Modern office equipment has long ceased to be just a peripheral device requiring a direct cable to the computer. Network printer Wireless LAN has become the de facto standard for homes and small businesses, allowing printing from any device within wireless network coverage. However, during initial setup or troubleshooting, users often face the need to accurately identify the device on the local network.
Knowing the digital ID is necessary not only for installing drivers, but also for accessing the web management interface, where you can check ink levels or set up scanning to the cloud. TCP/IP protocol The address is the basis for the interaction between your computer and the printing device, and without the correct address, communication between them is impossible. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for obtaining this information, from simple console commands to specialized software.
Don't be intimidated by the technical jargon, as most of the procedures described take just a few minutes and don't require in-depth knowledge of network architecture. You'll be able to quickly access your settings. MFP (multifunctional device) and ensure that it is properly integrated into the home network.
Using built-in tools of the Windows operating system
The fastest way to get information about connected hardware is to use the standard Windows tools already installed on your computer. The operating system stores detailed information about all peripherals, including their network settings. First, open the Devices and Printers control panel, which displays all available resources.
Find your printer in the list, right-click it, and select "Printer Properties" (specifically, "Printer Properties," not just "Device Properties"). Go to the "Ports" tab, and in the list that opens, find the line with a check mark. The "Port" column often already contains the IP address, especially if the port was created automatically during installation.
If the port list only displays the device name or a standard USB port, click the "Configure Port" button. In the window that opens, in the "Printer Name" or "Address" field, you'll see the numbers you're looking for in the format 192.168.x.xThis method works reliably for most HP, Canon, Brother, and Epson models running Windows 10 and 11.
⚠️ Important: Make sure you're looking at the active port, marked with a checkmark. The list may display ports for previously removed devices or virtual ports, which can be confusing.
Checking settings via macOS and the Terminal utility
Apple computer users can also easily find the necessary data using built-in system utilities. In macOS, information about network printers is available through the System Preferences or System Preferences menu, depending on the operating system version.ion system. Go to the "Printers and Scanners" section and select your device from the list on the left.
After selecting your printer, look at the right side of the window, where information about the device is displayed. The address is often listed directly below the model name in the "Location" or "Address" field. If only the hostname is displayed, highlight the device's row and look at the bottom of the window, where you might see a button labeled "Options and Settings" or "Open Print Queue."
For more advanced users, there is the option of using the command line. TerminalThis method provides more technically accurate information and allows you to see connection details. Open Terminal and enter the command to list print queues, which often contains complete network information.
lpstat -p -dThis command will list all printers and their status. For more detailed information about a specific device, you can use the command lpoptions -p "Printer_Name" -l, which will show all available options and connection parameters, including the device URI, which contains the IP address.
What is a URI in the context of printing?
A URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) is a string that identifies the location of a resource. For network printers, it often looks like socket://192.168.1.50:9100, where the numbers after the double slash are the address you need.
Finding an address through the router's web interface
If your computer doesn't see your printer or the drivers aren't installed, your router is the most reliable source of truth. The router acts as the controller for your entire home network and assigns addresses to all connected devices via a service. DHCPOnce you log into your router's control panel, you'll see a complete list of all clients currently online.
To log into the web interface, enter the default gateway address (often this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) in the browser's address bar. After entering your username and password (they're located on the sticker on the bottom of the router, if you haven't changed them), find the section that may be called "Network," "LAN," "Clients," "DHCP Server," or "Client List."
In the table of connected devices, look for the name that matches your printer's manufacturer (e.g., HP, Brother, Canon). The current IP address assigned by the router will be listed next to the name. This method is universal and doesn't depend on the operating system of the computer you're logging in from.
| Router manufacturer | Menu section (approximate name) | Typical path |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | DHCP Server List | Network -> LAN -> DHCP Server |
| ASUS | Network Map / Client List | Network -> Network Map |
| Zyxel | Home Networking | Home Network -> Monitor |
| Keenetic | Client list | My Networks and Wi-Fi -> Home Network |
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces may differ depending on the firmware version. Section names may vary, but the logic remains the same: look for the list of connected devices (Connected Devices).
Printing a configuration report from the device itself
The most autonomous method, which doesn't require a working computer or access to a router, is to print a configuration page directly to the printer itself. Almost every network device, whether a laser printer HP LaserJet or inkjet Epson EcoTank, has a built-in self-testing and reporting function.
To do this, the device must have a control panel with a display or a set of buttons. Look for a button with a picture of a sheet of paper, a wrench, or an "i" (information) icon. Pressing this button or a combination of buttons (for example, holding the wireless button for 3-5 seconds) initiates printing.
On the printed sheet, look for the "Network," "TCP/IP," or "Wireless" section. The IP address, MAC address, and connection status will be clearly listed there. If the printer isn't connected to the network, this section will say "Disconnected" or the address 0.0.0.0, which indicates a problem with your Wi-Fi connection.
☑️ Preparing the report for printing
Using the Command Prompt and the Ping Utility
For techies and command line enthusiasts, there's a method that allows you to not only find but also check the availability of a device. If you know the printer's network name (hostname), which is often the same as the model or is user-defined, you can find its IP address through the console.
Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows) or Terminal (in macOS/Linux) and enter the ping command followed by the hostname. The system will automatically look up the address via DNS or NetBIOS and display the response.
ping printer_nameIn response, you will see a line like "Exchanging packets with [192.168.1.55]...". The numbers in square brackets are the address you are looking for. You can also use the command arp -a, which displays a table of IP and MAC addresses of all devices your computer has recently communicated with. Find your printer's MAC address (found on the sticker on the back of the device) in the list, and its IP address will be listed next to it.
Mobile applications and specialized software
Modern printing equipment manufacturers are actively developing mobile app ecosystems that significantly simplify device management. Apps like HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson iPrint or Brother iPrint&Scan automatically scan the network and find printers.
After adding a device to the app, its network location can usually be found in the "Printer Settings" or "Device Information" section. This is especially convenient if you don't have a computer with installed drivers, but only a smartphone or tablet.
In addition to official utilities, there are universal network scanners, such as Fing or Advanced IP ScannerThese programs perform a deep scan of the address range and display all active devices, their manufacturers, and open ports. This is a powerful tool for diagnosing complex cases where standard methods fail.
⚠️ Important: When using third-party network scanners, make sure your smartphone and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a guest network, the devices may be isolated from each other.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does my printer's IP address keep changing?
This happens because the router assigns addresses dynamically (DHCP). Each time the device reconnects, it may receive a new number. To secure the address, you need to configure a static IP address in the router or in the printer's web interface.
What to do if the address starts with 169.254.xx?
Addresses in the range 169.254.x.x (APIPA) errors mean the printer was unable to obtain an address from the router. Check your Wi-Fi password, distance to the router, or try rebooting the router.
Is it possible to find out the IP if the printer is connected via USB?
No. When connected via USB, the printer doesn't have its own network address, as it uses the resources of the computer it's connected to. A network address only appears when connected via Wi-Fi or a LAN cable.
How do I access the web interface using the address I found?
Simply enter the address (e.g., 192.168.1.50) into the address bar of any browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge) and press Enter. The printer management page will open.
Does changing the router affect the printer's IP address?
Yes, replacing a router will change the entire network structure. The printer will have to be reconnected to the new Wi-Fi network, and it will receive a new address within the new router's range.