How to Reconnect a Printer to a New Wi-Fi Network: A Complete Guide with Pictures

Changing your home router or Wi-Fi password is a routine procedure that often turns into a headache: the printer suddenly stops printing, and it disappears from the list of available devices. The reason is simple: The printer saves settings for only one network. and can't automatically connect to a new access point. In this article, we'll discuss how to get your printer back up and running without calling a technician—from preparation to troubleshooting.

We will consider universal methods for all brands (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother), as well as nuances for specific models. We will pay special attention hidden functions of printers with and without a display — these tips will save you hours of troubleshooting. If your printer is displaying a "No connection" error or the Wi-Fi light is flashing, here's the exact steps to take.

We warn you in advance: Not all printers support fast network switching.. Old models (until 2015) may require a hard reset or a USB connection. But even in this case, we'll show you workarounds.

1. Preparation: What to check before setting up the printer

Before messing with the printer settings, make sure the problem is Wi-Fi. Here's a diagnostic checklist:

Is the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer green or flashing?|The router is turned on and broadcasting the network (check on your phone)|The password for the new network is written correctly (no typos)|The printer is plugged in and not in sleep mode|The VPN on your computer/phone is disabled (it may be blocking the local network)-->

If the printer doesn't react at all on the buttons, check:

• 🔌 Nutrition: Try a different outlet or cable (on some models Epson the power supply fails after power surges).
• 📄 paper: Jammed or missing sheets may prevent other functions from functioning.
• 🔄 Hard reset: Press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds (works for HP DeskJet And Canon PIXMA).

Important: If you changed provider, the new router could have gotten different IP address (for example, with 192.168.0.1 on 192.168.1.1). This does not affect the printer's direct connection, but it may prevent the device from being detected by the computer.

2. Methods for connecting a printer to a new Wi-Fi network

The method you choose depends on your printer model. We'll cover all the options, from the simplest to the "heavy artillery" for stubborn devices.

2.1. Via the printer control panel (for models with a display)

This is the most reliable method for printers with a touch or button screen (HP OfficeJet, Canon MAXIFY, Brother DCP). Algorithm:

1. Click the button Settings (or Setup) on the printer panel.
2. Select a section Net → Wi-Fi (or Wireless network).
3. Click Wi-Fi Setup Wizard (or WPS, if your router supports this feature).
4. Enter the name of the new network (SSID) and password. Use Latin characters — Cyrillic is not supported!

For printers Epson EcoTank the path may differ: Settings → Wireless → Connection settings → Access point.

What should I do if the printer doesn't see the new network?

If your network does not appear in the list, check:

1. Router broadcast mode: Some printers do not support 5 GHz networks (switch your router to 2.4 GHz).

2. Hidden SSID: If the network does not broadcast its name, enter SSID manually in the printer menu.

3. Wi-Fi channel: Printers do not work well on channels higher than 11 (change the channel in the router settings).

2.2. Via WPS (the fastest method)

If your router supports WPS (a button with a lock or inscription WPS), the connection will take 30 seconds:

1. Click the button WPS on the router (hold for 2-3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing).
2. On the printer, press and hold the button Wi-Fi (or WPS) 5 seconds until the wireless indicator flashes.
3. Wait until the printer and router “shake hands” (the indicators stop flashing).

⚠️ Attention: WPS only works if:

• 🔒 The router does not use a password longer than 8 characters (some models TP-Link WPS is blocked with long passwords).
• 📡 The printer and router are no more than 2 meters apart (WPS is sensitive to interference).

2.3. Via USB cable (for printers without a display)

If your printer is a "deaf" model without a screen (HP LaserJet P1102w, Canon LBP6030w), use a temporary USB connection:

1. Connect the printer to the computer via USB.
2. Download the utility from the manufacturer:
   • 🖨️ HP: HP Smart or 123.hp.com
   • 🖨️ Canon: IJ Start Canon
   • 🖨️ Epson: Epson Connect

Launch the utility and select "Wireless Network Setup".

Follow the on-screen instructions (the program will automatically find the printer and prompt you to enter the Wi-Fi password).

⚠️ AttentionAfter setup, disconnect the USB cable! Otherwise, the printer will attempt to print via the cable, ignoring Wi-Fi.

2.4. Via a mobile app

Manufacturers offer official applications for customization:

• 📱 HP Smart (Android/iOS) - for printers HP.
• 📱 Canon PRINT - For Canon PIXMA/MAXIFY.
• 📱 Epson iPrint - For Epson EcoTank/WorkForce.
• 📱 Brother iPrint&Scan - For Brother MFC/DCP.

