How to find a printer's Wi-Fi password: all methods for different models

Have you forgotten the Wi-Fi password your printer uses to connect to the network? This situation is familiar to many: the device prints successfully over the air, but when you need to connect a new device or reconfigure the network, the password is suddenly lost. Luckily, there are several ways to recover or find this password—and most of them don't require resetting the printer to factory settings.

In this article we will look at all possible sourcesWhere a printer's Wi-Fi password might be stored: from the device's menu to the router settings and manufacturer-specific software. We'll pay special attention to HP, Canon, Epson And Brother — the most popular brands on the market. You will also learn what to do if the printer is connected via WPS or Wi-Fi Direct, and why it's sometimes easier to reset the network than to look for the old password.

We warn you right away: if the printer is connected to a corporate network with Enterprise encryption (for example, WPA2-Enterprise), the password is stored on the authentication server, and you won't be able to recover it yourself. In such cases, please contact your network administrator.

1. Password in the printer settings

The most obvious way is to look at the password directly on the printer. Modern models (HP OfficeJet, Canon PIXMA, Epson EcoTank etc.) display network information in the settings menu. Here's how:

• 🔧 On printers with touch screen go to Settings → Network → Wireless → Wi-Fi Settings. The network name may be displayed here (SSID) and a password (sometimes hidden behind asterisks).
• 🖨️ On models without screen (For example, Brother HL-L2350DW) hold the button Wi-Fi or Net 5-10 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing. Then print. Network report (usually a button Go or a key combination).
• 📄 Look for the lines in the printed report SSID, Password or Network Key. U Epson the password can be called WPA-PSK Key.

If the password is displayed as asterisks, try printing the report—sometimes it contains complete data. On some printers (HP LaserJet Pro) You can temporarily disable hiding characters in the security settings.

⚠️ Attention: If the printer is connected via Wi-Fi Direct (Access Point mode), the password for this connection is different from your home network password. It can be found in the menu Wi-Fi Direct or on a sticker on the side/bottom of the device.

2. Password in the printer's web interface

Most network printers have their own web interface, where all settings are stored, including Wi-Fi data. To get there:

1. Find out IP address printer (print a network report or look in the router settings in the section Connected devices).
2. Enter this IP into the address bar of your browser (for example, 192.168.1.105).
3. Log in (usually login is - admin, the password is empty or admin, if you haven't changed it).
4. Go to the section Network (or Wireless) and find SSID/Password.

U Brother the path may look like this: Network → WLAN → Current Status. U HP — Networking → Wireless (802.11) → Network Name (SSID).

If you can't log into the web interface, try resetting the administrator password. This usually requires holding down the Reset on the printer for 10-15 seconds (for exact instructions, see the model manual).

3. Password in the router settings

If the printer is connected to your home network, you can view the Wi-Fi password in router settingsThis is relevant if the printer uses the same password as other devices on the network (and not a separate key).

Instructions:

1. Enter the router's IP address into your browser (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Log in (login information is provided on the router sticker).
3. Go to the section Wi-Fi (or Wireless network).
4. Find the field Password (or Key, Passphrase). It may be hidden - enable display of symbols.

On routers TP-Link path: Basic → Wireless → Wireless Security.

On ASUS: Wireless Network → General.

On Keenetic: Wi-Fi Network → Access Point → Password.

⚠️ Attention: If it is enabled in the router WPSIf your printer is connected through a Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi password may not match the one used for the WPS connection. In this case, look for the password in the printer settings (Section 1).

Make sure the printer is connected to the same network|Check the router's IP address (on the sticker)|Log into the router's web interface|Find the "Wireless Network" section|Compare the SSID with the printer's network-->

4. Password in the manufacturer's software

Printer manufacturers offer proprietary software for managing devices. This software often stores information about network connections, including Wi-Fi passwords. Let's look at software for popular brands:

• 🖥️ HP Smart (For HP): Open the app, select your printer → Printer Settings → Network → Wireless Network. The password may be displayed in the section Network details.
• 📱 Canon PRINT (For Canon): Go to Settings → Printer Settings → Network → Wireless ConnectionYou can see it here SSID and password (if the printer is connected).
• 🖨️ Epson Software Updater or Epson Connect: In the section Device Settings → Network Sometimes the current password is displayed.
• 🔧 Brother iPrint&Scan: Go to Printer Information → Network Settings → Wireless Network.

If the software does not show the password, try export settings printer to a file (if such a function is available). Sometimes the password is saved in text format.

