Printer Problems? Reset Your Sharp Printer in Minutes

Why Resets Matter: Top Reasons Your Sharp Needs a Fresh Start

Ever had that moment when your normally reliable Sharp printer seems to have a mind of its own? As one customer told us, “My printer was working perfectly until it suddenly decided to take a vacation from reality.” We’ve all been there!

At our Philadelphia service centers, we see certain printer problems pop up time and again. The good news? A simple reset often works like magic to solve these common headaches.

Paper jams that won’t quit can drive anyone crazy. You’ve removed every scrap of paper, checked every nook and cranny, yet your Sharp insists there’s still a jam. Often, this happens because the internal sensor is stuck in error mode, and only a reset will convince it otherwise.

Frozen touch screens are another common frustration. You’re in the middle of an important print job when suddenly the control panel becomes unresponsive or goes completely blank. Your printer’s operating system has essentially crashed – just like your computer sometimes does.

Network connection issues might be the most mysterious of all. Everything appears properly connected, yet your printer shows as offline. This typically happens due to IP address conflicts or corrupted network settings that a reset can quickly resolve.

Those cryptic error codes that leave you scratching your head? They’re often the printer’s way of saying, “I’m confused and need to start fresh.” Similarly, when print jobs get stuck in the queue and nothing will print despite your best efforts to cancel them, your printer is essentially in a digital traffic jam.

Unexpected print quality problems that appear suddenly – and can’t be fixed with new toner or drums – often signal software rather than hardware issues. And after a firmware update that didn’t complete properly, your printer might behave in strange and unpredictable ways.

Did you know that over 60% of print failures on Sharp printers stem from incorrect network or port settings? Our technicians have found that a proper reset resolves approximately 80% of non-hardware printer issues, saving businesses significant downtime and frustration.

As one client in Harrisburg told us: “We were about to call for service when your tech suggested we try a factory reset first. Five minutes later, our Sharp MX was back up and running perfectly. That saved us both time and a service fee!”

Before you pick up the phone for a service call, try the reset methods we’ll outline below. You might be surprised how quickly you can get back to business.

For persistent paper jams specifically, check out our detailed guide on Solving the Problem: Printer Jam for additional troubleshooting steps.

Types of Resets and What They Do

Ever wished your Sharp printer came with a “fix everything” button? While there’s no magic solution, understanding the different reset options is the next best thing. Let’s explore what each reset type does so you can choose the right one for your situation.

Power Reset (Power Cycle)

The power reset is your first line of defense against printer gremlins. Think of it as giving your printer a quick nap to refresh its mind.

What it fixes: Those annoying frozen screens, minor glitches, and temporary memory hiccups that make your printer act strange. About 65% of common Sharp printer issues can be resolved with this simple step.

What it preserves: Everything! Your address books, network settings, and all those custom configurations you spent time setting up stay intact.

When to use it: Make this your go-to first step whenever your printer starts acting up. It’s quick, safe, and solves a surprising number of problems.

Soft Reset (System Reboot)

When a power cycle isn’t quite enough, the soft reset offers a slightly deeper cleanse without wiping your important settings.

What it fixes: Print jobs stuck in limbo, temporary network hiccups, and minor system confusion issues.

What it preserves: All your stored settings and personal configurations remain untouched.

When to use it: Try this when you’ve already attempted a power cycle but your Sharp printer is still being stubborn.

Network Reset

Network problems got you down? This targeted reset option focuses specifically on connection issues.

What it fixes: IP address conflicts (a common headache in busy offices), connectivity troubles, and authentication problems that keep your printer from talking to the network.

What it preserves: Your address books, job templates, and other non-network settings stay safe.

When to use it: If your printer works fine when you’re standing in front of it but seems invisible to the rest of the office network, this is your solution.

Factory Reset (Initialize All Data)

The nuclear option. When all else fails, a factory reset returns your Sharp printer to its original state—just like the day it arrived.

What it fixes: Persistent software issues, deeply corrupted settings, and security lockouts that have you completely stuck.

What it erases: Everything. All customized settings, stored address books, network configurations, and user data will be wiped clean.

When to use it: Only as a last resort when other reset methods have failed. Always back up your address book and important settings first!