Algorithm:

1. Install the application and turn it on Bluetooth on the phone.
2. Add the printer via "Add device" (the app will find it via Bluetooth).
3. Select "Wi-Fi Setup" and enter the details of the new network.

Applications often offer network diagnostics - If the connection fails, they will show the exact error (for example, "Incorrect password" or "Weak signal").

3. Solving common errors

Even after proper setup, your printer may still stop working. Let's look at common issues and their solutions.

If the printer connects but does not print, check:

• 🖥️ Drivers: download the latest version from the manufacturer's website (for example, for HP LaserJet P1108 The 2020 driver may not work with Windows 11).
• 📡 Printer IP address: it may have changed. Find it in the printer menu (Network → TCP/IP Configuration) and add the port manually on your PC.
• 🔒 Firewall: Disable it temporarily (or add an exception for the printing program).

4. Setting up the printer on your computer after connecting to Wi-Fi

Even if the printer has successfully connected to the network, it still needs to be "introduced" to your PC or laptop. Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click "Add a printer or scanner".
3. If your printer is not found automatically, select "The printer I want isn't listed."
4. Please specify TCP/IP address printer (find it in the printer menu: Network → Wi-Fi Configuration).
5. Select the driver from the list or install it manually (download it from the manufacturer's website).

For MacOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click “+” → add a printer IP address (tab IP).
3. In the “Address” field, enter the printer’s IP address, and in the “Protocol” select AirPrint (For Epson/Canon) or HP Jetdirect (For HP).

⚠️ Attention: If the printer was previously connected via USB, Windows may "forget" its network version. Remove all references to the printer in Devices and printers before re-configuring.

5. Features for different brands

Each manufacturer adds its own unique features to the connection process. Let's explore the nuances for popular brands.

5.1. HP Printers (DeskJet, OfficeJet, LaserJet)

U HP There are two unique features:

• 🔄 HP Auto Wireless Connect: the printer itself finds the network and connects to it (works only with routers that support WPS).
• 📱 HP Smart App: allows you to connect the printer to Wi-Fi even without a display (via Bluetooth).

For models HP LaserJet Pro M426fdw and older:

1. Click Wireless (button with antenna).
2. Select Wi-Fi Protected Setup → Push Button.
3. Click WPS on the router within 2 minutes.

5.2. Canon printers (PIXMA, MAXIFY, imageCLASS)

Canon likes to make life difficult for users of older models. For example, Canon PIXMA MG2540S It doesn't have a screen, and to set up Wi-Fi you'll have to:

1. Hold the button Wi-Fi (with indicator) 5 seconds until the light flashes.
2. Connect to a temporary printer network (CANON_XX_Setup) from the phone.
3. Open your browser and go to the address http://192.168.1.1 for customization.

For new models (Canon PIXMA G3260) is available access point mode:

• 📶 The printer creates its own network (CANON_XX_Setup).
• 📱 Connect to it from your phone and open http://canon.com/ijsetup.
• 🔑 Enter your Wi-Fi password.

5.3. Epson Printers (EcoTank, WorkForce, L-Series)

Epson uses a proprietary utility Epson Software Updater, which is often required for setting up Wi-Fi. Features:

• 🖥️ For models EcoTank ET-2800 and newer settings are only possible through Epson Connect (USB or Bluetooth).
• 📡 Printers Epson do not support networks 5 GHz (only 2.4 GHz).
• 🔄 To reset the network, hold the button Stop (red triangle) 10 seconds.

5.4. Brother Printers (MFC, DCP, HL-L)

Brother is known for its reliability, but their printers sometimes "glitch" when changing Wi-Fi. For models Brother MFC-J4335DW:

1. Click Menu → Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard.
2. Select your network and enter the password.
3. If the printer does not connect, reset the network settings: Menu → Network → Reset Network.

⚠️ Attention: Printers Brother may block the connection if the password contains symbols ! @ # $ %Replace them with letters or numbers.

6. Alternative connection methods

If Wi-Fi stubbornly doesn't work, there are workarounds:

6.1. Connection via USB (permanent)

Not the most convenient, but a reliable option. Suitable for:

• 🖨️ Printers without Wi-Fi (HP LaserJet P1102).
• 📡 Networks with strict restrictions (corporate routers).

