Changing internet providers, purchasing a new router, or even simply changing the home network password often leaves users faced with the reality that their printer stops printing. A device that was working perfectly just yesterday suddenly becomes inaccessible to computers and smartphones. This is a classic situation caused by the router assigning new IP addresses or changing security settings, while the printer remains with the old settings.
You don't need to be a network engineer to fix this problem. Reconnecting the printer to Wi-Fi — the process is logical, although it requires attention to detail. In most cases, it's enough to re-enter the network password in the device's menu or use a temporary USB cable to transfer the new network settings. The main thing is to understand what's happening in the background between the router and your MFP.
There are several proven methods for restoring connection, and the choice of a specific one depends on the model of your device and whether it has a screen on the case. We'll look at universal algorithms for HP, Canon, Epson And BrotherWe'll also cover the nuances of working with WPS and static IP addresses.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before taking any active steps, you need to ensure that all system components are ready for operation. Often, the problem lies not in software glitches, but in a simple frequency band mismatch. Modern routers broadcast networks in the following bands: 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz, while many printers, especially models older than 5 years, only support 2.4 GHz.
⚠️ Attention: If your router combines both frequencies under one name (Smart Connect technology), the old printer may simply not see the network. In the router settings (via the web interface)
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1) It is recommended to temporarily separate the networks by giving them different names, for example,HomeWiFiAndHomeWiFi_5G.
It's also important to prepare the printer itself. Make sure the device is plugged in and within range of a strong signal. If the printer has a display, it should display the menu correctly. Some models will require physical access to the rear panel to temporarily connect the USB cable, which is usually included.
Write down the current settings of your new network. You will need:
- 📡 The exact network name (SSID) is case-sensitive.
- 🔑 Wi-Fi password - check your keyboard layout and language when typing.
- 📶 Encryption type - most often this is WPA2-PSK or WPA3.
- 🌐 Gateway IP address - this is usually the address of the router itself.
Having this information on hand will significantly speed up the process. If you don't know the Wi-Fi password, you can find it in the connected computer's settings or on the sticker on the bottom of the router, if you haven't changed the factory settings.
Resetting the printer's network settings
The most reliable way to force the device to forget old, no longer valid settings is to perform a full reset of the network settings. This will return the printer's network module to its factory defaults, deleting saved Wi-Fi profiles. Without this step, the device may attempt to connect to the old, high-priority network, ignoring new setup attempts.
The reset procedure varies depending on the manufacturer. On devices HP It is often necessary to simultaneously press the "Wireless" and "Cancel" buttons for 5 seconds. Canon You may need to enter the menu via the settings button and search for the “Reset LAN” or “Reset Settings” item. On models Epson with a touch screen the path usually lies through Settings → General Settings → Network → Reset Network Settings.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting network settings won't affect your personal data or page counter, but it will definitely delete saved Wi-Fi passwords. After this operation, the printer will enter connection standby mode, and its wireless indicator will begin blinking.
If your device doesn't have a screen, only buttons, use the combinations described in the instructions. Sometimes holding the Wi-Fi button until the lights start flashing alternately helps. This signals that the internal protocol stack has been cleared and is ready to receive new commands.
What to do if resetting doesn't help?
If your printer still behaves strangely after resetting its settings, try performing a cold reset. To do this, unplug the device, wait 30 seconds, then power it on while holding down a specific key combination (depending on the model). This will clear the memory buffer deeper than a regular network reset.
WPS method: quick connection without password
Technology Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) Allows you to connect devices to the network without manually entering a password. This is the fastest method if your router and printer support this feature. This method is especially convenient when you don't have a computer with a screen to copy a complex password, or if the printer keyboard is difficult to enter characters.
To implement this method, find a button with the inscription on the router body WPSIt can be physical or software (in the web interface). Press this button and activate WPS on the printer within two minutes. On devices with a screen, this is done through the menu. Network settings → WPSOn models without a display, you often need to press and hold the wireless button until the indicator light flashes.
The automatic configuration process looks like this:
- 🔘 Press the WPS button on the router (the WPS indicator should light up).
- 🖨️ Activate WPS mode on the printer within 2 minutes.
- ⏳ Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer stops flashing and turns solid.
- ✅ Print a network report to ensure successful connection.
It's worth noting that some modern routers have the WPS function disabled by default for security reasons. If the button doesn't respond, check the security settings in your provider's account or the router's admin panel. This method may also fail if you're using WPA3 encryption, which isn't always compatible with older WPS implementations.
