Changing a home network password often leaves technology owners stumped, especially when it comes to peripherals. Printers that previously worked flawlessly over a wireless connection stop responding to commands after changing the router's security key. This occurs because the device continues to search for a network with the old authentication parameters. Changing the Wi-Fi password on a printer — this is not just switching one digit, but a process of reconfiguring the network module, which requires an understanding of the logic of the device’s operation.
There are two main scenarios a user faces. In the first case, it's necessary to change the password the printer provides in Wi-Fi Direct mode for direct printing from a phone. In the second, more common case, the device must be reconnected to a router that has changed its security codes. Management interfaces The instructions may vary significantly between manufacturers, be it HP, Canon, or Brother, but the process remains similar. It's important to understand that the printer itself doesn't store your router password in plaintext, editable form; it only stores the connection profile.
Before you begin, make sure you have physical access to the device and, preferably, a computer with a network cable or working Wi-Fi adapter. Without this, the process may degenerate into a chaotic button press. Key point: if you changed the password on your router, you don't need to "recode" the printer, but rather re-authorize it on the network with the new data. Below, we'll look at all the available methods for solving this problem, from using touchpads to a complete reset.
Determining the connection type and preparation
The first step should always be to diagnose the current situation. Users often confuse the printer's operating mode, which leads to errors. It's important to clearly understand whether your device is operating as a home network client (connected to the router) or in Wi-Fi Direct printing mode. In the former case, the printer receives an IP address from the router; in the latter, it acts as a mini access point. Wi-Fi Direct mode It's convenient for quick printing from your phone, but it doesn't allow you to scan documents to a computer on a shared network.
If you want to change the password your phone asks for when trying to connect directly to the printer without a router, the procedure is performed through the device's menu. Typically, this is a standard sequence of actions in the wireless networks section. However, if you're talking about connecting to the internet, then WPA2/WPA3 security protocol, which requires precise character input.
⚠️ Attention: Before beginning any network configuration, ensure the printer is equipped with a genuine cartridge or CISS with sufficient ink. Some models may initiate a test print when updating network settings, and a lack of ink will result in a system error.
To successfully reconfigure, you'll need to know the new password for your Wi-Fi network. Check it on your phone or in your contract with your provider. It's also a good idea to find out IP address printer if it is still available on the network, or prepare a network cable (LAN) for direct connection to the computer if the wireless connection is completely lost.
Using the built-in control panel
Modern MFPs are equipped with color touchscreens, making navigation much easier. To change network settings or re-enter a password, you need to access the appropriate menu. Typically, the path looks like this: the button with the antenna or gear icon on the home screen, then the section Network settings or WirelessAll key connection parameters are hidden here.
Inside the menu, find the item Wireless Setup Wizard (Wireless Setup Wizard). This tool automatically scans the airwaves and offers a list of available networks. You'll need to select your router's name (SSID) from the list. At this point, the device will prompt you to enter a new password. Be careful: touchscreens often use a virtual keyboard, where it's easy to mix up the capitalization of letters or miss a space at the end.
If your device doesn't have a touchscreen, but only a monochrome display and buttons, navigation is through the menu. Use the arrows to move through the items. Look for sections. Network, Setup or Wireless LANEntering characters in these models often involves pressing buttons repeatedly (like on older phones) or changing values using the plus and minus buttons, which requires patience.
☑️ Configuration algorithm via the panel
Configuration via the web interface (EWS)
The most professional and convenient way to manage network settings is to use the built-in web interface, often referred to as EWS (Embedded Web Server). This method allows you to use the computer's full keyboard, eliminating the risk of entering complex passwords. To access the EWS, the printer and computer must be on the same network, or the device must be temporarily connected via a LAN cable.
Find out the printer's IP address. This can be done by printing a network configuration report (usually by pressing the "Report" button and "Wireless") or by viewing the device's properties in the Windows printer list. Enter the resulting address (e.g., 192.168.1.55) in the browser's address bar. A control page will open, where in the section Networking or Wireless You can find the security settings.