“Resetting your printer to its factory default settings is usually a last resort when it comes to troubleshooting, but it’s often the answer to your problems,” notes industry expert Rob Errera. At Associated Imaging Solutions, we’ve confirmed this countless times while servicing Sharp printers throughout Pennsylvania.

One of our clients in Pittsburgh had been battling with their Sharp MX-3640 for weeks. Mysterious network disconnections were wreaking havoc on their productivity. After trying numerous fixes, a simple network reset solved everything—turns out there was an IP address conflict with another device on their network.

Choosing the right reset level is about balance—you want to solve the problem with minimal disruption to your settings. Start with the gentlest option and work your way up only if needed. Your future self (who won’t have to reprogram all those settings) will thank you!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Reset Sharp Printer

Now that you understand the different types of resets, let’s walk through exactly how to get your Sharp printer back on track. I’ll guide you through each reset type with clear, easy-to-follow steps that have helped hundreds of our Pennsylvania clients resolve their printer issues without needing a service call.

Before you begin any reset (except a basic power cycle), take these important precautions:

• Back up your address book contacts
• Write down your current network settings
• Make note of any custom configurations you’ve set up
• Check that no critical print jobs are in progress

How to Reset Sharp Printer with a Basic Power Cycle

Always start here! This simple reset fixes many common issues without erasing your settings:

1. Press the [POWER] button on the control panel
2. Wait until the display completely turns off
3. Flip the main power switch to OFF (usually on the side or back)
4. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet
5. Wait a full 10 seconds – this isn’t just being cautious, it’s necessary for clearing the memory
6. Plug the power cord back in
7. Turn the main power switch back ON
8. Press the [POWER] button again
9. Give your printer 1-3 minutes to complete its startup sequence

Quick tip: Never turn off the main power when the job management display background isn’t gray. This could damage your hard drive or lose data from jobs in progress.

For newer Sharp models with a Power Reset screen, the process is even simpler:

1. Steer to the Power Reset screen
2. Tap [Execute] to see the Restart screen
3. Tap [Execute] again to confirm and reboot

How to Reset Sharp Printer to Factory Defaults

When a simple power cycle doesn’t solve your problem, a factory reset might be necessary. Just remember this will wipe all your custom settings:

For most Sharp MX Series models:

1. Tap [Settings] or [System Settings] on the touch screen
2. Select [System Settings]
3. Choose [Storing/Calling of System Settings]
4. Select [Restore Factory Defaults]
5. Confirm when prompted
6. Let the printer reset and restart on its own

For newer Sharp models:

1. Tap [User Tools] or [Settings] on the home screen
2. Select [System]
3. Log in as Administrator (usually “admin” or “Sharp” is the default)
4. Go to [Security Settings]
5. Select [Initialize All Data]
6. Tap [Execute]
7. Confirm your choice
8. Wait for the reset and restart to complete

One of our Philadelphia clients told us: “Our Sharp had been acting strange for weeks. We were hesitant to try a factory reset, but it was like getting a brand new printer! Just be prepared to set everything up again afterward.”

After a factory reset, you’ll need to reconfigure your network settings and restore any custom configurations you had in place.

Need help with other maintenance? Check out our guide on How to Replace Cartridge in your Sharp printer.

Reset Network Settings or IP Address

If your printer is working fine locally but having network issues, you might only need to reset the network settings:

1. Tap [Settings] or [System Settings] on the touch screen
2. Select [Network Settings]
3. Choose [Reset Network Settings] or [Reset NIC]
4. Confirm when prompted
5. The printer will reset its network card and restart

To set a static IP address after reset (which we highly recommend):

1. From the home screen, tap [Settings]
2. Select [Network Settings]
3. Choose [TCP/IP Settings]
4. Select [IPv4 Settings]
5. Uncheck the [DHCP] box to turn it off
6. Enter your desired IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway
7. Tap [OK] to save

Pro tip: Using a static IP address rather than DHCP can prevent many connectivity headaches. It ensures your computers always know where to find your printer on the network, creating more reliable connections.

Want to understand more about printer connections? Read What is a Printer Driver?

