Many users are familiar with the situation of needing to connect a new computer or smartphone to a printer already connected to the network. The question often arises: where can I find the printer's Wi-Fi password if the standard label has been lost and access to the router is restricted? Finding this information can be a real puzzle, especially if the device was configured by an administrator several years ago and the documentation has long been lost.
Unlike routers, where the password is often the same as the wireless network key, printers can store their own credentials or use a shared network key. Understanding Security Architecture Knowing the specific device is the first step to success. Some models allow you to print data, others require a cable connection, and still others hide this information deep within a secure menu.
In this article, we'll explore all possible methods for restoring access, from simple physical checks to complex IP address manipulation. Restoring access This is possible in most cases, if you know exactly where to press. We'll cover the features of popular brands and universal workflows that will help you get your printing up and running without calling a specialist.
Search for factory data on the case and stickers
The most obvious, yet often overlooked, step is a thorough inspection of the device itself. Electronics manufacturers are required to provide basic information for identification and initial setup of their equipment. Factory label Typically contains the SSID (network name) and a PIN or password by default. However, the location of this data varies greatly depending on the model's form factor.
On compact home models, look for a sticker on the back panel, near the USB port or power connector. Sometimes the information is printed directly on the plastic case in small print. On larger office MFPs, the label can be found under the removable paper tray or even inside the cartridge compartment after removing the front cover. Standard passwords often appear as sequences of numbers or simple combinations like "12345678".
⚠️ Caution: If the sticker is damaged, faded, or covered with other information, do not attempt to remove it with harsh chemicals. This may damage the serial number marking, which will void your warranty.
Please note that if the device was previously manually configured, the information on the sticker may no longer be valid. In this case, the factory settings were changed when Wi-Fi Direct was first activated or when connecting to a corporate network. However, for many HP and Canon models, this information remains valid for Wi-Fi Direct mode. Wi-Fi Direct, even if the main communication channel operates according to different rules.
Printing a network configuration report
Most modern network printers have a feature for printing service information. This is the most reliable way to find out the current connection parameters, including the IP address, MAC address, and sometimes even security keys. Initiating this process usually requires pressing a specific combination of buttons on the control panel or holding the "Wireless" button for a few seconds.
The process for obtaining a report may vary. On devices with a monochrome display, you often need to hold down the "i" button or the button with the antenna icon. On models with a color touchscreen, you need to go to the settings menu, select "Network" or "Wireless," and find the "Print Report" option. Configuration Report contains a complete summary of the communication module status.
☑️ Print a network report
Pay attention to the "Wi-Fi Direct" section in the printed document. It often contains a password that works independently of the main router. This is especially true for mobile devices. If the report shows the status as "Disabled" or the password is hidden behind asterisks, it means the device's security policy prohibits displaying keys in plaintext, and you'll need to find a workaround.
The table below shows the key combinations for printing reports on popular brands:
| Brand | Action | Indicator | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP | The "i" or "Wireless" button | The blue light is flashing | IP and Wi-Fi Direct Key Page |
| Canon | Direct Print Button (Smartphone) | The power indicator is blinking | Connection information |
| Epson | "i" button + Wi-Fi button | Print without text | Network status and SSID |
| Brother | Menu → Print Reports → Network | The green light comes on | Full network configuration |
Using the printer's web interface (EWS)
If the device is already connected to the local network but you don't know the password for connecting the new device, you can try logging into its internal operating system. To do this, you'll need the printer's IP address, which can be found by printing a report (see the previous section) or by viewing the list of connected clients in the router. Web interface provides deep access to settings.
Enter the IP address in the address bar of a browser on a computer already connected to the same network. This will open the Embedded Web Server (EWS) page. Wireless connection settings are often found here, under the "Network" or "Security" section. However, manufacturers are increasingly hiding the password field, replacing it with asterisks for security reasons. In this case, you'll be able to see the SSID, but not the key.
What to do if the browser does not open the page?
Make sure your computer and printer are on the same subnet. Sometimes antivirus software or firewall software can block access to local IP addresses of devices. Try temporarily disabling protection or adding the address to the exceptions.
