How to Reset an HP Toner Smart Chip

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Hewlett Packard's LaserJet printers contain hardware that keeps track of toner levels, so it can you alert you when levels get low and toner cartridge replacement is imminent or immediately necessary. When the Smart Chip identifies a problem with the toner, it prevents the printer from printing until the cartridge is replaced. Unfortunately, this hardware, or Smart Chip, sometimes incorrectly identifies problems with a toner cartridge that still has plenty of toner left with which to print, which can be troublesome to business owners. When this happens, you must reset the Smart Chip, so that your printer's function can be restored.

Power your HP LaserJet printer off via the power switch, which is usually located on the side or rear of the printer. Do not disconnect power to the printer.

Press and hold the printer's "Go" button on the main control panel, which is located on top of the printer. On some models, this button will be labeled "Go," while on other models, it will appear as a green button with a check mark on it.

Power on the printer via the power switch, while still holding down the "Go" button. After a few seconds, the display screen on the printer will read "Cold Reset." Continue pressing the "Go" button. You will hear the printer's motors rotating inside the machine. On some models, "Cold Reset" may not be displayed on the screen, but according to HP, hearing the motors rotating is indicative that the reset was successful.

Release the "Go" button. The display screen will then read "Initializing," then "Restoring Factory Settings." Lastly, the display will read "Offline."

Press the "Go" button once again to bring the printer back online. If the Smart Chip was malfunctioning, it should now be reset and printing functionality will be restored to your HP laser printer.

If the screen still indicates that the toner cartridge needs to be replaced, it is likely that it is out of toner.