchecked.

Step 10: Click on “Everyone” in the section for “Group or user names.”

Step 11: Uncheck all the boxes under Allow in the section for “Permissions.”

Step 12: Ensure that all the boxes under Deny in the section for “Permissions” are checked.

5. Use a Tray Lock – HP Printer Lock

A tray lock works for printers that have optional detachable trays. If your printer doesn’t have such a tray, you can’t use a tray lock. With a tray lock, your printer’s input tray is locked, thereby preventing others from using the printer.

6. Lock your printer – HP Printer Lock

We mean this in the literal sense especially if you cannot lock your printer on your wireless network, or prevent individuals from accessing it physically. With the printer locked in your large drawer, closet, or basement (if necessary), other persons will not have access to the printer.

How to Lock HP Printer by Password [Quick Guide] – HP Printer Lock

To lock your HP printer by password, click this link: How to Password Protect My MP HP Printer – HP Printer Password, and then follow the instructions we shared.

If you are asking, how can I lock a printer with a passcode on HP Color LaserJet Pro M477fdn, the instructions in the link above will prove helpful.

HP Printer Paper Tray Lock [Quick Guide] – HP Printer Lock

An HP printer tray lock is a feature that prevents unauthorized users from using the tray. This feature is mainly found in printers that have multiple paper trays and for trays with special papers. It can help you to protect paper stock and valuable documents from the reach of unauthorized users. To access the paper within a locked tray, you must have the key to the lock or the release combination for the lock.

Usually, a tray lock on HP printers is used for the optional tray. You don’t need the HP printer paper tray lock if you are not prompted to use the optional tray. However, when the optional tray is used, you need a tray lock.

HP Printer Shipping Lock Error [How to Fix] – HP Printer Lock

To remove the HP printer shipping lock from your cartridge or printer, read this article: HP Printer Error Remove Shipping Lock [How to Fix]. In that article, we shared easy-to-follow steps on how to fix the HP printer shipping lock error.

You can also resolve the HP b210 printer shipping lock error by reading the above-linked article.

HP Printer Lock Icon on Preference Page [Quick Guide] – HP Printer Lock

The lock icon on the preference page is usually seen just over the printing templates. In some older HP printer software, the lock icon is used to indicate a “standard” template.   

The lock icon is not of any consequence to your printer’s functions. However, it might be an indication that your printer software is outdated as most new HP printer software do not use lock icons to indicate standard templates.  Therefore, you have to update your printer software.

Lock Symbol on HP Printer Options [Fixed] – HP Printer Lock

If you are asking “why is there a lock symbol on my HP printer options?” you are not alone as this issue has been reported to affect several HP printers, especially HP MFP LaserJet printers.

Some printer options such as the scan option have a lock icon that prevents the user from using the feature. Furthermore, this message is displayed as well: “This item is restricted. Try to use another account, or contact the system administrator or the person who set up this product.”

The reason for this issue has been said to be firmware-related. Therefore, if you just want to know how to remove the lock symbols on your HP OfficeJet printer, a firmware update might just be what you need.

 Apart from this issue being firmware-related, if access control to the locked options has been turned on via the EWS (Embedded Web Server) and the right authentication method has been set, you might encounter this problem. Therefore, if your 7640 HP printer has lock symbols on icons, you need to ensure that you have set the right authentication method even if you have turned on access control.

If your HP printer 2130 options are under lock, the instructions above will also guide you on how to fix the issue.

How to Lock Down an HP Printer with Web JetAdmin [Quick Guide] – HP Printer Lock

To lock down an HP printer with Web JetAdmin (WJA) is to lock all the tabs in the WebJet Admin excluding the “Information” tab. This way, any user can check the printer’s basic status, but won’t be able to change the configuration settings. The only person who can make such changes is the admin who set up the password.

Note: Not all HP printers are designed with this feature because it was designed only for Enterprise class printers.

To configure the information tab password requirement with Web JetAdmin (WJA), do the following:

Step 1: Click on the tab labeled “Config.”

Step 2: Click on “Security.”

Step 3: Click “EWS Information Protection.”

Note: This option will not be displayed if your printer lacks this functionality, and the admin password is yet to be configured.  

Step 4: Select the “Enabled” option.  

If you could not lock down an HP printer with WebJet Admin by following the steps above, you can contact HP Customer Support for further assistance.

Why Does a Lock Show up on my HP Printer Setting? [Answered] – HP Printer Lock

A lock showing up on your HP printer setting is due to a driver issue. In most cases, performing a clean reinstallation of your HP printer’s pre-installed drivers should fix the problem.

How to Perform a Clean Reinstallation of your HP Printer’s Pre-Installed Drivers – HP Printer Lock

To perform a clean reinstallation of your HP printer’s pre-installed drivers, do the following steps:

Step 1: On your Windows computer, run a search and open “Programs and Features.”

Step 2: Choose your HP printer.

Step 3: Click “Uninstall.”

Step 4: Run a Windows search and open “Devices and Printers” on your computer.

