Changing internet providers or purchasing a new router inevitably leads to a situation where all your home gadgets lose internet connection. Printing devices often cause the most trouble, as they lack a full-screen display for entering a new password, like a smartphone. Changing the Wi-Fi network on the printer requires a specific sequence of actions, which depends on the device model and manufacturer.
Many users mistakenly believe that simply reconnecting the computer is enough, but the printer will "remember" the old router and will try to find it endlessly. In this article, we'll cover universal reconfiguration methods, as well as specific instructions for popular brands like HP, Canon, and EpsonYou will learn how to use a temporary USB connection to transfer new data and avoid keyboard input errors on your device.
It's worth noting that modern devices support WPS technology, which allows you to connect to a new access point with a single press of a button on the router. However, if your router is in stealth mode or uses corporate security protocols, you'll need to manually configure it through the MFP menu or specialized software on your PC.
Preparing to reconfigure your wireless connection
Before changing network settings, make sure the new router is fully configured and transmitting a signal. Printers, especially budget models, often don't support the frequency range. 5 GHz, working exclusively in the standard 2.4 GHzIf your new router combines both frequencies under one name, conflicts may occur, so it is recommended to temporarily separate the networks in the router settings.
You'll also need to know the exact network name (SSID) and password. Pay attention to the case sensitivity: for printing devices, "Password" and "password" are two different access keys. Write this information down or keep it readily available to avoid repeated entry errors, which could temporarily block the device's network module.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure MAC address filtering is not enabled on your router. If you haven't previously added the printer's MAC address to the new router's list of allowed devices, the connection will fail, even if the password is entered correctly.
An important step is resetting old settings. While not always necessary, clearing network settings helps the device find a new access point faster. On some models Brother or Kyocera This is done through the menu "Network" -> "Reset" -> "Network Settings." After this procedure, the printer will reboot, and the wireless indicator will start blinking, indicating it is ready to search.
Using WPS to quickly change networks
The fastest way to connect your printer to a new Wi-Fi network is with WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)It allows you to transmit an encrypted access key automatically, without having to manually enter it on the device's keyboard or computer. This method is ideal if your router has a physical WPS button and your printer has a corresponding menu item or button.
Here's the process: On the printer's control panel, locate the wireless network icon or the "Wireless" button. Press and hold it, or select "Wi-Fi Setup" -> "WPS" from the menu. The network indicator will begin blinking and enter standby mode.
Within two minutes of activating the mode on the printer, press the button WPS On your router. It's usually marked with two arrows forming a circle. If there's no physical button, access the router's web interface through a browser and press the virtual WPS button there. The printer will automatically acquire the SSID and password, after which the indicator light will stop blinking and turn solid.
What to do if WPS doesn't work?
The WPS function may not work if the router uses the outdated WEP encryption type or if the signal is too weak. Some ISPs also block this function on their terminals. In this case, switch to the USB cable method.
After a successful connection, it's recommended to print a network configuration report. This can be done through the device menu by selecting "Report" or "Network Config." The report will show the IP address assigned to the printer by the router and the connection status. If it says "Connected," the network change was successful.
Setup via USB cable and software
If automatic methods fail, the most reliable method is to use an installation disc or a driver downloaded from the manufacturer's website. This method allows you to "retrain" the printer by transferring new data directly from a computer already connected to the new Wi-Fi network. You'll need a cable. USB Type-B (printer), which usually comes in the kit.
Download the full package of drivers and utilities for your model from the official website. When launching the installer, select "Wireless Network Connection" or "Wi-Fi." The program will begin searching for devices. When prompted to select a connection method, select whether the device is not currently connected to the network or is connected via USB.
Follow the on-screen instructions. At a certain point, the program will ask you to connect a USB cable between your computer and the printer. Don't ignore this step.This is the cable that will transmit the new Wi-Fi settings. Once the data has been transferred, the cable can be disconnected, and the printer will automatically switch to a wireless connection.
☑️ USB Connection Checklist
During the installation process, you may be prompted to change your network settings. Make sure the selected network matches the name of your new router. If you have a dual-band router, select a network without "5G" in the name, as many older printer models are unable to handle higher frequencies.
