How to reconnect a printer to a different Wi-Fi network: instructions for all models

Transferring a printer to a new Wi-Fi network is a task every user faces when changing a router, moving, or updating their internet password. It would seem simple: disconnect from the old network and connect to a new one. But in practice, the process is often fraught with connection errors, "lost" drivers, or printers that stubbornly refuse to print despite a successful connection. In this article, we'll explore these issues. all reconnection methods — from manual configuration via the control panel to using manufacturers’ mobile applications.

We will pay special attention to typical problems: when the printer visible online, but it doesn't print, or when the new network simply doesn't appear in the list of available ones. You'll also learn how to avoid Loss of printer network settings when resetting the router — this saves hours of re-tuning. The instructions are universal and suitable for most models. HP, Canon, Epson, Brother and other brands, but taking into account their features.

1. Preparing for reconnection: what to do before changing the network

Before messing with printer settings, make sure the new Wi-Fi network is ready to accept devices. This will eliminate half the potential problems.

First, check router operating mode: Printers often do not see networks operating in the mode 802.11n/ac (5 GHz) without support 2.4 GHzMost office and home printers only support 2.4 GHz, so if your router is running in dual-band mode, temporarily disable 5 GHz or create a separate network for 2.4 GHz. Here's how to do it:

• 🔧 Go to your router's control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• 📡 Find the section Wireless Settings (or "Wireless Network").
• 🔄 Make sure the option is 2.4GHz enabled and the network is visible (parameter SSID Broadcast = Enabled).

Second, prepare the new network data:

• 📝 The exact name of the network (SSID) — case sensitive!
• 🔐 Password (if the network is protected).
• 📌 Security type (WPA2-PSK, WPA3 etc.).

⚠️ Note: If your printer was previously connected to the network via WPS (button on the router), and the new network does not support this method, manual configuration will be required. Some models Canon And Epson Access to the Wi-Fi menu may be blocked after several unsuccessful connection attempts. In this case, resetting the settings will help.

Make sure the router is turned on and distributing Wi-Fi|

Check that the printer is turned on and has paper/ink|

Prepare SSID and password for the new network|

Disable VPN/proxy on your computer (they may block access to the printer)|

Download the latest version of drivers from the manufacturer's website (if the printer is old)

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2. Methods for reconnecting a printer to Wi-Fi: choosing the optimal one

There are three main methods for migrating a printer to a new network. The choice depends on the device model and your technical skills.

If your printer has no screen (For example, Brother HL-L2300D or HP LaserJet Pro M15w), the most reliable way is to use proprietary software. For models with a touch screen (Canon TS8350, Epson ET-2800) it is more convenient to configure directly through the menu.

Please note: Some printers (especially older models) Samsung or Xerox) may require reboots after changing the networkIf the printer does not print after connecting, turn it off for 30 seconds, then turn it on again.

3. Step-by-step instructions: connecting via the printer control panel

This method is suitable for printers with displays. Let's look at the process using popular brands as examples.

General algorithm:

1. Press the button on the printer Settings (or Setup, Menu).
2. Select a section Net → Wi-Fi (or Wireless communication).
3. Find the option Setting up Wi-Fi or Change network.
4. Select a new network from the list and enter the password.

Features for different brands:

• 🖨️ HP: On the menu Wireless select Wi-Fi Protected Setup → Push Button (if the router supports WPS) or Wireless Setup Wizard for manual input.
• 📷 Canon: Go to Settings → Device → LAN setup → Wireless communication → Setting up WLAN.
• 🖼️ Epson: On the menu Wi-Fi select Setting up a connection → Access point (if you need to connect to a router).

If your network doesn't appear in the list, try:

• 🔄 Refresh the list of networks (usually a button Refresh or Search).
• 📶 Reduce the distance between the printer and the router.
• 🔌 Reboot the router.

What should I do if my printer asks for a Wi-Fi PIN?

Some models (eg HP OfficeJet) when connected to the network with WPA2-Enterprise They may request a PIN. This isn't your Wi-Fi password, but a unique printer code that can be found:

1. On the sticker on the back or bottom of the device.

2. In the printer menu: Settings → Net → Wi-Fi Direct → Show PIN.

3. In the printer documentation.

If the PIN is lost, reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults.

4. Connection via the manufacturer's software

If your printer doesn't have a screen or the menu is too complex, use proprietary utilities. This method is universal and often resolves issues with "invisible" networks.

First, download the software from the manufacturer's official website. Here are direct links to support pages for popular brands (open in your browser):

• 🔗 HP: support.hp.com → enter your printer model.
• 🔗 Canon: canon.ru/support → "Drivers" section.
• 🔗 Epson: epson.ru/support → "Downloads".

Instructions with an example HP Smart (similar for other brands):

1. Install and run the program HP Smart.
2. Select your printer from the list of devices (if it's there). If not, click Add a printer.
3. In the printer menu, select Settings → Reconfiguring Wi-Fi.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: the program will automatically find available networks and prompt you to enter a password.

For Canon And Epson The process is similar, but you may need to temporarily connect the printer to your computer via USB. For example, in Epson Software Updater there is an option Change Wi-Fi Settings, which is activated only when connected via USB.

⚠️ Note: If the printer disappears from the device list in Windows/macOS after reconnecting, remove it and add it again. Sometimes the system "remembers" the printer's old IP address and cannot connect to it. In Windows, this can be done via Control Panel → Devices and printers.

5. Reconnecting via WPS: Fast, but not always secure

Method WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your printer to the network without entering a password—just press a button on the router. It's convenient, but less safe, than manual data entry.

