Resetting a Printer After Changing the Wi-Fi Password: 5 Working Methods

Changing your home Wi-Fi network password is a standard security procedure, but it often breaks the functionality of smart devices, including printers. If after updating your password, your Canon PIXMA, HP LaserJet or Epson EcoTank The printer stopped printing over the network. The problem isn't a malfunction, but a lost connection. The printer simply doesn't recognize that the connection details have changed and continues to attempt to log in with the old credentials.

In this article we will analyze all possible ways of reconfiguring — from automatic updates via the control panel to manual entry of a new password using WPS or a USB cable. We'll cover this separately. typical mistakes, due to which the printer may not "see" the network even after entering the data correctly, and we will provide a diagnostic checklist. If you are using the printer in an office with a corporate network or connected via PPPoE, you will find at the end of the article special recommendations for such cases.

Spoiler: in 80% of cases, the problem can be resolved in 5 minutes without calling a technician. The key is knowing where to find the Wi-Fi settings in your model's menu.

Why does my printer lose Wi-Fi after changing the password?

Printers (unlike smartphones or laptops) don't automatically request a new password when router settings are changed. They operate on a one-time-binding principle:

• 🔌 When connecting for the first time, you enter the SSID (network name) and password manually or via WPS.
• 💾 This data is stored in the printer's non-volatile memory (like in a router).
• 🔄 Every time you turn on the device, it tries to connect to the network with the same data.
• ❌ If the password has changed, authorization fails and the printer goes into offline mode.

Most modern models (Brother DCP-T720DW, Xerox VersaLink) show a connection error on the display or the Wi-Fi indicator flashes. On budget devices (for example, Pantum P2500W) there may be no outward signs of a problem - they simply stop responding to printing tasks.

⚠️ Attention: If you have changed not only your password, but also network name (SSID), the printer will require a complete rebinding. In this case, the old connection data is automatically erased.

Some users mistakenly believe that rebooting the printer or router is sufficient. This only works if the problem is a temporary glitch, not a change in the login credentials. To restore the connection, you need to update saved Wi-Fi settings in the device memory.

Method 1: Reconfiguring via the printer control panel

The most universal method is to use the printer's built-in menu. This works for most models with a display (Canon MG3640, HP OfficeJet Pro 9015, Epson L3250 etc.). The instructions may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer, but the general logic is the same:

1. Turn on the printer and wait until it is fully loaded (until all indicators go out).
2. Click the button Menu (or Settings, Setup — depends on the model).
3. Go to the section Network settings (Network Settings, Wi-Fi Setup).
4. Select Setting up a wireless network (Wireless LAN Setup or WLAN Settings).
5. Click Change settings (Change Settings) or Reconfiguration (Reconfigure).
6. Enter your new Wi-Fi password using the on-screen keyboard (for models without a display, see Method 3).
7. Save the settings and wait until the connection is reconnected (the Wi-Fi indicator should be green or blue).

If there is no "Change settings" option in the menu, try Reset network settings (Reset Network Settings). After this, the printer will “forget” the old password, and you will be able to enter a new one from scratch.

The printer is connected to a 220V power supply.

The router is working (the indicators are on)

New Wi-Fi password at hand

There are no errors on the printer (no flashing red lights)

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⚠️ Attention: On some models HP After changing the password, it is required reinstall the driver on the computerOtherwise, the system may continue to send jobs to the printer's old IP address.

Method 2: Connecting via WPS (without entering a password)

If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to reconfigure your printer without manually entering a password. This is convenient for devices without a display or with an inconvenient keyboard. Here's how:

1. Make sure that on the router WPS is enabled (usually there is a separate button with the inscription WPS or the 🔄 icon).
2. Find the button on the printer. Wi-Fi or WPS (can be combined with other functions).
3. Press it on 3-5 secondsuntil the Wi-Fi indicator starts blinking.
4. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router.
5. Wait until the printer connects to the network (the indicator light will be constantly on).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No need to enter a complex password manually.
• ✅ Works even if you don't remember your current SSID.
• ✅ Suitable for printers without a screen (Pantum M6500NW, Xerox B210).

Flaws:

• ❌ Not all routers support WPS (for example, some models MikroTik or Ubiquiti).
• ❌ In office networks, WPS is often disabled for security reasons.

What to do if WPS doesn't work?

If the printer does not connect after pressing the buttons:

1. Check that the router supports WPS (look for the logo on the case).

2. Make sure the distance between devices is no more than 2 meters.

3. Restart your router and printer, then try again.

4. If your router is dual-band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz), WPS can only work on 2.4 GHz – select this network in the printer settings.

WPS is vulnerable to hacking - after setting it up, disable this function in the router (section "Wireless Mode" → "WPS" → "Disabled").

Method 3: Setting up a printer without a display (using buttons)

Budget models (Pantum P2200, Xerox Phaser 3020) often don't have a screen, and all settings must be performed blindly using button combinations. The algorithm for most of these printers is:

1. Hold the button Wi-Fi (or Setup) 10-15 seconds, until all indicators flash.
2. Release the button and the printer will enter network setup mode.
3. Click Wi-Fi short 1 time — the device will start searching for networks.
4. Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator starts blinking intermittently (signaling that it is ready to enter a password).
5. Use the buttons +/− or ←/→ to select password letters (each press cycles through the characters: a→b→c→...→A→B→C→...→1→2→...).
6. To confirm the symbol, press OK or Wi-Fi.
7. After entering the password, press and hold OK 3 seconds to save.

