Changing internet service providers or purchasing a new router often leads to an unexpected problem: the printer stops responding to print commands. The device simply can't find a network with the same security settings and name. There's no need to take your device to a service center, as the reconfiguration process usually takes no more than 15 minutes.
Modern models HP, Canon And Epson have similar algorithms for resetting network settings, but each manufacturer has its own nuances in the menu. The correct approach to configuration IP addresses and the password will allow you to restore the wireless connection without reinstalling the drivers on your computer.
In this guide, we'll cover all current connection methods, from automatic WPS to manual data entry via USB cable. You'll learn how to avoid address conflicts and why an old password can interfere with operation even after entering a new one.
Preparing equipment and collecting information
Before changing any settings, make sure the new router is fully configured and providing internet access. The printer will not be able to connect to the network if SSID (network name) is hidden or MAC address filtering is enabled without adding the device to the whitelist.
You'll need to know the exact name of your wireless network and the current password. Pay attention to case sensitivity: Wi-Fi security systems are case-sensitive.
⚠️ Important: If you are using a guest network on a router, make sure that communication between devices is allowed in its settings (Client Isolation must be disabled), otherwise the computer will not see the printer.
It's also worth checking what frequency your router operates on. Many older printer models only support the range 2.4 GHz and they don't physically see the network 5 GHzIf you have a combined network with the same name for both bands, try temporarily separating them in your router settings.
WPS method: quick connection without entering a password
The easiest way to reconfigure your device is to use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to transfer network information automatically by simply pressing a button on the router and the printer's control panel.
Find the correspondingly labeled button on the router. On the printer, go to the network settings menu, select "Wireless Network," and enable WPS mode. The indicator light will typically blink, waiting for a signal.
- 📶 Press the WPS button on the router and hold it for 2-3 seconds.
- 🖨️ On the printer, select "Press the button on the router" in the Wi-Fi menu.
- ⏳ Wait until the wireless indicator stops flashing and turns solid.
- ✅ Print the network report to ensure successful receipt IP addresses.
If the connection isn't established after two minutes, your router doesn't support this feature or it's disabled in its settings. In this case, you'll need to use the USB cable method or manually configure it through the screen.
Setup via USB cable and computer
If your printer doesn't have a wireless menu or the keys are difficult to use, use a temporary USB connection. This is the most reliable method, as the driver will automatically transfer the network credentials to the device.
Connect the printer to your computer using a cable and run the installation disk or download the full driver package from the manufacturer's official website. During the installation, select the "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" connection type.
The program will prompt you to select your network from a list of available ones. Enter the password, and the installer will transfer the configuration to the printer. Once the data transfer is successful, you can disconnect the cable.
☑️ USB Setup Checklist
Manual setup via the printer control panel
Models with an LCD display allow direct data entry. Navigation may vary, but the logic remains consistent across brands. Brother, Kyocera And Xerox.
Go to the Settings menu (gear or wrench icon). Find the "Network" or "Wireless" section. Select "WLAN Setup Wizard." The device will begin searching for available networks.
Find the name of your new router in the list. If the network is hidden, select "Enter manually" and enter the SSID, taking care to ensure it's case-sensitive. Next, you'll be asked to enter the security key.
| Encryption type | Where to find | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| WPA2-Personal | On the router sticker | Enter password (8-63 characters) |
| WPA3 | In the router security settings | Printer support required |
| WEP | Rarely, in older routers | Enter exactly, including spaces |
| Open (without password) | Not recommended | Just click "Connect" |
After entering the password, the printer will try to get the address via DHCPIf the "Connected" status doesn't appear, check if the address pool on your router is full.
What to do if the printer does not see the network?
Make sure the distance between the router and printer isn't too great. Walls and appliances can block the signal. Try moving the printer closer to the signal source during setup.
Using the mobile app for configuration
Modern devices are often configured via a smartphone. Manufacturers HP Smart, Epson iPrint And Canon PRINT offer convenient interfaces for migration to a new network.
Launch the app and add a new printer. If the device was already linked to your account, the app may prompt you to "Change Wi-Fi settings." Follow the instructions on your phone's screen.
It's important that your smartphone is connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to connect the printer to. The app will transmit this data directly.
⚠️ Note: When setting up via iOS (iPhone/iPad), the app may request permission to use the local network. Be sure to approve this request, otherwise data transfer will be blocked by the security system.
This method is especially convenient for office MFPs, which lack a keyboard for easily entering complex passwords. The phone will take over this function.
Reset network settings to factory defaults
If your printer is stuck on old settings and refuses to accept new ones, a full network reset will help. This won't affect your personal files or page counter, but it will clear the list of saved Wi-Fi networks.
The reset key combination varies by model. Often, you'll need to press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross) simultaneously for 5-10 seconds. The lights may start flashing in a specific pattern.
After the reset, the device will reboot the network module and enter connection standby mode. You can now run the setup wizard or WPS again.
Diagnosing and resolving connection problems
Even after successfully entering the password, the printer may remain offline. This is often due to the frequency range or security type. Make sure the printer isn't attempting to connect to a 5 GHz network if it only supports 2.4 GHz.
Check if client isolation is enabled on your router. This prevents devices within the network from communicating with each other, making printing impossible.
- 🔄 Restart the router and printer one by one: first the router, then the printer.
- 📡 Check if the network name (SSID) contains Cyrillic characters—the equipment often doesn't understand them.
- 🔒 Make sure you are using WPA2-AES encryption and not mixed modes.
- 🔌 Try temporarily disabling security macros on your router to test.
If the problem persists, try assigning a static IP address to the printer in your router settings, binding it to the device's MAC address. This will prevent addressing conflicts.
Why doesn't the printer see the 5 GHz network?
Most budget and office printers are equipped with 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi modules, which operate exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band. They are physically unable to "see" 5 GHz networks (the ac/ax standard). Solution: Separate the networks in your router settings by giving them different names (for example, HomeWiFi and HomeWiFi_5G), and connect the printer to the network without the 5G adapter.
Is it possible to connect a printer to a hidden network (Hidden SSID)?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires manual setup. In the printer menu, select "Enter the network name manually" (Manual Setup). You must know the exact network name (case-sensitive) and encryption type. Automatic search will not work in this case.
What should I do if my router changed channels and my printer got lost?
Some older printers don't work well with the router's automatic channel selection. If the connection is unstable, go to the router settings and set the 2.4 GHz channel to 1, 6, or 11. These channels don't overlap and provide the most stable connection.
Do I need to reinstall the driver after changing Wi-Fi?
In 90% of cases, no. The driver in the operating system is tied to the IP address or network name of the device. If the printer's IP address changes after reconfiguration (a new DHCP server is issued), Windows may create a copy of the printer with the "Offline" status. Delete the old copy and re-add the device through "Devices and Printers" once it's found on the network.
How to find out the printer's IP address after connection?
Most models allow you to print a "Network Configuration Page." This is typically done via the "Settings" -> "Report" menu or by holding down the "Information" (i) button for 5 seconds. The report will show the current IP address, which is useful for fine-tuning.