How to connect a printer to a Wi-Fi network: 5 proven methods + troubleshooting

Connecting a printer to a wireless network is a task that every owner of office equipment faces sooner or later. Even if you Canon PIXMA with a touchscreen or budget HP DeskJet Without a display, the Wi-Fi setup process usually takes no more than 10 minutes. But what if the router doesn't detect the device, and the printer stubbornly demands a cable? In this article, we'll cover all the current connection methods, from automatic mode to WPS to manual configuration via IP address, as well as typical errors that prevent printing over the network.

It's important to understand that the connection algorithm depends not only on the printer model, but also on the router firmware version. For example, TP-Link Archer C6 can support Wi-Fi Direct, and the old models D-Link — No. We've compiled universal instructions that work for 90% of modern devices, but if your printer was released before 2018, Check for compatibility with the Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) standard—some older models require reflashing the router or using a USB adapter..

1. Preparing for connection: what to check before setting up

Before adding a printer to the network, make sure all system components are ready to use. Start with the router:

• 🔄 Reboot your router This will clear any DHCP errors that are blocking IP addresses from being assigned to new devices. Simply unplug the power cord for 30 seconds.
• 📶 Check your Wi-Fi frequency - Printers older than 2020 often do not support 5 GHzSwitch the router to the mode 2.4 GHz or activate mixed mode 2.4/5 GHz.
• 🔒 Disable the guest network - many printers cannot connect to a network with client isolation (for example, Guest Network on ASUS RT-AX88U).
• 📄 Prepare network data - write down the name of the network (SSID) and password. If you're using a hidden network, temporarily make it visible.

Now check the printer itself:

• 🖨️ Make sure the device is turned on — the power indicator should be green or blue (on Brother DCP-T720DW - flashing orange means an error).
• 📦 Install cartridges and paper - some models (Epson EcoTank) block Wi-Fi settings when there is no ink.
• 🔧 Reset network settings — if you've tried connecting the printer before. On most devices, you need to hold down the button to do this. Wi-Fi or Reset for 10 seconds.

⚠️ Attention: If your router uses WPA3 encryption, and the printer was released before 2019, you may need to temporarily switch to WPA2-PSK (in the router's security settings). After connecting the printer, change the security back to WPA3.

2. Method 1: Connecting via WPS (the fastest method)

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Wireless LAN is a technology that allows you to connect a device to a network without entering a password. It works on 90% of modern routers and printers, but has a limitation: the router and printer must be no more than 2 meters apart.

Instructions for printers with a WPS button (for example, HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e, Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw):

1. Click the button WPS on the router (usually labeled or marked with a 🔄 icon). Hold it for 3-5 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing.
2. For 2 minutes press and hold the button Wi-Fi or WPS on the printer (on some models Brother you need to go to the menu Network → WLAN → WPS).
3. Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer stops blinking and turns solid (usually takes 30-60 seconds).

If there is no WPS button on the printer, use PIN code:

1. Find the menu on the printer Wi-Fi → WPS → PIN-method (on Epson WorkForce the path may differ: Settings → Wireless LAN → WPS PIN).
2. Write down the 8-digit code that appears on the screen.
3. In the router's web interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) go to the section WPS → Add Device via PIN and enter the code.

⚠️ Attention: Some providers (eg Rostelecom) WPS is disabled by default for security reasons. If the button doesn't respond, check your router settings in the Wireless → WPS Settings.

The router supports WPS (check the sticker on the case)

The printer is within 2 meters of the router.

The printer's Ready light is on (not flashing red)

The network cable from the printer is disconnected (if it was connected previously) -->

3. Method 2: Manual connection via the printer control panel

If your printer has a touchscreen or button display (like the Xerox VersaLink or Kyocera Ecosys), you can enter the network data manually. This method is universal, but requires knowledge SSID and Wi-Fi password.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. On the printer, go to the menu Settings → Network settings → Wireless network (in English: Setup → Network → Wireless LAN).
2. Select an item Manual setup or Manual Setup.
3. Find yours in the list of available networks. SSID and select it. If the network is not listed, click Add a network or Enter SSID Manually.
4. Enter your Wi-Fi password. Be careful: on some printers (Ricoh SP) case matters!
5. Confirm saving the settings. The printer will reboot and attempt to connect to the network.

