A situation where you need to connect a new device to an existing wireless network in which your device was previously operating. printerThis problem occurs quite often. You buy a new laptop or smartphone and try to add the device to the system, but the system asks for a security key. The problem is compounded by the fact that the printer itself, being a peripheral device, doesn't store the Wi-Fi password openly on its screen or in a simple menu, as it's a client of the network, not its creator.
In most cases users They forget this code or lose the piece of paper they wrote it down on when they first installed the router. However, there are several proven technical methods to bypass this restriction. You don't necessarily have to reset all settings to factory defaults, although in a pinch, that can also help restore access.
Below, we'll detail the action algorithms for various scenarios. We'll cover options for those with access to a computer already connected to the network, and for those who find themselves empty-handed. We'll also cover the specifics of popular brands, such as HP, Canon And Brother.
⚠️ Note: Router driver interfaces and web interfaces are constantly being updated. If the menu items described here don't match your software version, look for similar tabs with names like "Wireless," "Security," or "Wireless Network."
Finding a password through Windows settings
If you already have at least one Windows computer connected to your Wi-Fi network, you can easily find out the password Through system settings. The operating system stores the security keys of all networks the device has ever connected to in its credential storage. This is the simplest and most secure method, requiring no intervention in the router's operation.
First, you need to open the Network Control Panel. Press the key combination Win + R and enter the command ncpa.cpl, then press Enter. In the window that opens, find the "Wireless Network" (Wi-Fi) icon, right-click it, and select "Status." In the dialog box that appears, click "Wireless Network Properties."
Go to the "Security" tab. Here you'll see the "Network Security Key" field, which is hidden by asterisks by default. Check the "Show characters" box. The system may ask for administrator privileges; confirm this action. hidden password will be displayed in clear text format, and you can rewrite it or copy it for input on a printer.
It's important to note that this method only works if the computer you're reading data from is actually connected to the same network you want to connect the printer to. If the computer is connected via cable or on a different network, this method won't work. In that case, you'll need to use the other methods described below.
Using the router's web interface
Another reliable way to find a forgotten key is to look into the router's settings. Since the router distributes Wi-Fi and manages access, all network security information is stored in its configuration. To log in web interface You will need to connect to the router in any convenient way: via Wi-Fi (from any device) or via a LAN cable.
Open any browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, however, the exact address is always indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the device. After entering the address, the system will ask for your username and password to access the admin panel. If you haven't changed them, try the default combinations, for example, admin/admin.
After successful authorization, locate the section responsible for your wireless network. It may be called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Mode," or "WLAN." Within this section, look for the "Wireless Security" subsection. This is where your network name (SSID) and current password (PSK Password or WPA Key) will be displayed.
| Router brand | Typical IP address | Menu section | Menu item |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wireless | Wireless Security |
| Asus | 192.168.1.1 | Wireless | WPA Pre-Shared Key |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wi-Fi | Security settings |
| Keenetic | 192.168.1.1 | My Networks and Wi-Fi | Home network |
If you can't access your router settings because the password was changed by the previous owner or you forgot it, your only option is to perform a full factory reset. To do this, locate the small hole marked "Reset" on the router while it's on. Reset and press the button inside with a paperclip for 10-15 seconds. After rebooting, the password will be the one indicated on the sticker on the case.
WPS method: connection without entering a password
Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) was created specifically to simplify connecting devices without having to enter long and complex passwords. If your printer and router support this feature (and most modern models do), you can connect them with a simple press of a button.
Find the button with the inscription on the router body WPS or an icon of two arrows forming a circle. The printer should also have a corresponding button, or it can be a virtual button in the on-screen menu. The procedure is simple: press the WPS button on the router (sometimes you need to hold it for 2-3 seconds until the indicator light flashes), and then activate WPS mode on the printer.
☑️ WPS Readiness Check
The devices will automatically exchange data, and the printer will connect to the network. A Wi-Fi icon should appear on the printer screen, confirming a successful connection. After this, you can install the drivers on your computer, selecting the "Wireless" connection type during installation.
⚠️ Note: Using WPS is considered a less secure method, as a vulnerability in the protocol could theoretically allow the PIN code to be brute-forced. If your network security is critical, it's better to use manual password entry or QR codes.
In some cases, if the router doesn't have a physical button, you can activate the function through the web interface. Go to your wireless network settings and look for the "Add Device" or "Start WPS" button. A timer will start, giving you about two minutes to activate the printer's network search.