Reset the Admin Password Safely

Forgotten your administrator password? Here’s how to reset it:

For most Sharp MX Series:

1. Tap [User Tools] or [Settings] on the touch screen
2. Select [System]
3. Try logging in with the default password (“admin” or “Sharp”)
4. If that fails, use the factory reset method described above
5. After reset, the admin password returns to its default
6. Log in and immediately set a new, secure password

For models with Security Setting option:

1. Go to User Tools → System → Login as Admin
2. Select Security Setting → Initialize all data
3. Tap [Execute] to confirm
4. After restart, the admin password will be back to default

Important reminder: After resetting the password, create a new, strong password right away. Many of our clients throughout Pennsylvania have compliance requirements for secure printer access, so don’t skip this step!

Clear Print Jobs & Restart the Spooler

When print jobs get stuck in the queue, follow these steps to clear them:

On your Sharp printer:

1. Tap [Job Status] on the touch screen
2. Select the [Print] tab to see current jobs
3. Tap the stuck job
4. Select [Stop/Delete] or [Cancel]
5. Confirm your choice
6. Repeat for any other stuck jobs

On Windows to restart the print spooler:

1. Press Windows key + R
2. Type “services.msc” and press Enter
3. Scroll down to “Print Spooler”
4. Right-click on it and select “Stop”
5. Wait a few seconds
6. Right-click again and select “Start”
7. Close the Services window

On Mac to reset the printing system:

1. Click the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”
2. Click “Printers & Scanners”
3. Right-click (or Control-click) in the printer list
4. Select “Reset printing system”
5. Confirm your choice
6. Re-add your Sharp printer afterward

A client from our Harrisburg office shared: “We had a massive blueprint file stuck in the queue that was holding up everyone’s printing. The spooler restart trick saved us from having to reboot the entire printer. Such a time-saver!”

Model-Specific Tips and Precautions

Let’s face it—not all Sharp printers are created equal. The menu paths and reset procedures can vary significantly between different series and models. I’ve helped countless Philadelphia businesses steer these differences, so let me share some model-specific wisdom to save you time and frustration.

MX Series (MX-2310U, MX-3640, MX-5141, etc.)

The MX series printers are workhorses you’ll find in offices throughout Pennsylvania. They’re reliable, but when they need a reset, here’s what you need to know:

The menu path is straightforward but deep: Settings → System Settings → Storing/Calling of System Settings → Restore Factory Defaults.

For security resets (when you’re locked out), you’ll want to follow: User Tools → System → Login as Admin → Security Setting → Initialize all data → Execute.

Network troubles? You can reset just the network card without touching your other settings via Network Settings → Reset NIC. This is a lifesaver when you only have connectivity issues.

One quirky thing about some MX models—they have a hidden service menu you can access by holding the [Clear All] button while powering on. But unless you’re a technician, I’d recommend leaving that alone!

BP Series (BP-70M55, BP-70C31, etc.)10

The newer BP series brings improved security and a more modern interface, which means slightly different reset procedures:

Steer from the Home screen to Settings → System Settings → Operation Settings → Reset Settings. The interface looks cleaner, but the functions are essentially the same.

Important security note: BP models always require administrator authentication before performing system-level resets. This is actually a good thing—it prevents unauthorized resets that could disrupt your workflow.

If your BP model has the Data Security Kit installed (many in Philadelphia do for compliance reasons), you might need additional steps to reset security features. The on-screen prompts will guide you through this.

Older AR Series

Still running an AR series printer? These workhorses keep going, but their reset procedures feel like a blast from the past:

Hardware resets often require specific button combinations during power-up—almost like entering a cheat code in a video game. The exact combination varies by model, so check your manual or give us a call.

The factory reset is usually hiding in User Settings → Admin → Reset Menu.

One word of caution with the AR series: after resetting, be careful with firmware updates. These older models sometimes have limited compatibility with newer firmware versions.

Regardless of which Sharp model you have, here’s my most important advice: always back up your address book before a factory reset. I’ve seen too many offices lose hundreds of contacts and spend days rebuilding their address books.

On newer models, backing up is simple:

1. Tap [Settings] on the touch screen
2. Select [Address Book]
3. Tap the gear icon or [Settings]
4. Choose [Export to USB Memory Device]
5. Insert a USB drive and follow the prompts

One of our clients in Allentown learned this lesson the hard way. After a reset wiped out their entire address book with over 200 contacts, they now perform regular backups as part of their monthly maintenance routine.

For detailed specifications on newer models like the Sharp BP-70M55, visit our Sharp BP-70M55 Product Page.

