When setting up a new HP LaserJet 500 Color M551 printer, you will need to know the default password to access the printer’s configuration menu and make any necessary changes. Like most printers and devices, HP ships their printers with a default password already set up. Knowing this password can save you time and frustration when going through the initial setup process.
The Importance of Changing Default Passwords
Before we reveal the actual default password for the HP LaserJet 500 Color M551, it’s important to note that you should change any default passwords on devices as soon as you unbox and set them up. Default passwords are well known in hacker circles and leaving them unchanged essentially leaves your device exposed and vulnerable to attacks. Fortunately, the process of changing the default password to something unique and secure is quick and easy.
| Default Password Risks | Benefits of Unique Passwords |
|---|---|
|
|
Once you know the default password for your HP LaserJet 500 Color M551, make changing it to something unique and hard to guess one of the first steps you take before using the printer on your network. Having strong passwords is one of the easiest ways to protect your devices and information.
Finding the Default Password for Your Printer Model
With most modern printers, you can find the manufacturer’s default password by searching online for your specific printer model number along with terms like “default password.” For the HP LaserJet 500 Color M551, the default password that comes programmed from the factory is:
12345678
Yes, the default password is simply a string of eight consecutive numbers from one through eight. HP likely chose an easy to remember default password so owners could quickly access the printer’s menu on initial set up without having to look the password up. However, this simplicity also makes the password extremely easy to guess for anyone trying to access your device.
Some quick online research on printer hacking forums shows the HP LaserJet 500’s default password is well known to hackers who target these machines. That means it’s especially important to get this password changed to protect your device.
Where to Change the Default Password
For the HP LaserJet 500 Color M551, you can change the default password through the printer’s embedded web server interface. Follow these steps:
- Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network as your printer.
- Enter the printer’s IP address into the address bar of the browser.
- This will open the printer’s EWS interface. Click on the “Security” tab.
- Look for the section labeled “Password” and click “Edit.”
- Enter the current default password when prompted. For new printers, this will be 12345678.
- Enter your new custom password twice when asked.
- Click “Apply” to save the new password.
Be sure to pick a new secure password that is unique and not easily guessed. Some tips for creating a strong password include:
- Using a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols
- Avoiding common dictionary words or personal information
- Making it at least 8 characters long
- Not reusing the same password as other accounts
You can also change the administrator password from the printer’s control panel. Access the “Security” menu from the home screen, then select “Password” and follow the prompts to set a new secure password.
What to Do If You Forget the Password
If you or someone else has already changed the default password and you can no longer remember it, you will need to reset the password on the HP LaserJet 500 back to factory defaults. Here are two options for resetting the password:
Factory Reset from Control Panel
- On the printer’s control panel, press the OK button when the home screen is displayed.
- Open the “Service” menu then select “Reset to Factory Defaults.”
- Select “Restore All Settings” when prompted.
- This will reset all settings, including the administrator password, back to factory defaults.
Hard Reset Using Button Press
- Start with the printer powered off.
- Press and hold the Start and Cancel buttons together.
- With those two buttons held, press the Power button to turn the printer on.
- Keep holding the Start and Cancel buttons until the control panel display turns on, then release.
- This will perform a hard reset of the printer, including restoring the default admin password.
After resetting the password, you can log in using the default of 12345678 again and should immediately change this password to a new secure value.
Conclusion
Knowing default passwords can help make the initial setup of new printers much easier. However, it’s crucial that default passwords like the one on the HP LaserJet 500 Color M551 (12345678) get changed right away to prevent unauthorized access. Resetting the password is an option if you need to recover the HP printer’s default admin password.
Changing default passwords is just one step in securing printers and other network devices. Some other best practices include:
- Keeping firmware up to date with the latest security patches.
- Monitoring connected devices for unusual activity.
- Isolating printers and IoT devices on their own protected network segment.
- Disabling unneeded services and ports to minimize open attack vectors.
Following security best practices combined with strong unique passwords will help ensure your HP LaserJet 500 Color M551 and other networked devices remain protected from intrusions.