In the web interface, you can not only enter a new password, but also change the encryption type or even the network name if the printer is operating in access point mode. After making changes, be sure to click the button Apply or SaveThe device may reboot the network module, which will take about a minute. During this time, the connection to the printer will be temporarily lost.
| Printer brand | Typical EWS menu path | Login Features |
|---|---|---|
| HP | Networking Tab -> Wireless | The PIN code from the sticker is often required |
| Canon | Network Settings -> Wireless LAN | The interface may be in English. |
| Epson | Network -> Wi-Fi Settings | You need an administrator login/password (often admin/admin) |
| Brother | Network -> Wireless | Strict password complexity checking |
⚠️ Attention: If the web browser doesn't open, check whether your firewall or antivirus software is blocking access to local devices. Also, make sure your computer isn't using mobile data and is connected to the same Wi-Fi network where the printer is (or should be) located.
What to do if the IP address is dynamic?
If your router constantly changes your printer's IP address, it will be difficult to find it in a browser. In this case, it's best to temporarily set a static IP address in your router settings (MAC address binding) or use the printer manufacturer's device discovery utility, which scans the network and finds the printer regardless of its IP address.
Reset network settings to factory defaults
In situations where the printer is stuck on old settings or you can't access the menu due to a forgotten administrator password, a full reset of the network settings can help. This operation returns the network module to its original state, as if the device had just been taken out of the box. Important: this does not delete your scan or fax settings, just connection settings.
The reset procedure varies for each model. On HP devices, you often need to simultaneously press and hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons for 3-5 seconds. On Canon devices, you may need to hold the Direct Print button or use a special combination via the menu. Device SettingsAfter the reset, the Wi-Fi indicator will start blinking, indicating that it is ready for a new setup.
After the reset, the printer may enter Setup Mode. At this point, it creates a temporary network or waits for a WPS connection. This is the ideal time to restart the driver installation or use the manufacturer's mobile app to "forward" the new router password to the device's memory.
Using a USB cable for initial setup
When a wireless connection can't be established over the air, a trusty USB cable comes to the rescue. This is the most reliable way to transfer new network data to the printer. Connect the device directly to your computer, wait for the drivers to install (if they haven't already), and run the setup program included with the software.
During the installation process, select the connection type WirelessThe program will automatically detect the printer via USB and prompt you to transfer its Wi-Fi settings. You'll need to select your network from the list and enter a new password. After the data transfer is successful, the program will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable, and the printer will switch to wireless mode.
This method is advantageous because it eliminates the human error of entering a password on the printer's small keyboard. A computer keyboard allows you to see all the characters, and the installation program will automatically generate the correct data packet for the network module. If the automatic installation doesn't detect the device, try temporarily disabling your antivirus.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
Even if all instructions are followed, problems may still occur. One of the most common issues is frequency band incompatibility. Many older printers only work within the frequency band. 2.4 GHz and don't physically see the 5 GHz network. If your router only broadcasts the 5 GHz network or combines them into one using smart switching, the printer may behave erratically. The solution is to separate the networks in the router settings or enable a 2.4 GHz guest network.
Another common mistake is the use of special characters in the password. Some printer models (especially those manufactured more than 5-7 years ago) do not correctly process complex passwords with characters like #, &, " or spaces. In such cases, it's recommended to temporarily simplify the router password, connect the printer, and then perhaps change the password back if the device maintains a connection (although this doesn't always work).
It's also worth checking your router's MAC filtering settings. If you have a whitelist enabled, the printer will either receive a new network address after a reset or be blocked until you add its MAC address to the router's allowed MAC addresses. The MAC address is usually found on a sticker on the back of the device or printed in the configuration report.
Why doesn't the printer see my Wi-Fi after changing the password?
Most likely, an old network profile with the same password remains in the printer's memory. When attempting to connect, the router rejects the device due to invalid authentication data. You need to reset the printer's network settings or delete your network profile from the device's memory via the Wireless menu, and then reconnect.
Is it possible to change Wi-Fi Direct password without a computer?
Yes, you can do this directly from the printer control panel. Go to the Wireless or Network menu and find the Wi-Fi Direct Settings section. There you'll find a Password or Security Key option. Change it to your desired password. After that, all connected phones will require the new password.
What should I do if I forgot my web interface administrator password?
The default password is often found on a sticker on the printer (HP, Canon) or is a standard password (admin/admin, admin/1234). If you've changed it and forgotten it, the only solution is a full factory reset (Cold Reset), which is usually performed by pressing a complex key combination when turning on the printer (check the instructions for your specific model).
Does changing the router password affect the scanner?
The password itself doesn't affect scanning, but it does break the connection between the computer and printer. Until you update the password in the scanner driver on your computer or in the MFP's network settings, the "Network Scan" feature won't work. Once you reconnect to Wi-Fi, the scanner will be accessible again.