Some models, especially in the corporate segment, offer a web interface that allows you to reset network settings or view saved profiles. If you have administrator rights (the login and password are often standard, such as admin/admin), you can not only view the settings but also change password to a known one. This will make it easy to connect new devices in the future.
⚠️ Note: EWS interfaces are constantly updated by manufacturers. Menu locations may differ from those described, so refer to common section names, such as Networking, Wireless, or Security.
Mobile applications and utilities from manufacturers
The modern printing ecosystem is tied to mobile apps. HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother have developed powerful utilities that allow you to control your device from your smartphone. If your phone is already connected to the printer (or can connect), the app can display the necessary data. Mobile application often acts as a bridge between the user and the hidden settings of the hardware.
For example, in the application HP Smart When adding a new printer or diagnosing an existing one, the connection type and network name are sometimes displayed. In some cases, when connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, the app itself asks for a password, which can be found in the Android or iOS system settings after successful pairing. This doesn't work for all models, but it's worth a try.
For Canon devices, an app is used Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY, and for Epson - Epson iPrintThese apps allow you to perform initial Wi-Fi setup by transferring data from your phone to the printer. If the printer is already connected to the network, the app can run a connection test, which sometimes provides detailed information about the current connection status, including the security protocol used.
Reset network settings to factory defaults
When all other methods have been exhausted and the password is unknown, a radical but effective solution remains: a complete network reset. This will return the Wi-Fi module to its out-of-the-box state, restoring the factory password indicated on the sticker. Reset settings will delete all saved network profiles, so you will have to reconnect the printer to the router.
The reset procedure is usually performed using a button combination. On many HP models, you need to simultaneously press the "Wireless" and "Cancel" (X) buttons for 3-5 seconds until the power light starts flashing. On Epson devices, you often need to hold the "i" button and the Wi-Fi button simultaneously. After the reset, the printer will create an access point with the factory name.
After the reset, you can use the default password from the sticker to connect. This is the perfect time to set a new, more complex password through the web interface or app to prevent this from happening again. Remember that after the reset, the printer will appear in the network list as a new device with the prefix "Direct" or "Setup."
Using the WPS button to bypass password entry
If you simply want to connect your printer to the network and don't need to know the password, use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to connect devices by pressing a physical button, bypassing the need to enter a password. WPS protocol supported by most modern routers and printers.
The process is simple: find the WPS button on your router (sometimes it's hidden under a cover or combined with the power button) and press it. Within two minutes, press the same button on the printer's control panel or select "WPS" in the wireless menu. The devices will automatically exchange encryption keys.
This method is especially useful if your router has a complex password made up of random characters that's difficult to remember or enter on a small MFP keyboard. However, keep in mind that WPS is considered less secure than using a complex WPA2/WPA3 password, as it's vulnerable to certain types of brute-force attacks. Use it only in a trusted home environment.
What to do if the WPS button does not work?
Some providers and router models have WPS disabled by default. Access your router settings via a browser and check if this protocol is enabled in the wireless security section.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password via USB cable?
Directly extracting a Wi-Fi router password via USB is impossible, as they use different interfaces. However, by connecting the printer via USB to a computer that already knows the network password, you can run the wireless setup wizard. The installer will copy the network settings (SSID and password) from the computer and transfer them to the printer.
What if there is no password on the sticker?
If the sticker only contains a PIN, try using it as a password. If there's none, the device doesn't have a preset key or it's been changed. In this case, the only solution is to reset the network settings to factory defaults, or access the router settings to view or change the network key.
Is it safe to use the default password?
Using the factory password, especially for Wi-Fi Direct, is acceptable at home, but not recommended for offices. Default passwords are often known to hackers and published in open databases. After initial setup, we strongly recommend changing the password to a unique one through the device's web interface.
Why doesn't the printer see the network after a reset?
After resetting, the printer goes into connection standby mode. Make sure you're trying to connect to a 2.4 GHz network, as many older printer models don't support 5 GHz. Also, check if your router has MAC address filtering enabled, which could block new connections.