What should I do if the software doesn't detect the printer?

If the proprietary application does not detect the printer, check:

1. Are the printer and computer/phone connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

2. Is the printer turned on and is the wireless indicator on?

3. Is the software updated (sometimes older versions do not support new models).

4. Is your firewall blocking the connection (disable it temporarily).

If all else fails, try connecting to the printer via USB and updating the firmware through the manufacturer's official website.

5. Password on a sticker or in the printer documentation

Many printers, especially office models (HP LaserJet, Xerox WorkCentre), supplied with a unique default Wi-Fi password. It can be found:

• 🏷️ On sticker on the back or bottom of the device (look for the lines Wi-Fi Password, Network Key, WPA Key).
• 📄 In user manual (see "Wireless Setup" or "Quick Setup Guide").
• 📦 In complete documentation (sometimes the password is indicated on the sheet with the serial number).

Please note: This password is only valid for first connectionIf the printer was previously configured on your network, the current password may be different. However, if you reset the printer to factory settings, the default password will be restored.

Some models have Brother (For example, DCP-T720DW) The default password is generated automatically and printed on a sheet of paper when the printer is first turned on. If you lose this sheet, the only option is to reset the printer.

6. Resetting network settings on the printer

If none of the methods helped, there remains reset the printer's network settings and reconnect it. This is a radical method, but sometimes it's easier than spending hours searching for the password.

Reset instructions:

1. Find the button on the printer. Reset, Wireless or Settings (depending on the model).
2. Hold it for 10-15 seconds until all indicators flash.
3. After rebooting, the printer will create its own network. Wi-Fi Direct (For example, DIRECT-xx-HP OfficeJet Pro 9010).
4. Connect to this network from your phone or computer (the password is on the printer sticker).
5. Run the proprietary software (for example, HP Smart) and set up your connection to your main Wi-Fi network again.

After resetting, the printer will lose all saved print jobs and network settings, but your Wi-Fi password will remain the same (if you haven't changed it).

⚠️ Attention: On some models Epson A network reset will completely reset the printer. Before performing this procedure, check to see if any important documents are still in the print queue.

7. Alternative methods: Wi-Fi Direct and WPS

If you need to connect a new device to the printer, but the password for the main network is unknown, you can use alternative connection methods:

• 🔄 Wi-Fi DirectThe printer creates its own network, which you can connect to without the main router's password. Once connected, you can print directly. The names of such networks usually begin with DIRECT-xx- or CANON-xx.
• 🔗 WPS: If the router supports WPS, press the button WPS on the router, then on the printer (in the menu Wi-Fi Settings → WPS). The connection will occur without entering a password.
• 📱 USB cable: Connect the printer to the computer via USB and set up the network using the proprietary software (for example, Epson Software Updater).

These methods won't reveal your Wi-Fi password, but they will allow you to bypass it and continue printing. However, to fully utilize the network (for example, printing from multiple devices), you'll still need to set up a primary connection.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Printer Wi-Fi Passwords

Is it possible to find out a printer's Wi-Fi password through the computer it is connected to?

No, the computer doesn't store the printer's Wi-Fi password. It only knows the password for the network it's connected to. The exception is if you previously saved the password in a text file or a password manager.

The printer is connected to the network, but it won't print over Wi-Fi. Is this because of the password?

Not necessarily. The problem may be:

• Incorrect IP settings (check that the printer and computer are on the same subnet).
• Blocked by firewall (disable it temporarily).
• Driver error (reinstall printer software).

First, check if the printer is visible in the list of devices in the router settings.

How to reset a printer's Wi-Fi password HP OfficeJet Pro 9015?

On this model:

1. Press and hold the button Wireless (antenna icon) 5 seconds.
2. Click OK, when the indicator flashes.
3. Select Restore Network Defaults and confirm.

After resetting, reconnect the printer to the network via HP Smart.

Where is the Wi-Fi password stored on printers? Canon PIXMA?

In the printer menu: Settings → Device Setup → LAN Settings → Wireless → Manual Connection. It is displayed here SSID And Password (may be hidden by asterisks). The password can also be viewed in the printer's web interface using its IP address.

What should I do if my printer is connected to the network but does not display the password?

Possible solutions:

• Print it out Network report (usually available in the printer menu).
• Try accessing the printer's web interface through a browser.
• Reset your network settings and set up your printer again.
• Check the password in the router settings (if the printer uses the same network).