Step 5: Locate your HP printer and right-click on it.

Step 6: Click “Remove Device” or “Delete” depending on the option available.

Step 7: Press the “Windows” and “R” keys on your keyboard to open the run command.

Step 8: Type this as it is in the run text box: printui.exe /s

Step 9: Click “OK” or press the “Enter” key on your keyboard.

Step 10: Click the tab labeled “Drivers.”

Step 11: Locate the and then click on your HP printer driver.

Step 12: Check the bottom and click on “Remove.”

Step 13: Click “OK.”

Step 14: Click “Apply.”

Step 15: Click “OK.”

Step 16: Close the Devices and Printers window.

Step 17: Restart your HP printer.

Step 18: Click on this link to locate and download your printer’s full feature driver.

Step 19: Once the download is complete, run the downloaded file to begin the installation.

Step 20: Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.

Try to print a document.

If the steps above fail to resolve the problem, contact HP Customer Support for further assistance.

HP Printer Remove Region Lock [How to Fix] – HP Printer Lock

Most HP printers are regionalized. In other words, a printer purchased in a particular region won’t be able to use cartridges from another region. For instance, if you move from the U.S. to the U.K, you won’t be able to use U.K inks until you remove your HP printer region lock.

How to Remove HP Printer Region Lock [Quick Guide] – HP Printer Lock

To remove the HP printer region lock, do the following steps:

Step 1: Call HP Customer service.

If you don’t know the contact number of HP Customer Service, do the following to get it:

i. Click this link.

ii. Choose the country you reside in.

iii. Input your HP printer’s serial number.

iv. From the drop-down, choose the country.

v. Click “Show Options.”

vi. Fill out the form.

vii. A case number, as well as a phone number, will be provided.

Step 2: Ask the customer service representative to provide you with the steps to re-regionalize your HP printer.

Step 3: Provide the details they request.

Step 4: You’ll be given a special code that you must input into your HP printer settings.

A response code will be displayed which you’ll have to read to the customer service representative.

Step 5: Turn off your HP printer for 2 minutes.

Step 6: Restart your HP printer.

This action should remove the HP printer region lock.

Note: Changing your printer region can only be done three times. Therefore, avoid changing your printer region beyond 3 times to prevent it from being rendered useless while in a particular region.

Also, removing the region lock is free provided your printer and cartridges are still under warranty.

HP Printer Does Not Clear After Printing, Lock Next Job [Fixed] – HP Printer Lock

If your HP printer does not clear after printing and locks the next job, we recommend that you read the articles listed below:

HP Printer Jobs Stuck In Queue [Fixed]

HP Printer Queue Issues [Proven Solutions]

Lock Out HP M609 Printer LCD Screen [Fixed] – HP Printer Lock

A locked-out LCD (control panel) screen on an HP printer such as the HP LaserJet Enterprise M607 – M609 printer can be quite a scare. Thankfully, we have solutions to this issue.

Causes

Suppose your HP LaserJet Enterprise M607 – M609 printer’s screen goes blank and is unresponsive when you touch the screen (for touchscreen printer models) or when you press the control panel buttons (for non-touchscreen printer models). In that case, it might be a result of any of the following:

i. No power.

ii. The power surge or power strip is defective.

iii. Insecurely seated control panel connector.

iv. Missing, wrongly installed, incorrectly seated, or faulty memory card.  

v. The power supply is faulty.

vi. A faulty component (USB device, memory card, etc.) was installed on your printer’s formatter.

Solutions

To resolve this problem, do the solutions below:

1. Check your Printer’s Power Connection

To check your printer’s power connection, do the following steps:

Step 1: Ensure that your printer’s power cord is properly plugged into your HP printer.

Step 2: Ensure that your printer’s power cord is properly plugged into a working electrical wall outlet.

Do not plug your HP printer into a UPS, power strip, surge protector, etc. These power sources may not supply the right amount of power required for your printer to function optimally.

Step 3: Plug a working device into the wall outlet to confirm that the outlet is working.

Step 4: Ensure that the power cord plugged into your printer is the one that came in the box with your HP printer.

If the original cord is damaged, ensure that you are using an original compatible HP replacement power cord.

Step 3: Turn on your HP printer by pressing its power button.

If the issue persists after doing the above steps, do the next solution.

2. Get Further Help

Once you are certain that the power connection is not faulty, it means that the issue is above your pay grade. Therefore, you need to get professional help. You can contact any HP-authorized support provider or service. Or better yet, contact HP Customer Support.  

When you contact HP Customer Support, you might be asked these questions:

  • Does the printer have any visible backlight or LEDs?
  • Is the printer making any noise (engine sounds, noise due to boot sequence, or fan noise)

HP Printer Lock [Other Issues]

Below are links to other HP printer lock issues not discussed in this article:

HP Printer Scanner Lock [How to Fix]

HP Printer Cartridge Lock [Quick Guide]

Set Control Panel Access Lock [Quick Guide]