Changing internet providers, purchasing a new router, or simply changing a wireless network password—every home appliance user faces these situations. At such times, a reasonable question arises: How to change the Wi-Fi on a printerTo continue printing documents and photos without a cable connection? The setup process may seem complicated, but the steps are actually the same for most models, whether it's an inkjet MFP or a laser printer.
Modern printing devices have built-in communication modules that allow them to be controlled remotely. However, if network parameters change, the device will simply lose connection with your computer or smartphone. You don't need to be an IT specialist to restore the connection. Simply follow the clear steps outlined below, taking into account the specifics of different manufacturers.
Before you begin any active steps, make sure you know the exact name of your new network (SSID) and its current password. There is a mistake even in one character This will prevent the device from logging into the network. Also, check that the router is working properly and that other devices can connect to the internet successfully.
Preparatory stage: checking compatibility and data
Before accessing the settings menu, you need to make sure your equipment is technically ready for wireless operation. Many older printer models have Wi-Fi as an option or require an additional adapter. If there is no antenna or wireless indicator on the printer, you may need to purchase and install one first. USB Wi-Fi module, compatible with your specific model.
The frequency range is critical. Most office and home printers operate exclusively within the frequency range. 2.4 GHzIf your new router only distributes the network on the frequency 5 GHz or uses "5 GHz only" mode, the printer simply won't see the network. Modern routers often have band aggregation enabled, but sometimes it needs to be forced in the router settings.
- 📶 Make sure your router is broadcasting at 2.4 GHz.
- 🔑 Write down your Wi-Fi password correctly, observing the letter case.
- 🔌 Place the printer no more than 1-2 meters away from the router during setup.
- 📱 Prepare a computer or smartphone from which control will be performed.
⚠️ Note: If you have a dual-band router and the networks have the same names (for example, MyWiFi and MyWiFi_5G), try temporarily disabling the 5 GHz band in your router settings while connecting the printer to avoid confusion.
It's also worth checking the operating system version on your computer. Drivers for older operating systems may not have up-to-date Wi-Fi setup utilities. In this case, it's best to use the manufacturer's mobile app or the WPS method, which we'll discuss below. Make sure the printer itself isn't displaying any active errors, such as "paper jam" or "no cartridge," as network settings may be unavailable during an error state.
Resetting the printer's network settings
Often, simply trying to enter a new password over the old one doesn't work, as conflicting configurations are stored in the device's memory. The most reliable method Change the Wi-Fi on the printer — perform a full reset of network settings to factory defaults. This action does not affect personal data or page counters; it only clears the memory of previous access points.
The reset procedure depends on whether your device has a display. If it does, look for "Settings" or "Setup" in the main menu. Find the "Network" section and select "Restore network settings" or "Reset network settings." On models without a display, this operation is usually performed using a button combination. For example, hold down the wireless button and the cancel button for 3-5 seconds until the lights start flashing.
What happens when you reset network settings?
Resetting your printer's network settings deletes all saved Wi-Fi profiles, IP addresses, and security settings. Afterward, it goes into standby mode, just like you'd just unpacked it from the store. This is a safe procedure that resolves 90% of connection issues.
After the reset, the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer's control panel should begin blinking, indicating it's ready to search for a network. If the indicator remains steady or off, the reset failed and you'll need to repeat the procedure, varying the button press duration. In some cases, you'll need to power cycle the device after the reset.
WPS method: quick connection without entering a password
The easiest way to connect a printer to Wi-Fi, if your router has a dedicated button, is with WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). It allows devices to exchange encryption keys automatically, eliminating the need to manually enter a complex password on your phone or computer keyboard.
To implement this method, find a button with the inscription on the router body WPS or the two arrows icon. Press it once (sometimes you need to hold it for 2-3 seconds). Immediately afterward, within 2 minutes, activate WPS mode on the printer. This can be done either by pressing a dedicated button on the panel or through the menu: Settings → Network → WPS.
- 🔘 Press the WPS button on the router.
- 🖨️ Activate WPS on the printer within 2 minutes.
- ⏳ Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator stops flashing and remains on continuously.
- ✅ Check your connection status by printing a network report.
If the lights are flashing (alternating) or are solid orange, the connection has failed. This may occur if you failed to press the printer button within the allotted time, or if the WPS function is disabled in your router's security settings. In this case, you'll need to enter the data manually.
Setup via a computer using a USB cable
If wireless methods don't work, the classic "how to set up Wi-Fi on a printer" method involves temporarily using a USB cable. This method is considered the most stable, as the configuration is transferred directly from the computer to the device, bypassing the hassle of searching for a network.
You'll need the installation disc that came with the printer or the full package of drivers and utilities downloaded from the official website. Run the software installation. During the installation, the program will ask for the connection type. Select "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi." When prompted to connect the device, connect the printer to the PC using a cable.