The process may take 10–20 minutes—that's normal. The main thing is not to interrupt it, otherwise you'll have to start over.

Without display (push-button)

With a monochrome screen

With touch screen

I don't know the model

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To simplify the task, you can use USB cable (if it came with one). Connect the printer to the computer, and the system will automatically prompt you to update the network settings via the manufacturer's software (for example, HP Smart or Epson Software Updater).

Method 4: Reconfiguring via a computer or smartphone

If the printer supports cloud services (Google Cloud Print, HP ePrint, Epson Connect), you can update your Wi-Fi settings using special software. This applies to models that support AirPrint or Mopria.

For Windows/macOS:

1. Install official software from the manufacturer (for example, Canon PRINT Utility or Brother iPrint&Scan).
2. Connect the printer to the computer via USB (temporarily).
3. Run the program and find the section Network settings or Wireless Setup.
4. Follow the setup wizard—it will automatically find available networks and prompt you to enter a new password.

For Android/iOS:

• 📱 Install the manufacturer's application (HP Smart, Epson iPrint, Canon PRINT).
• 🔍 Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and wait for the app to find the printer.
• 🔑 In the "Settings" or "Wi-Fi" section, select your network and enter a new password.

The advantage of this method is visual interface Even for printers without a screen. Disadvantage: requires a temporary USB or Bluetooth connection.

Method 5: Reset the printer to factory settings

If none of the methods worked, there remains full resetThis will delete all saved networks, and you'll be able to set up Wi-Fi from scratch. Instructions:

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it for 30 seconds.
2. Turn it back on and immediately press the button combination:
   • For Canon: Stop/Reset + hold for 10 seconds.
   • For HP: Cancel + Wireless (5 seconds).
   • For Epson: Home + Back (15 seconds).
   • For Brother: Menu + Monochrome Start.

Wait until all indicators go out and then come on again (reset signal).

Set up Wi-Fi again (see Method 1 or 3).

⚠️ Attention: Reset deletes all user settings, including:

• 🖨️ Print Queue (Unsaved Jobs)
• 📄 Print quality settings (economy mode, color profile)
• 🔐 Cloud service data (Google Cloud Print, Dropbox)

Before resetting, save important settings (for example, take a photo of the settings screen).

After resetting, the printer may ask reinstallation of cartridges or print head calibration is normal.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even after proper setup, the printer may not connect to Wi-Fi. Here TOP 5 reasons and ways to eliminate them:

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

• 🖥️ Firewall settings (it may block the port 9100 or 631).
• 🔧 Drivers - Remove old ones and install the latest version from the manufacturer's website.
• 🌐 Printer IP address - it must be on the same subnet as the computer (for example, 192.168.1.x).

Features of setting up office networks

In corporate networks, printers are often connected not via standard Wi-Fi, but via:

• 🔌 Wired network (Ethernet) - in this case, changing the Wi-Fi password does not affect operation.
• 🔒 VPN or proxy — requires separate configuration in the printer software.
• 📡 Guest network - Make sure that the printer is connected to the correct SSID (not Guest).

If used in the office static IP or VLANAfter changing your Wi-Fi password, you may need to:

1. Update the printer's IP address manually (in the device's network settings).
2. Reboot your network switch or router.
3. Contact your network administrator for new connection details.

⚠️ Attention: In networks with 802.1X (login/password authentication) reconfiguring the printer may require creating a new certificate or account in Active Directory.

For printers in rented offices (e.g. through RegionCommunication or MTS Business) There may be a limit on the number of connected devices. Check with your ISP to see if your printer's MAC address is blocked.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to reconfigure a printer without access to the router?

Yes, if you know network name (SSID) And New Password. Use Method 1 or 3 for manual data entry. If the SSID is hidden, temporarily make it visible in the router settings (section Wireless → Hide SSID → Disabled).

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but printing is very slow. What's wrong?

Possible reasons:

• 📶 Weak signal - move the printer closer to the router.
• 🔄 Network congestion - turn off other devices or change the Wi-Fi channel to a less congested one (for example, from 6 to 11).
• 🖨️ Poor connection quality - in the printer settings, select 802.11n instead of 802.11g.

Also check if the "Economical printing" option is checked in the driver - it reduces the speed to reduce toner consumption.

After changing the password, the printer prints test pages but won't accept tasks from the computer. What should I do?

Most likely it has changed Printer IP addressUpdate it in the port settings on your computer:

1. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click on your printer → Printer properties.
3. Go to the tab Ports and renew the IP (or select Standard TCP/IP Port and enter a new address).

Alternative: Remove the printer and add it again via Add a printer → Network printer.

Is it possible to connect a printer to two networks at the same time (for example, Wi-Fi and Ethernet)?

Most printers only support one active connectionIf the device is connected via a cable, Wi-Fi will be disabled, and vice versa. Exception: some models HP Enterprise And Xerox AltaLink, where you can set up a backup communication channel.

To switch between networks, go to the printer menu and manually select the priority interface (Network → Interface Priority).

I changed my ISP and router. Do I need to reconfigure my printer?

Yes, even if the network name (SSID) remains the same. The printer is bound not only to the SSID, but also to Router MAC addressWhen replacing equipment:

1. Do it full printer reset.
2. Connect to a new network (see Method 1-4).
3. Update the drivers on your computer if the printer's IP address has changed.