If the printer does not connect, check:

• 🔍 The correctness of the entered password (a common mistake is to confuse 0 And O, 1 And l).
• 📡 Wi-Fi signal - if the printer is in another room, try temporarily moving it closer to the router.
• 🔧 Router operating mode - some printers (Samsung Xpress) do not support 802.11n in mode OnlySwitch your router to mixed mode. 802.11b/g/n.

4. Method 3: Connecting via USB cable (for printers without a display)

Budget printer models (for example, Pantum P2500W or Xiaomi Mi Portable Photo Printer) often don't have a screen for setting up Wi-Fi. In this case, you can temporarily connect the printer to your computer via USB and set up the network using specialized software.

Instructions for Windows:

1. Connect the printer to the PC via USB cable (usually included in the kit).
2. Install the drivers from the manufacturer's official website (for example, for HP — support.hp.com).
3. Run the setup program (for example, HP Smart, Epson Software Updater).
4. Find the section in the program menu Setting up a wireless network or Wireless Setup.
5. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password. The program will automatically transfer the settings to the printer.
6. Disconnect the USB cable. The printer should remain connected to Wi-Fi.

For macOS the process is similar, but instead of drivers you may need to install AirPrint (for compatibility with Apple).

⚠️ Attention: If your printer loses Wi-Fi connectivity after disconnecting USB, check your router's power saving settings. Some models (Zyxel Keenetic) turn off inactive devices after 5 minutes. Disable this feature in the section Wireless → Advanced Settings → Power Save.

What should I do if the program doesn't see the printer via USB?

1. Check the connection to the rear USB port on the PC (the front ports may not provide enough power).

2. Try a different cable - some printers require USB 2.0 (black connector).

3. Disable your antivirus (for example, Kaspersky may block driver installation).

4. Run the program as administrator (right-click → "Run as administrator").

5. Method 4: Using a mobile app (for smartphones)

Printer manufacturers offer official apps for setting up Wi-Fi from a smartphone. This is convenient if you don't have a computer at hand. Let's look at the process using popular brands as examples:

• 📱 HP Smart (For HP): Download the app from App Store or Google Play, create an account, click Add a printer → Set up a new printer and follow the instructions. The app will automatically find the printer and prompt you to select a Wi-Fi network.
• 📱 Canon PRINT (For Canon): Select from the menu Register your printer → Connect to the networkThe app will generate a temporary access point to which you need to connect the printer.
• 📱 Epson iPrint (For Epson): Click Add a printer → Wi-Fi setupYou will need to enter the network password and confirm the connection on the printer itself (using the button Wi-Fi).
• 📱 Brother iPrint&Scan (For Brother): Select Device Setup → Wireless NetworkThe application will prompt you to enter SSID and password manually or scan the QR code from the router.

The advantage of this method is automatic printer firmware updates. For example, HP Smart Checks the software for relevance and offers to install the latest security patches.

If the application does not find the printer:

• 🔋 Make sure the printer is turned on and in setup mode (the Wi-Fi indicator is blinking blue).
• 📶 Turn on Bluetooth on the smartphone - some applications (Canon PRINT) use it for initial synchronization.
• 🔄 Restart the app and the printer (power off/on).

6. Method 5: Connecting via IP address (for advanced users)

If the printer is connected to the network but is not visible on computers, you can add it manually by IP addressThis method is useful for office networks with static addresses.

How to find the printer's IP address:

1. Print network report:
   • On HP: hold down the button Wireless for 10 seconds.
   • On Canon: Menu → Settings → Device Settings → LAN Settings → Print Network Config.
   • On Epson: Home → Settings → Network Settings → Print Network Status.

Find the line in the report IP Address (For example, 192.168.1.105).

How to add a printer via IP in Windows:

1. Open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners → Add a printer or scanner.
2. Click The printer you need is not in the list.
3. Select Add a printer by TCP/IP address and enter the IP found in the report.
4. Specify the driver for your model (if Windows does not find it automatically, download it from the manufacturer's website).

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click + → Add printer.
3. Go to the tab IP, enter the printer address and select the protocol Line Printer Daemon (LPD) or AirPrint.

⚠️ Attention: If the printer's IP address starts with 169.254.x.x, this means the device hasn't received an address from the router. Check the DHCP settings on the router or assign a static IP manually.

7. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with proper setup, your printer may not connect to Wi-Fi. Let's look at the most common issues and how to fix them:

Error	Cause	Solution
The printer cannot find the Wi-Fi network.	The network operates at a frequency 5 GHz, and the printer only supports 2.4 GHz	Switch the router to the mode 2.4 GHz or activate mixed mode
"Incorrect password" error	The password entered is incorrect or is in use. WPA3, not supported by the printer	Check the case of the characters. Temporarily switch the router to WPA2-PSK
The printer connects but does not print.	Firewall or antivirus is blocking the port 9100 (for printing)	Add the printer to your firewall exceptions or disable your antivirus while printing.
The Wi-Fi indicator is blinking orange	The printer cannot obtain an IP address from the router (DHCP error)	Assign a static IP in your router settings or reset your printer.
The app can't find the printer.	The printer is connected to another network or is turned off. Bluetooth on a smartphone	Make sure the printer is in setup mode (flashing blue). Turn on Bluetooth.

If the printer is connected, but the computer does not see it:

• 🖥️ Make sure the printer and computer are in one subnet (for example, both have IP of the type 192.168.1.x).
• 🔌 Reboot printing service in Windows:

  net stop spooler
  net start spooler

• 📡 Update your router firmware - outdated versions (DD-WRT below 2022) may not process requests from printers correctly.
How do I reset network settings on a printer?

1. On most models HP And Canon hold down the button Wi-Fi for 15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing quickly.

2. On Epson go to Settings → Restore Defaults → Network Settings.

3. On Brother use a combination Menu → Network → Factory Reset.

After resetting, the printer will return to factory Wi-Fi settings.

8. Additional tips for stable operation

To avoid printing problems in the future, follow these guidelines:

• 📡 Reserve an IP address for the printer in the router settings (section DHCP Reservation). This will prevent the address from changing after a reboot.
• 🔄 Update your firmware printer once every six months. For example, in HP Smart updates are installed automatically, and for Canon You need to download files from the site.
• 📵 Turn off power saving on the printer (in the menu Energy saving or Sleep Mode). This will eliminate delays in waking up.
• 🔒 Set up guest access, if the printer is used by several devices. In routers Keenetic this is done in the section Home Network → Guest Access.

For office networks with a large number of devices, consider using VLAN for printers. This isolates printing traffic from the main data flow and improves security. The setting is available on routers at the Small Business (For example, Cisco RV340 or MikroTik hEX).

If you frequently print from mobile devices, please enable Wi-Fi Direct on the printer. This feature creates a direct access point that you can connect to without a router. For example, on HP Envy 6055 Wi-Fi Direct is enabled through the menu Settings → Wireless → Wi-Fi Direct.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a router (directly to a computer)?

Yes, but your computer must support it. access point modeIn Windows 10/11, open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot, turn on Wi-Fi sharing and connect the printer to the created network. Alternatively, use Wi-Fi Direct (if your printer supports this function).

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but it won't print from my phone. What should I do?

Please check the following points:

• Is the manufacturer's application installed (HP Smart, Canon PRINT etc.)?
• Is it included? AirPrint (for iPhone) or Google Cloud Print (for Android)? On some printers (Epson) this function must be activated in the menu.
• Is your phone on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer?

If the problem persists, try restarting your printer and phone.

How to connect an old printer (pre-2015) to modern Wi-Fi?

Obsolete models (HP LaserJet 1020, Canon LBP2900) often do not support modern encryption standards. Solutions:

• Buy Wi-Fi adapter for printer (For example, TP-Link TL-WPS510U), which connects to a USB port.
• Use USB-to-Ethernet adapter and connect the printer to the router via cable.
• Set up printer sharing via a computer connected to Wi-Fi.

If the printer only supports WEP encryption, temporarily enable it on your router (but this is not safe!).

Why does my printer keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

Common causes:

• Weak signal - move the printer closer to the router or install repeater.
• Energy saving - turn off Sleep Mode in the printer settings.
• IP address conflict - assign a static IP to the printer in your router settings.
• Interference from other devices - change the Wi-Fi channel on the router (for example, from 6 on 11).

If the problem persists, update your router firmware.

How do I connect my printer to Wi-Fi in a hotel or public network?
Public networks often use portal authentication (login/password entry via browser), with which printers are not compatible. Solutions:
• Use mobile hotspot (share Wi-Fi from your smartphone).
• Connect the printer to your laptop via USB and set it up. public access.
• Check with your network administrator to see if connecting devices without a browser is supported (sometimes they provide a separate password for IoT devices).