Why is my HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 factory reset?

Common causes include driver issues, connectivity problems, outdated firmware, and hardware malfunctions. Follow our step-by-step guide to diagnose and fix your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720.

How do I fix HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 factory reset?

Start by checking your printer connections, updating drivers, and running the built-in troubleshooting utility. Our guide below provides detailed steps for resolving HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 factory reset.

When should I call a technician for my HP OfficeJet Pro 8720?

If basic troubleshooting doesn't resolve the factory reset issue, or if you hear unusual noises, smell burning, or see error codes, it's time to contact a certified HP printer technician.

HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 Factory Reset

If your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is experiencing persistent errors, network connectivity problems, or configuration issues that standard troubleshooting cannot resolve, performing a factory reset may be necessary. This comprehensive guide walks you through the proper HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 factory reset procedures, explains when to use each method, and helps you restore your printer to full working condition. Whether you need to clear corrupted settings, remove old network configurations, or prepare the device for resale, these steps will ensure a complete and safe restoration.

When to Perform a Factory Reset on Your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720

Before initiating any HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 factory reset, it's important to confirm this is the appropriate solution for your specific problem. A factory reset should be considered when you encounter recurring issues that persist after basic printer repair attempts, such as repeated paper jam errors without actual jams, failure to connect to Wi-Fi despite correct credentials, or the printer support system showing "Printer Failure" messages that don't clear with standard restarts. Additionally, if you've purchased a used OfficeJet Pro 8720 or are transferring ownership, a full reset protects your personal information and network data. However, note that this process will erase all saved settings, including wireless passwords, fax speed dials, and scan-to-email configurations, so document any information you wish to preserve.

How to Perform a Partial Reset (Retain Network Settings)

A partial reset is the gentler of the two reset options and can fix many common problems without requiring complete reconfiguration. This method clears the printer's active memory and resolves issues like frozen touchscreens, unresponsive print jobs, and minor firmware glitches.

Power Down Completely: Press the Power button on your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 to turn it off. Wait until all lights extinguish and the touchscreen goes completely dark—this typically takes 10-15 seconds. Unplug the power cord from the rear of the printer, then disconnect it from the wall outlet for at least 60 seconds to fully discharge residual power.

Initiate the Partial Reset Sequence: With the printer still unplugged, press and hold both the Power button and the Wireless button simultaneously. While continuing to hold these buttons, reconnect the power cord to the wall outlet first, then to the printer's rear port. Maintain pressure on both buttons for approximately 15 seconds until the touchscreen illuminates with a "Reset" or "Partial Reset" message, then release.

Complete the Restoration Process: Allow the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 to cycle through its startup sequence. The touchscreen will display a progress bar as the printer recalibrates. Do not interrupt this process. Once complete, verify basic functionality by printing a test page from the printer's control panel: navigate to Settings > Reports > Print Quality Report. If the page prints successfully, your partial reset resolved the issue while preserving your network settings.

How to Perform a Full Factory Reset (Complete Restoration)

When partial reset fails to resolve persistent problems, or when you need to completely wipe all data from the device, a full factory reset is required. This comprehensive approach to fix printer issues restores the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 to its original out-of-box state.

Access the Service Menu: Turn on your printer and ensure it reaches the ready state. From the home touchscreen, swipe down to open the dashboard, then tap the Gear icon (Settings). Scroll through the menu and simultaneously press and hold your finger on the bottom-right corner of the screen for 5 seconds, then quickly tap the Back arrow, then the Home button. This hidden sequence opens the Service menu on most OfficeJet Pro 8720 firmware versions.

Execute the Factory Reset Command: Within the Service menu, navigate to Restore Defaults > Restore Factory Defaults. The touchscreen will prompt you to confirm this destructive action. Tap Yes to proceed. For printers where the touchscreen method is unavailable due to unresponsiveness, use the alternative button sequence: with the printer off, press and hold the Resume button and the Wireless button together, then press the Power button once. Continue holding Resume and Wireless for 20 seconds until the attention light blinks rapidly.

Reconfigure Your Printer: After the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 factory reset completes, the printer will automatically restart and display the initial setup wizard. Follow the on-screen prompts to select your language, country/region, and date/time settings. You must then re-establish wireless connectivity through Settings > Network > Wireless Setup Wizard, entering your Wi-Fi password carefully. Reinstall printer drivers on all connected computers, as the previous installation will no longer communicate with the reset device. Download the latest HP Smart app or full feature software from HP's official support site to ensure compatibility.

⚠️ Important: A full factory reset permanently deletes all stored data including fax logs, scan-to-network folder paths, custom paper sizes, and Web Services registrations. Before proceeding, print a configuration page via Settings > Reports > Configuration Page to document your current settings. If your printer is enrolled in HP Instant Ink, you must reactivate the service after reset or your cartridge chips may be rejected. Contact HP printer support if you encounter cartridge authentication errors post-reset.

Still Need Help With Your HP Printer?

If these troubleshooting steps didn't resolve the issue, our certified HP printer technicians are standing by. Get expert support in minutes.

Get Free Tech Support Now →

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset fix my HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 if it won't turn on at all?

No. If your printer shows no signs of power—no lights, no fan noise, no touchscreen response—the issue is likely hardware-related, such as a failed power supply or main board. A factory reset requires the printer to at least partially boot. In this situation, professional printer repair or replacement of the power module is necessary. Try testing with a different power cord and outlet first, but persistent power failures need technician evaluation.

How do I reset the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 if the touchscreen is completely frozen?

When the touchscreen is unresponsive, use the physical button method described in Step 5. If buttons are also non-functional, perform a hard power cycle: unplug all cables including USB and Ethernet, hold the Power button for 30 seconds with the cord removed, then reconnect only power and test. Repeated frozen screens may indicate failing firmware or hardware defects requiring tech support intervention and possible motherboard replacement.

After a factory reset, why does my printer still show the old IP address?

This occurs when your router has assigned a static DHCP reservation based on the printer's MAC address. The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 retains its hardware MAC address through any reset, so the router continues providing the same IP. This is normal and not a reset failure. To obtain a different address, access your router's admin panel and delete the old reservation, or manually configure a static IP on the printer itself through Settings > Network > Advanced Settings > IP Settings.