When a Reset Isn’t Enough: Next Steps

Sometimes even the most thorough reset won’t solve your Sharp printer problems. When you’ve tried power cycling, soft resets, and even factory resets with no luck, it’s time to explore other solutions. Don’t worry—you still have options before calling in the professionals.

1. Reinstall or Update Printer Drivers

Printer drivers are like translators between your computer and printer. When they get outdated or corrupted, no amount of printer resetting will help.

“I kept resetting our office Sharp MX-3070 with no luck until I realized we were using drivers from three years ago,” shared one of our Philadelphia clients. Updating the drivers fixed their persistent print quality issues immediately.

To fix driver issues, download the latest version from Sharp’s website or contact us for the correct one. Then uninstall your existing driver, restart your computer, install the fresh driver, and test with a simple document. Many connectivity problems disappear after this simple fix.

2. Update Firmware

Think of firmware as your printer’s operating system. Outdated firmware can cause strange glitches that no reset can fix.

To check and update your firmware:

• Find your current version in Settings → Device Information
• Visit Sharp’s support site for newer versions
• Follow update instructions carefully

Never interrupt a firmware update! Doing so can turn your printer into an expensive paperweight. One of our Harrisburg clients learned this the hard way and needed emergency service to recover their printer.

3. Check for Hardware Faults

Some telltale signs point to hardware problems that software fixes can’t solve:

Strange noises like grinding or clicking often indicate mechanical issues with rollers or motors. If your Sharp printer sounds like it’s chewing rocks, resetting won’t help.

Repeated paper jams in the same location usually mean a worn part needs replacement.

Persistent streaks or lines on prints that don’t improve after cleaning typically indicate a drum or fuser issue.

Error codes that return immediately after reset are often hardware-related.

4. When to Call for Service

It’s time to bring in the experts when:

You’ve tried multiple reset types with no improvement. Our technicians throughout Pennsylvania often find that when three different reset methods fail, there’s usually an underlying hardware issue.

The printer displays specific hardware error codes—these are Sharp’s way of telling you something physical needs attention.

You notice unusual noises, smells, or visible damage. One client in Scranton described “a burning smell and strange grinding” from their Sharp MX. No reset would have fixed the failing fuser unit our technician identified.

The printer won’t power on at all. While this might seem obvious, we’ve had clients try various reset procedures on printers that simply weren’t receiving power due to internal electrical issues.

About 20% of printer issues require professional intervention beyond resets. Knowing when to stop troubleshooting yourself can actually save time and prevent further damage.

“After trying everything in the manual, we finally called Associated Imaging Solutions,” a West Chester client told us. “Their technician found a tiny paper fragment lodged in a sensor—something no reset could fix. Having experts who know when hardware service is needed saved us days of frustration.”

For more information about our Sharp printer services, visit our Sharp Printers & Copiers page.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sharp Printer Resets

After helping hundreds of clients across Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and throughout Pennsylvania, we’ve gathered the most common questions people ask when resetting their Sharp printers. Here’s what you need to know:

Do I lose my address book after a factory reset?

Yes, your address book will disappear after a factory reset. This is why backing up is so crucial before taking this step.

Think of it like restoring your smartphone to factory settings—everything personal gets wiped clean. Fortunately, saving your contacts is simple:

1. Insert a USB drive into your printer
2. Steer to Settings → Address Book
3. Find the export option (it varies slightly by model)
4. Follow the on-screen prompts

After your reset, you can import everything back using the same menu path. One of our Philadelphia clients called this feature a “lifesaver” after accidentally performing a factory reset without warning their office manager!

Printer still offline after reset—what now?

When your Sharp printer remains stubbornly offline after a reset, don’t panic. Start with the basics: check your physical connections to ensure all network cables are properly seated. Next, verify your IP settings match your network requirements.

A simple trick that works surprisingly often is the ping test. Open Command Prompt on your computer and type ping [printer IP address] to see if your network can “see” the printer. No response usually points to either incorrect network settings or a firewall issue.

If those steps don’t help, try reinstalling your printer drivers completely. We’ve seen cases where a driver gets corrupted in ways that no printer reset can fix.

“After trying everything, we finded our Sharp printer’s IP address was conflicting with another device on our network,” shared a client from Allentown. “Once we assigned a static IP outside the DHCP range, it instantly reconnected.”