The program automatically reads the current settings and prompts you to select a new network from the list of available ones. All you need to do is enter the password. Once the settings are successfully transferred, the program will notify you that you can disconnect the cable. The printer will automatically switch to wireless data transfer.
☑️ USB Connection Checklist
It's important to note that after setting up the printer via cable, the computer's USB port may no longer see the printer as a direct printing device, as the network connection will take priority. This is normal. If you need to use the cable again, you may need to change the port in the Windows print device settings from network (IP address) to USB.
Using the mobile app and smartphone screen
Modern manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother are relying on mobile apps. This is the most convenient way Change the Wi-Fi on the printerIf you don't have a computer with a USB port nearby, the apps use Wi-Fi settings transfer technology from your smartphone to the printer.
First, you need to put the printer into setup mode (usually a blinking Wi-Fi indicator). Then, on your smartphone, find the network that the printer itself is broadcasting (often called "Direct-Print-ModelName" or "Setup-Model"). Connect to this network. The default password is usually listed on a sticker inside the printer or in the instructions; this is often 12345678.
After connecting to the printer, open the proprietary app (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson iPrint, Brother iPrint&Scan). The app will detect the device and prompt you to set up internet connection. It will automatically connect to the Wi-Fi network your phone is connected to and transfer it to the printer.
| Manufacturer | Application name | Connection feature |
|---|---|---|
| HP | HP Smart | Requires HP account registration |
| Canon | Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY | Supports QR code scanning for setup |
| Epson | Epson iPrint / Smart Panel | Uses Epson Connect technology |
| Brother | Brother iPrint&Scan | Automatically search for devices on the network |
If the app fails to transfer settings, try disabling your smartphone's mobile data (3G/4G) during setup, leaving it connected to Wi-Fi only. Sometimes operating systems block local data transfers over mobile networks, preventing the configuration process from completing.
Solving typical problems when changing networks
Even when following all the instructions, users often encounter difficulties. One of the most common issues is the printer not detecting the network, even though the router is working. This often happens if the network name (SSID) is hidden in the router settings. In this case, you need to manually enter the network name in the printer menu or temporarily enable network name broadcasting.
Another common scenario is an IP address error. When you change your router, the address range changes. If the printer tries to use the old static IP, it won't be able to connect. Make sure the printer's TCP/IP settings are set to obtain an address automatically (DHCP).
⚠️ Note: Antivirus programs and firewalls on your computer may block the printer setup process. If the installation freezes at a certain percentage, try temporarily disabling your firewall.
It's also worth paying attention to the security type. Some older printer models don't support the new WPA3 encryption standards. If you have a new router, try switching your wireless security mode to mixed (WPA2/WPA3) or temporarily to WPA2 Personal for setup.
Network diagnostics and report printing
Once you've successfully changed the printer's Wi-Fi, you need to ensure the connection is stable. The best diagnostic method is to print a wireless network report. This document contains all the technical information: the current IP address, signal strength, MAC address, and connection status.
The button combination for printing a report varies. Often, it's holding down the wireless button and the information button (the "i" icon) simultaneously. In the report, look for the "Status" line. If it says "Connected," then everything was successful. Also, check the signal strength. If it's below 50%, network printing quality may be poor, and it's best to move the printer closer to the router.
If you see an address in the report 0.0.0.0 or 169.254.x.x, this means the printer hasn't received an address from the router. In this case, rebooting the entire chain will help: turn off the router, turn off the printer, turn on the router, wait for it to fully boot up, and only then turn on the printer.
What should I do if the printer sees the network but doesn't connect?
Most likely, you entered the wrong password. Pay attention to the letter case and keyboard layout. Another cause is MAC address filtering on the router. Check if your printer is blacklisted and add its MAC address to the whitelist of allowed clients in the router settings.
Can I connect a printer to a guest Wi-Fi network?
Technically, this is possible, but not recommended. Guest networks often isolate devices from each other, so a computer won't be able to send a print job to a printer even if both are connected to the same guest network. Use the primary network.
My printer stopped printing after updating my router. What's wrong?
A new router may have changed the broadcast channel or encryption standard. Try fixing the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (for example, to 1, 6, or 11) and ensure it's using a compatible encryption type (AES).
How to find the IP address of a printer on the network?
The IP address can be found in the network report, which can be printed using a key combination. It can also be found in your router's client list (DHCP Client List section) or in the device properties in the Windows Control Panel.
Do I need to reinstall drivers after changing Wi-Fi?
Usually not. If the printer's IP address has changed, Windows may lose connectivity. In this case, simply remove the old device from the printer list and add it again after finding the updated device on the network. The drivers will remain the same.