It's extremely common to need to connect a new device to your home network but lose the security code. Users often confuse the password for the printer's administrative panel with the wireless network access key. It's important to determine right away: to connect via Wi-Fi, you need the correct one. WPA/WPA2 security key, which is used for all gadgets in the house.
There are several proven methods for recovering this information, depending on the device model and how it was initially set up. Sometimes the code can be found on a physical sticker, while in other cases, you'll need to use a computer or smartphone that's already connected to the internet. Let's look at all the possible options for recovering lost data.
Find the password on the device body and in the documentation
The quickest and most obvious way is a physical inspection of the device. Printing equipment manufacturers such as HP, Canon or Epson, often place factory data on special labels. These stickers are typically located on the rear panel, under the removable paper tray, or inside the cartridge compartment.
Carefully examine the sticker to find the field WPS PIN or Wi-Fi PasswordPlease note that the code may be specified as a "WPS PIN Code," which consists of 8 digits. This code is often used for automatic pairing without manually entering a long password.
⚠️ Please note: The factory label may fade or wear off over time. If you cannot read the symbols, do not attempt to remove the label with alcohol or solvents, as this may damage the plastic case.
If the sticker is illegible, refer to the original box or instructions that came with the device. The side of the packaging often contains information about the default network settings. In some cases, it also states SSID (network name) and a temporary password that is valid until the first setup.
Using an already connected computer
If you already have a Windows laptop or desktop computer connected to your wireless network, you can easily find the password through the system settings. This method works even if you don't remember the code itself, as the OS stores it in encrypted form.
To do this, go to the Network Control Panel. Right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray and select Network and Sharing Center. Next, click on the name of your wireless network, select Wireless network properties and go to the tab Security.
In the window that opens, check the box next to the item Show entered charactersThe system will show you the current security key in the field. Network security keyWrite it down or copy it to enter into the printer settings.
☑️ Checking access through Windows
Viewing the password through the router settings
Another reliable source of information is your router's interface. Since the printer connects to the same network as other devices, the encryption key is stored in the router's wireless module settings. To log in, you'll need the gateway address, which is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
Once you've logged into the web interface (the login and password are often listed on the bottom of the router), find the section Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings. In subsections Wireless Security or Security The current encryption type and password will be displayed. You can copy it from there or simply change it to a new one you'll definitely remember.
Interfaces from different manufacturers differ, but the logic remains the same. TP-Link the settings you're looking for are often hidden in the menu Wireless -> Wireless Security, and at ASUS — in the section Wireless Network -> General.
What to do if you forgot your router password?
If you haven't changed the factory settings, they're located on a sticker on the bottom of the device. If you've changed the password and forgotten it, you'll need to reset the router using the Reset button. Afterward, it will return to factory settings, but you'll need to re-enter your provider's internet settings.
Search specifics for different brands
Different manufacturers use their own algorithms for generating temporary passwords and displaying them. Understanding these features will help you quickly find the information you need for your model.
- 🖨️ HP: Many models have a Wi-Fi Direct button. When you press it or a combination of buttons (often "Information" + "Wireless"), the printer prints a report containing the password for a direct connection.
- 🖨️ Canon: PIXMA series devices often require a PIN code to be entered on the computer screen upon initial connection. This code is displayed on the printer's LCD screen during setup.
- 🖨️ Epson: The EcoTank series often uses the WPS method. Press the WPS button on the router, then the same button on the printer, and the connection will be established automatically without entering a password.
It is important to distinguish between a password for internet access and a password for Wi-Fi DirectThe latter allows you to connect to the printer directly, without a router, and often looks like this DIRECT-xx-HP-Model with code 12345678.
Resetting network settings on a printer
If none of the above methods help, or you've changed your router and the old password is no longer valid, the easiest way is to reset the printer's network settings. This will return the Wi-Fi module to its factory settings.
The reset procedure varies for each model. Typically, you need to hold down the wireless button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator light flashes. On models with a display, the process may look like this: Settings -> Network -> Restore network settings.
⚠️ Note: Resetting your printer's network settings does not affect your router's settings. Your home Wi-Fi will continue to work, but the printer will "forget" the old password and be ready for a new configuration.
After the reset, start the setup process again. If you're using a modern operating system, such as Windows 10/11 or macOS, the system may prompt you to save the entered password to a cloud key, which will prevent problems in the future.
Table: Typical factory passwords and PIN codes
To quickly navigate standard values from different manufacturers, use the reference table below. Remember that individual codes are unique, but the formats are often the same.
| Brand | Code type | Where to find | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP | Wi-Fi Direct | On screen or print report | 8 digits |
| Canon | WPS PIN | Menu -> LAN Settings | 8 digits |
| Epson | Network password | Not set (empty) or 12345678 | Alphanumeric |
| Brother | Wi-Fi password | Sticker on the body | 8 characters |
Using the table allows you to quickly identify the exact code required in your case. If the format of the code you find doesn't match what you expect, you may be looking at the wrong parameter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the printer password through a mobile app?
Yes, if you use branded apps like HP Smart or Canon PRINT, they can display the connection status. However, they usually don't display the Wi-Fi password in plain text for security reasons, but they can help reconfigure the network.
What to do if the printer does not have a screen?
For models without a display, use the WPS method (pressing buttons on the router and printer) or connect the device to your computer via a USB cable. The USB driver installation wizard allows you to transfer Wi-Fi settings without having to manually enter a password on the printer itself.
I changed the password on my router, but my printer stopped printing. What should I do?
You need to update the network settings in the printer's memory. The easiest way to do this is through the device's menu (Network/Wireless section), finding your network and entering the new password. If there's no display, a temporary USB connection will help.
Where can I find the WPS PIN code if the sticker is worn off?
Try printing a network configuration report. This is usually done by long-pressing the "Cancel" button or by pressing the "Wireless" and "Information" buttons. The report will show your current PIN.