HP printers are widely used for home and office printing due to their advanced wireless connectivity, cloud printing features, and secure network configuration. However, users may sometimes encounter an HP Printer Network SSL Certificate Error while accessing the printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS), during setup, login, firmware update, or while connecting through a browser.
This SSL certificate error usually appears as a security warning stating that the connection is not private or the certificate is not trusted.
What is HP Printer Network SSL Certificate Error?
The HP Printer Network SSL Certificate Error occurs when your browser cannot verify the security certificate installed on the printer. HP printers use SSL certificates to encrypt communication between the printer and your computer or network.
This issue typically happens due to:
- Expired SSL certificate
- Printer firmware outdated
- Incorrect date and time settings
- Network configuration changes
- IP address changes
- Browser security restrictions
When this error appears, you may not be able to access the printer settings page or complete secure setup and activation.
Common Causes of HP Printer SSL Certificate Error
Understanding the cause helps resolve the issue faster. Below are the main reasons:
Expired Printer Certificate
HP printers generate self-signed SSL certificates. Over time, these certificates may expire and trigger security warnings.
Incorrect System Date and Time
If your computer’s date and time are incorrect, the browser may reject the printer’s certificate.
Firmware Not Updated
Outdated firmware may cause compatibility issues with modern browsers and updated security protocols.
IP Address Change
If the printer’s IP address changes after router restart, the certificate may no longer match the connection.
Network Security Settings
Strict firewall or antivirus settings may block secure communication between your device and printer.
How to Fix HP Printer Network SSL Certificate Error?
Follow these step-by-step solutions to resolve the issue.
1. Check Date and Time Settings
Ensure that both your computer and printer have the correct date and time settings. Incorrect system time is one of the most common reasons for SSL errors.
2. Access Printer Using IP Address
Instead of using hostname, enter the printer’s IP address directly into the browser address bar. This helps bypass DNS-related certificate conflicts.
3. Update HP Printer Firmware
Outdated firmware may cause SSL verification issues.
Steps to update firmware:
- Open the printer control panel
- Go to Settings
- Select Printer Maintenance
- Choose Firmware Update
- Install available updates
Firmware updates often renew security certificates and fix SSL errors.
4. Regenerate or Reset Printer Network Settings
Resetting network settings can help generate a new SSL certificate.
- Go to Printer Settings
- Select Network Setup
- Choose Restore Network Defaults
- Reconnect printer to WiFi
After reconnecting, try accessing the printer again.
5. Clear Browser Cache
Sometimes browser cache stores outdated certificate information. Clear browsing data and restart the browser.
6. Temporarily Disable Firewall or Antivirus
If security software is blocking the connection, temporarily disable it and check if the SSL error is resolved.
HP Printer Login and Account Setup
For secure printer access and cloud printing, you may need to log in to your HP account.
How to Login to HP Printer Account?
- Open HP Smart app
- Select Sign In
- Enter registered email and password
- Access printer dashboard
How to Sign Up for HP Account?
If you do not have an account:
- Open HP Smart
- Select Create Account
- Enter required details
- Verify email
- Complete account activation
An active HP account allows secure remote printing and firmware updates, which helps prevent SSL errors.
How to Download and Install HP Printer Software?
Correct software installation ensures secure communication.
Steps to Download HP Printer Drivers
- Open HP Smart application
- Select Add Printer
- Download recommended drivers
- Follow installation instructions
Always install the latest software version compatible with your operating system.
How to Activate HP Printer Services?
Activation is required for secure printing and cloud services.
Activation Steps:
- Open HP Smart
- Add your printer
- Sign in to HP account
- Enable Web Services
- Confirm activation
Enabling web services refreshes network certificates and may fix SSL issues.
HP Printer Not Working After SSL Error
If your printer stops working after the SSL error:
- Restart printer and router
- Reconnect printer to WiFi
- Reinstall printer drivers
- Update firmware
- Reset network settings
These steps usually restore secure communication.
Advanced Troubleshooting for HP Printer SSL Error
If basic solutions do not work, try advanced troubleshooting.
Assign Static IP Address
Set a static IP address from your router settings to prevent certificate mismatch caused by IP changes.
Reset Printer to Factory Settings
Restoring factory settings removes corrupted network data and generates new certificates.
Reinstall HP Smart App
Uninstall and reinstall HP Smart to refresh software configuration.
Update Operating System
Ensure your computer OS is updated to support modern SSL encryption protocols.
HP Printer Customer Support and Service Help
If the SSL certificate error persists:
- Contact HP Customer Support
- Provide printer model number
- Explain SSL certificate warning message
- Request firmware assistance
HP service technicians can guide you through advanced certificate reset procedures.
Benefits of Resolving HP SSL Certificate Errors
Fixing SSL issues provides:
- Secure network communication
- Safe remote printing
- Access to printer settings
- Smooth firmware updates
- Protection from security warnings
Resolving SSL certificate errors ensures uninterrupted and secure printing operations.
Conclusion
The HP Printer Network SSL Certificate Error is usually related to expired certificates, outdated firmware, incorrect date settings, or network configuration changes. By updating firmware, resetting network settings, reinstalling drivers, and ensuring correct login and activation, most SSL errors can be resolved quickly.
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