Cons:

• ❌ The printer is only accessible from one PC.
• ❌ You can't print from your smartphone.

6.2. Connection via Ethernet (LAN)

If the printer supports Ethernet (HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e, Brother MFC-L2750DW), use a wired connection:

1. Connect the printer to the router with a cable LAN.
2. In the printer menu, select Network → Wired Network → On.
3. Add a printer to your PC IP address (find it in the printer menu).

Pros:

• ✅ More stable Wi-Fi (no interference).
• ✅ Works with all devices on the network.

6.3. Sharing a printer via a PC

If the printer is connected to one computer but is needed on other devices:

1. On the PC with the printer, open Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options.
2. Turn on File and Printer Sharing.
3. IN Devices and printers Right-click on the printer → Printer Properties → Access → check “Shared access”.
4. On other PCs, add the printer to the path \\COMPUTER_NAME\PRINTER_NAME.

⚠️ Attention: The main computer must be always on, otherwise the printer will be unavailable.

7. Diagnosing and troubleshooting complex problems

If your printer still won't work, it's time to dig deeper. Here's what to check:

7.1 Checking the printer's IP address

If your printer is connected to Wi-Fi but doesn't print, it might be out of order. IP addressHow to check:

1. Print network configuration test sheet (on most printers: hold down the button Wi-Fi or Information 5 seconds).
2. Find the line IP Address (For example, 192.168.1.105).
3. On your PC, open Command Prompt and type:

   ping 192.168.1.105

   If pings are going (Reply from 192.168.1.105), the printer is available. If not, there's a network issue.

7.2. Resetting the printer network

If the printer has "forgotten" the old network and won't connect to the new one, reset it:

• 🔄 HP: Settings → Network → Network Reset.
• 🔄 Canon: hold Stop/Reset 10 seconds.
• 🔄 Epson: Settings → Reset all settings (you will need to reinstall the drivers!).
• 🔄 Brother: Menu → Network → Reset Network.

7.3. Checking router settings

Sometimes the problem lies with the router. Check:

• 📡 Opening hours: printers do not support 802.11ac (5 GHz). Switch the router to the mode 802.11n (2.4 GHz).
• 🔒 MAC address filtering: If enabled, add the printer's MAC address (found in the test print).
• 🔄 DHCP: Make sure that your router assigns IP addresses automatically (otherwise the printer may not have enough addresses).

⚠️ Attention: If you use guest network on the router, the printer will not be able to connect to it - the guest network is usually isolated from local devices.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

My printer isn't detecting the new Wi-Fi network. What should I do?

Check:

• 📡 The router is broadcasting in the range 2.4 GHz (most printers do not support 5 GHz).
• 🔍 The network is not hidden (if yes, enter SSID manually in the printer menu).
• 📶 The printer is within range of the router (no more than 5 meters during setup).

If nothing helps, try connecting via WPS or USB.

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but the computer can't see it. Why?

Possible reasons:

• 🖥️ Drivers are not installed on your PC (download from the manufacturer's website).
• 🔌 The printer is connected to a different network (check IP address in the test print).
• 🛡️ Your firewall or antivirus is blocking access (temporarily disable them).

Solution: Remove the printer in Devices and printers and add it again IP address.

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

No, Most printers only support one active Wi-Fi network.. Exceptions:

• 🖨️ Some models HP OfficeJet Pro (For example, 9015e) can remember several networks, but will only work with one.
• 🖨️ Printers with Ethernet can use both wired and wireless networks simultaneously (but will only print through one channel).

If you need to switch between networks (for example, at home and in the office), you will have to reconfigure the printer each time.

How do I know if my printer is connected to Wi-Fi?

Verification methods:

• 🔄 Look at the indicator Wi-Fi:
  • 🟢 Lights up green - connected.
  • 🟡 Blinking orange - connection error.
  • ⚪ Off — Wi-Fi is disabled.
• 📄 Print a network configuration test sheet (usually by holding down the button Wi-Fi or Information 5 seconds).
• 🖥️ Check the list of connected devices in the router settings (section DHCP or Connected clients).

Do I need to reconnect the printer when I change the Wi-Fi password?

Yes, The printer does not update the password automatically.When changing your password:

1. Go to the printer menu: Settings → Network → Wi-Fi.
2. Select your network and enter a new password.
3. Or reset the network and set it up again.

If you do not reconnect, the printer will show the error "No connection" or "Incorrect password".