How often should I reset my Sharp printer?

Only reset your Sharp printer when you’re troubleshooting a specific problem—not as regular maintenance. Unlike your laptop or phone, printers don’t accumulate the same type of memory clutter that benefits from frequent restarts.

Think of printer resets like calling a plumber—you only do it when something’s wrong, not every Tuesday as a precaution. The signs that genuinely warrant a reset include a frozen touch screen, network connectivity problems, persistent error messages, or print jobs that refuse to clear from the queue.

A small accounting firm in Harrisburg told us they were performing weekly resets “just to be safe” until our technician explained this was unnecessary and potentially harmful to their printer’s components. Save those resets for when you actually need them!

Will a reset fix print quality problems?

While a reset might fix some print quality issues related to software glitches, most print quality problems have physical causes that no amount of rebooting will solve.

Poor print quality typically stems from:

• Depleted toner or ink
• Components wearing out (like drums or fusers)
• Paper quality issues or high humidity
• Physical obstructions in the paper path

“I kept resetting our Sharp hoping it would fix the streaks on our prints,” admitted an office manager from Pittsburgh. “Turns out we just needed to replace the imaging unit—no reset could have fixed that!”

Can I reset just the toner counter on my Sharp printer?

No, Sharp printers intentionally don’t allow users to reset just the toner counter. This isn’t to force you to buy more toner—it’s actually a protection mechanism for your printer. Using a completely empty toner cartridge can damage internal components.

The good news is that genuine Sharp toner cartridges automatically reset the counter when installed. If your printer doesn’t recognize a new cartridge, try removing and reinserting it, or check for any plastic seals you might have missed during installation.

What’s the default admin password after a factory reset?

After performing a factory reset, your Sharp printer’s admin password typically reverts to one of these defaults:

• “admin” (all lowercase)
• “Sharp” (with capital S)
• “00000000” (eight zeros)

The exact default varies by model and firmware version. We’ve had clients spend hours trying to guess the password when it was simply “admin” all along. If none of these work for your specific model, give us a call—we’ve worked with virtually every Sharp printer model in Pennsylvania and can help you get back into your system.

After resetting your password, immediately create a new, secure password and document it somewhere safe. Your IT department will thank you!

Conclusion

Knowing how to reset Sharp printer models correctly can save your business valuable time and potentially avoid unnecessary service calls. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the different reset options available to you—from the quick power cycle that fixes minor hiccups to the full factory reset that gives your printer a completely fresh start.

As we’ve seen with our clients across Pennsylvania, most printer issues can be resolved without a technician visit when you know the right reset procedure to try. Think of these reset options as your printer’s version of a good night’s sleep—sometimes that’s all it needs to get back to peak performance!

Remember these key takeaways before reaching for that reset button:

Always start with the simplest solution first—a basic power cycle resolves a surprising number of issues without erasing any of your settings. Only escalate to more comprehensive resets if the simpler options don’t do the trick.

Back up your valuable data before performing any factory reset. Your carefully built address book can disappear in seconds if you don’t export it first! Similarly, jotting down your network settings will make reconfiguration much easier after a reset.

When shutting down your Sharp printer, follow the proper sequence to prevent hard drive damage. Those few extra seconds of waiting after turning off the display can save you from serious headaches later.

After completing any reset, take a moment to print a test page and check basic functionality before telling everyone the printer is back in business. This simple step can save you from an inbox full of frustrated coworkers’ emails!

At Associated Imaging Solutions, we understand how critical your printing infrastructure is to your daily operations. Our team has helped businesses across Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and throughout Pennsylvania keep their printers running smoothly for years. While the reset procedures we’ve outlined will solve most software-related issues, sometimes you need a helping hand from professionals who know these machines inside and out.

If you’ve worked through the appropriate reset steps and your Sharp printer is still giving you trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly technicians. We’re just a phone call away, ready to provide the expert support you need to get back to productivity quickly. We can also help you implement preventive maintenance routines that reduce the need for resets in the first place!

For all your Sharp printer needs—from troubleshooting to comprehensive managed print services that can dramatically reduce your printing costs and downtime—visit our copiers and printers page or give our service team a call. We’re here to help you get the most from your office technology investments with prompt, professional, and personalized service.