How does this work:

1. Make sure your router supports WPS (usually there is a button labeled WPS or the 🔄 icon).
2. Find the menu on the printer Wi-Fi Protected Setup or WPS (in the section Net).
3. Select an option Push Button Method (button method).
4. Click the button WPS on the router within 2 minutes.
5. Wait for the printer to confirm the connection.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work with networks where WPS is disabled (many modern routers block it by default).
• ❌ Some printers (eg. Brother DCP-T425W) only support WPS 2.4 GHz.
• ❌ If the maximum number of devices are already connected to the network via WPS, the new printer will not connect.

If WPS does not work, check:

• 🔄 Is WPS enabled in your router settings?Wireless → WPS Settings).
• 🕒 Has the waiting time expired (usually 2 minutes).
• 📡 Is the printer within the network coverage area (no further than 5 meters from the router).

6. Manual connection by IP address: for advanced users

This method is useful if the printer isn't visible in the list of networks or you're setting it up on a corporate network with static IP addresses. Access to the router's control panel is required.

Steps:

1. Find out your printer's IP address. To do this:
   • Print a self-test page (usually a button Information or retention Cancel 5 seconds).
   • The IP will be listed in the section Network Configuration.

Enter this IP into the address bar of your browser (for example, 192.168.1.100).

Log in (login/password usually admin/admin or indicated on the printer sticker).

Find the section Wireless or Network and manually enter the new network details.

Example interface for Brother:

Menu: Network → WLAN → Manual Setup
Fields to fill in:
- SSID: [network_name]
- Authentication: [WPA2-PSK]
- Encryption: [AES]
- Pre-Shared Key: [password]

If the printer does not receive an IP address automatically (DHCP), assign one manually in the same menu. Make sure the address does not conflict with other devices on the network (e.g. 192.168.1.150).

⚠️ Caution: When manually configuring the IP, it's easy to make a mistake in the subnet mask or gateway. If the printer "disappears" from the network after saving the settings, reset it using the reset button. Reset (usually held for 10-15 seconds) and repeat the process.

7. Troubleshooting: Printer is connected but does not print

A printer successfully connected to Wi-Fi but unresponsive to print requests is more common than you might think. Here are the main causes and solutions:

If the printer visible online, but the computer cannot connect to it, check:

• 🔌 Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus (they may be blocking the port) 9100, used for printing).
• 🌐 Make sure your computer and printer are on the same subnet (the first three digits of the IP address must match, e.g. 192.168.1.x).
• 🔄 Restart your router—sometimes it “forgets” the routes to devices.

For printers HP with an error 0x6100004a or 0x610000f6 Resetting the printing system will help:

1. Open Control Panel → Devices and printers.
2. Remove all HP printers.
3. Launch HP Print and Scan Doctor (download from HP website).
4. Follow the utility instructions to reinstall the drivers.

8. Additional tips: How to avoid problems in the future

To avoid having to reconfigure your printer every time your Wi-Fi changes, follow these guidelines:

• 📌 Assign to printer static IP address in the router settings (section DHCP Reservation). This will prevent conflicts when rebooting the router.
• 🔄 Update your printer firmware regularly. New versions often fix connection errors. For example, Epson EcoTank after updating to firmware v1.05+ The problem with losing Wi-Fi after sleep has disappeared.
• 📡 If you have a dual-band router, create separate network for 2.4 GHz specifically for the printer. This will eliminate compatibility issues.
• 🖧 Use guest network for the printer if it's connected to the office Wi-Fi. This will increase security without sacrificing functionality.

For owners MFP (multifunctional devices) it is important to check the scanner settings after changing the network. In some models (Canon MG3640, Brother MFC-J4335DW) the scanner uses a separate protocol (WSD or AirPrint), which may be disabled. To restore operation:

1. Open a scanning program (eg. Canon IJ Scan Utility).
2. Select Settings → Network scanning.
3. Click Refresh the list of devices.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about reconnecting your printer to Wi-Fi

Question 1: The printer is connected to the network, but the computer doesn't see it. What should I do?

Answer: Check if the protocol is enabled in the printer settings. SMB (for Windows) or Bonjour (for macOS). Also, make sure your firewall allows traffic to the ports 137–139 (SMB) and 5353 (Bonjour).

Question 2: Is it possible to connect a printer to two networks at the same time?

Answer: Most home printers only support one active Wi-Fi network. The exception is models with Wi-Fi Direct (For example, HP Envy 6055), which can simultaneously be connected to the router and create their own network for direct connections.

Question 3: After changing Wi-Fi, my printer is printing very slowly. What's wrong?

Answer: Perhaps the router automatically switched the printer to the range 5 GHz, which is less effective at penetrating walls. Set the printer settings to a fixed channel. 2.4 GHz (for example, channel 6 or 11). Also, check if the router is in the "Unattended" mode. QoS, which may limit printing traffic.

Question 4: Do I need to reinstall drivers after changing Wi-Fi?

Answer: Usually no, but if the printer is not detected, remove it from the system and add it again. In Windows, this is done via Control Panel → Devices and printers → right button on the printer → Remove deviceAfter rebooting, the system should find the printer automatically.

Question 5: How do I reset my printer's Wi-Fi settings if I forgot my old network password?

Answer: Most printers have a reset button (usually labeled Reset or Restart). Hold it for 10-15 seconds until all lights go out. After rebooting, the printer will return to factory settings, and you can connect it to a new network. Attention: Resetting will delete all saved print jobs!