Instructions for HP devices (HP Smart and ePrint)
Technique Hewlett-Packard has its own characteristics, as the company actively promotes the ecosystem HP SmartTo change the network on modern HP models, it's best to use the mobile app. Make sure your smartphone is connected to the new Wi-Fi network and launch the app.
If the printer has already been added to the app but has lost connection, the system will prompt you to update the settings. If the printer is new or reset, tap "Add Printer" or the "+" sign. The app will find the device via Bluetooth (if enabled on your phone) or via the printer's own temporary hotspot.
For models without a touch screen, the mode is often used Wi-Fi DirectOn the printer, press the wireless button and the information button (the "i" icon) simultaneously until the lights flash. This will create a direct network, which you'll need to connect to from your phone to transfer the primary router's data via the HP Smart app.
| HP model | Network reset method | Success indicator |
|---|---|---|
| HP DeskJet 2700 | Wi-Fi button + Cancel (5 sec) | The blue light is flashing |
| HP LaserJet Pro | Menu -> Network -> Restore | The blue light is on |
| HP Envy | Wireless button | Indicator pulsation |
| HP OfficeJet | Settings (gear) -> Network | Stable blue light |
After changing your router, HP services may require re-authorization or confirmation of the device status.
Changing Wi-Fi on Canon and Epson printers
Devices Canon often equipped with a button Direct or a menu accessed via a key combination. For PIXMA models, a commonly used method is to press and hold the "Cell Phone" button (smartphone) until the indicator light flashes. Then, on your computer or phone, find the network with the printer model name, connect to it (the password is usually found on a sticker or in the manual, often 8 zeros or 12345678), and run setup via a browser or app. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY.
Printers Epson use the utility Epson iPrint or web interface. If your printer has a screen, go to Wi-Fi Setup -> WizardThe device will search for available networks. Select your new network from the list and enter the password. If there is no screen, use the Wi-Fi button and the smartphone button (or the "i" button) to launch setup mode.
Epson also features the ability to configure the printer via a temporary access point. The printer creates a network called "EPSONXXXXXX," you connect to it from your laptop, and a setup page automatically opens, where you select your home router and enter its password.
After setup, be sure to check your firmware version. Sometimes older versions of the software don't work correctly with the new WPA3 security standards being implemented by modern providers. Updating the firmware may resolve the issue of constant connection drops.
Solution and connection errors
One of the most common problems is when a printer sees the network but won't connect. This is often related to the security type. If the router uses mixed mode, WPA2/WPA3, the printer may stumble. Try forcing WPA2-PSK (AES) in your router settings for compatibility with older devices.
Another common error is an incorrect date and time on the router or printer (especially for devices with screens). If the time is incorrect, security certificates fail verification, and the connection is blocked. Check the time settings in the device's menu.
⚠️ Attention: Antivirus programs and firewalls on your computer may block the printer network setup process. It is recommended to temporarily disable third-party firewalls during the setup process.
If all else fails, perform a full reset of the printer's network settings to factory defaults. This will delete all saved profiles, including old and erroneous ones. After the reset, you'll need to start the process over again, as with a new device. In some cases, assigning a static IP address in the router settings can help, so the printer's address doesn't change with each reboot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change the Wi-Fi network without a computer, only from a phone?
Yes, this is possible for most modern printer models. You'll need the manufacturer's app (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson iPrint) and Bluetooth enabled on your smartphone. Your phone will transmit Wi-Fi data directly to the printer.
My printer stopped printing after changing my router, even though I have Wi-Fi. What should I do?
Most likely, the printer's IP address has changed, but the old one is still on your computer. Go to "Devices and Printers" on your PC, open your printer's properties, go to the "Ports" tab, and add a new port with the current IP address, which you can find by printing a network configuration report.
Does my printer support 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Most office and home printers only operate in the 2.4 GHz band. Only top-end business-class models support 5 GHz. If your router is sharing a single network across both bands, try separating them in the router settings.
How do I find my printer's IP address after changing my network?
Press the information button (the "i" icon) on your printer or print a Network Configuration Page. The IP address will be listed in the TCP/IP or Wireless section.