Setup via a temporary USB connection
If wireless methods don't work, USB setup remains the "gold standard." This method ensures precise settings are transferred from the computer to the printer, eliminating manual input errors. You'll need a computer with the drivers installed (or an installation disc/file from the manufacturer's website) and a standard USB Type-A cable.
The process begins with launching the software installer. When prompted for a connection type, select "Wireless Connection," but in the next step, the system will prompt you to connect a USB cable. At this point, the installer will scan your computer for available Wi-Fi networks and transfer the list, along with the password, directly to the printer.
Algorithm of actions:
- Connect the printer to your computer via USB cable and turn on both devices.
- Run the driver installer or setup utility (e.g. HP Smart, Canon IJ Network Tool).
- Select the "Set up a wireless connection" or "Change connection type" option.
- Follow the on-screen instructions until the program prompts you to connect the cable.
- After the settings have been successfully transferred, the program will inform you that the cable can be disconnected.
After disconnecting the cable, the printer should connect to the router automatically. The Wi-Fi indicator on the device should turn blue or green (depending on the model), indicating an active connection. If the indicator continues to flash, check to see if the router's IP address has changed and repeat the process.
☑️ USB setup checklist
Problems with IP addresses and frequency ranges
One of the most common reasons why a printer won't connect to a new network is an IP address conflict or being on different subnets. When you change your router, the address range also changes (for example, with 192.168.0.x on 192.168.1.x). If the printer had a static IP address from the old router, it will physically not be able to "see" the new gateway.
You must make sure that the printer's network interface is set to obtain the address automatically (DHCP). In this case, the router will automatically assign the correct address to the device upon connection. If you use a static IP for printing convenience, you need to change it manually through the printer's built-in web interface (EWS) by entering its current IP address in the browser.
Comparison of connection types:
| Parameter | DHCP (Automatic) | Static IP |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Automatic | Requires manual configuration |
| Stability | The address may change | The address is permanent |
| Complexity | Low | High (need to know subnet) |
| Recommendation | For home | For offices with print servers |
Also, check if Client Isolation is enabled on your router. This feature prevents devices on the network from communicating with each other, allowing you to connect to Wi-Fi but blocking printing from your computer. Disable this option in your router's wireless settings.
Installing drivers and final check
Once the printer is successfully connected to the router, the final step is to ensure that the computer "sees" the device. Operating systems Windows 10/11 And macOS They have an automatic detection function, but for full functionality (scanning, ink level monitoring), it is better to install the full driver package from the manufacturer's official website.
When adding a printer to the system, select the "Add a printer by IP address" or "Add a wireless printer" option. If the system finds the device automatically, make sure the port properties contain the correct IP address, which you found in the network report. To test the connection, you can send a test page directly from the device properties.
⚠️ Attention: Operating system interfaces and router web panels are constantly being updated. Menu item names may differ from those described in the instructions. If you can't find the option you need, check the latest documentation on your router or printer manufacturer's website.
If printing starts, but after a while the printer becomes unavailable again ("Offline"), the problem may lie with the router's power-saving settings or the printer itself. Try updating your device's firmware, as manufacturers frequently release patches that improve compatibility with new Wi-Fi standards.
Why is my printer printing slowly over Wi-Fi?
Network printing speeds may be slower than USB printing due to interference or a weak signal. Make sure the printer isn't located near a microwave or mirrored surfaces, which could block the signal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a computer?
Yes, this is possible if the printer has a display and keyboard, or supports WPS technology. You can select your network and enter the password directly from the device's control panel. Also, many modern models (HP Smart, Epson iPrint) allow you to set up a network via an app on your smartphone, using Bluetooth for initial pairing.
The printer sees the 5 GHz network but won't connect. What's wrong?
Your printer likely only supports the 2.4 GHz band, but your router is broadcasting networks with the same name. Separate the networks in your router settings by giving them different names (SSIDs), and connect the printer to a network without the "5G" or "_5G" prefix.
How do I find out the IP address of my printer if it doesn't have a screen?
On most models without a display, the IP address can be found by printing a network configuration report. This is typically done by long-pressing the "Wireless" button or by pressing the "Cancel" + "Wireless" button combination. The address will be listed in the IPv4 section.
Do I need to reinstall drivers after changing my router?
Not always. If the printer's IP address has changed but remains within the same range, Windows may find it automatically. However, if the subnet or network name has changed, the easiest way is to remove the old printer from the system and re-add it as a new device, which will automatically update the connection port.