Search specifics for different brands
Printing equipment manufacturers often implement their own utilities and unique setup methods, which may differ from standard procedures. Understanding your brand's specifics will save you time. Let's look at the nuances for the most popular brands.
For devices HP (Hewlett-Packard) models typically use HP Smart technology. If you can temporarily connect the printer to your computer via a USB cable, the driver installation program will automatically transfer the Wi-Fi settings from your computer to the printer. Many HP models also have a button with an image of an antenna or wireless network. Pressing it launches a setup wizard, which may prompt you to use WPS or display a network configuration report.
Printers Canon often equipped with a button Direct or WirelessBy holding this button for a few seconds, you can enter setup mode. On some Canon MFP models, the Wi-Fi Direct password (direct connection mode without a router) is printed on a label inside the device or displayed on the screen as a QR code. Scanning this code with a smartphone allows you to access the printer's network.
Epson and Brother setup features
Epson printers often use a combination of the Wi-Fi and information (i) buttons to reset network settings. For Brother printers, the key is to hold the Wi-Fi button until the indicator light appears, then quickly press the Start button to initiate a network search. Details may vary depending on the printer series.
Devices Epson And Brother These printers also have their own quirks. For example, Epson resets network settings by simultaneously pressing the Wi-Fi and power buttons. Brother, on the other hand, has a mode in which the printer automatically searches for saved networks it has previously connected to and attempts to connect to them automatically upon power-on.
Resetting the printer's network settings
If none of the methods helped, or you changed the router and password, and the printer “remembered” the old data and refuses to work, you will need reset network settingsThis action will reset the printer's network module to its original state, as if it had just left the store. It's important to understand that this won't remove your documents from the print queue or scan settings if they're saved in the device's memory, but it will clear the list of known Wi-Fi networks.
The reset procedure varies for each model. On devices with a display, go to the menu, select "Setup/Settings," then "Network," and find the "Restore Network Defaults" option. On models without a display, a button combination is typically used. For example, on many HP devices, this involves simultaneously pressing the "Wireless" and "Cancel" buttons.
After the reset, the printer's Wi-Fi indicator will begin blinking, indicating it's ready for setup. At this point, the device can create its own access point (Wi-Fi Direct). The name of this network and the password for connecting to it are often located on the Wi-Fi sticker on the printer.
After a successful reset, you can re-run the setup wizard from your computer or mobile app. The printer will scan for available networks, and you'll need to select your network and enter the current password. Make sure you enter the correct capitalization, as Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive.
Using a mobile app and QR codes
Modern technologies make it possible to use a smartphone as a bridge for password transfer. Many manufacturers, such as Canon, Epson, and HP, have implemented this feature in their mobile apps (Canon PRINT, Epson iPrint, HP Smart) the Wi-Fi settings transfer function. This is especially convenient if you don't have a computer with an internet connection available.
The principle is simple: you install the app on your smartphone, which is already connected to the desired Wi-Fi network. Then, you enable setup mode on the printer. The app finds the printer (often via Bluetooth or a temporary hotspot) and automatically transfers the Wi-Fi network password stored on your phone to it. You don't need to enter anything manually.
Some advanced models support QR code scanning. A router or computer can generate a QR code containing the SSID and network password. You display this code on your monitor or phone screen, and the printer (if it has a scanner or camera, or via an app) reads it and connects. This is the most modern and fastest method, eliminating input errors.
However, it's important to remember that for this method to work, the printer itself must be turned on and waiting for a connection. If the device is frozen or has a software error, a factory reset will still be necessary. Also, make sure your smartphone is connected to a 2.4 GHz network, as many printers don't support 5 GHz.
What should I do if my printer can't see the 5 GHz network?
Most office and home printers only operate in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router uses the same name for both the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz networks (Smart Connect technology), the printer may not connect. Solution: Separate the networks in your router settings by giving them different names (e.g., HomeWiFi and HomeWiFi_5G), and connect the printer to the network without the 5G adapter.
Can I connect a printer to a guest Wi-Fi network?
Technically, it's possible, but it will create problems. Guest networks often isolate devices from each other (client isolation), so the computer won't see the printer on the network. For proper printing, both devices must be on the same primary local network.
Where can I find the password if the sticker on my router has worn off?
If the sticker is illegible and the computer isn't connected to Wi-Fi, the only option is to reset the router using the Reset button. After resetting, the password will revert to the default one specified in the instructions or on the router manufacturer's website for that model.
Why does my printer require a password even though I just changed it?
The printer may have saved the old password in its memory. You need to reset the printer's network settings so it "forgets" the old password and prompts for new ones when attempting to connect.