The need to manually specify the address of a printing device arises quite often when setting up corporate networks or installing drivers on new computers. IP address This unique identifier for your printer on the local network is often impossible to use without. If you've lost the manual or don't remember where you looked up this parameter before, don't panic—there are many ways to recover this information.
Depending on your hardware model and operating system, methods may vary in complexity and tool availability. We'll cover both software methods using standard Windows utilities and hardware methods directly through the printer menu. This will help you find the numbers you need even if one of the options is unavailable.
Understanding how it works TCP/IP protocol On your home network, this will make things much easier. Modern routers automatically assign addresses to connected devices, but sometimes a static IP is necessary for the stable operation of scanners and fax machines. Let's look at all the available options, from the simplest to the most advanced.
Using the printer's built-in menu
The most direct and reliable way to access network settings is through the display on the device's body. Most modern models HP, Canon, Brother And Epson They are equipped with screens that display network configuration reports. You'll need to approach the device and look for a button with a gear or a wireless network icon.
Press the menu button and go to the network settings section. The current connection status is often displayed there. Wi-FiIf your device doesn't have a full screen but has navigation buttons, try holding down the wireless button for a few seconds—many models print an automatic report that shows the IP address.
⚠️ Attention: On some budget models without a display, a report may not print if the paper tray is out of paper or the cartridge needs replacing. Make sure the printer is ready to print before initiating a report print.
If your device has a color touchscreen, look for the "Network Settings" or "Wireless" section. Inside, you'll see "View Settings" or "Network Status." This is where the address will be listed as four numbers separated by periods.
Searching via the Windows command line
For users who prefer to work with the keyboard, the command line provides quick access to network information. This method is especially effective if the printer is already set as the default device on the system. You don't need to know any complex commands; just follow one standard instruction.
Press the key combination Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. In the black window that opens, enter the command ipconfigto find out the default gateway, but to search for a printer, it is better to use the utility netstat or an ARP table. However, the easiest way is to list all connected devices.
arp -aThis command will display a list of all IP addresses your computer has recently communicated with. You should find the address corresponding to the printer manufacturer or simply check the list of candidates. Printers often have addresses at the beginning or end of the range assigned by the router.
- 🖨️ Find the address in the list that starts with your router's prefix (usually 192.168.0.x or 192.168.1.x).
- 💻 Use the command
ping [IP address]to check if the device is responding over the network. - 📋 Copy the found address and paste it into your browser's address bar to access the web interface.
If you can't determine the correct address by the numbers, try entering each one into your browser. The printer's web interface will immediately reveal itself with a manufacturer logo or settings page. EWS (Embedded Web Server).
Checking via Print Manager
The standard Windows Print Spooler tool stores detailed information about all installed devices. This is one of the easiest methods, requiring no additional software or memorization of commands. The system automatically stores the port used to communicate with the device.
Open the Start menu, type "Control Panel," and go to "Devices and Printers" (or "Printers and Scanners" in newer versions of Windows 10/11). Find your WiFi printer in the list, right-click it, and select "Printer properties" (specifically, "properties," not just device properties).
In the window that opens, go to the "Ports" tab. In the list of ports, find the one with a check mark next to it. The IP address is often immediately visible in the "Port" column. If it says "WSD port," click the "Configure port" button—the window that opens will show the exact address. IP address or host name.
⚠️ Attention: If the port field contains a device name (for example, HP-Printer.local) instead of numbers, you may need to use a hostname resolver or router settings program.
Using the router's web interface
The router is the central hub of your network and knows about all devices connected to it. Logging into the router's admin panel provides complete control and overview. This method is universal and works for any device: phones, TVs, and, of course, printers.
Enter your router's address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) in your browser. After entering your username and password (found on the sticker on the bottom of the router), find the network status section. It may be called "Client List," "DHCP Client List," "Network Map," or "Wi-Fi Status."
In the list of connected clients, look for the name of your printer. Manufacturers often indicate the model (for example, Brother HL-L2300) or network name. The current one will be indicated next to the name. IP address, issued by the DHCP server.
| Router manufacturer | Menu section | Item name |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | DHCP | DHCP Client List |
| ASUS | Network map | Clients |
| Keenetic | Client list | Home network |
| D-Link | Advanced settings | Statistics / Clients |
The advantage of this method is that you can assign an address to the printer so that it doesn't change after rebooting the router. This is called Static DHCP or address reservation.
What should I do if the printer is not listed on the router?
If the device doesn't appear in the router's client list, check whether the printer is connected to the same WiFi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). Some routers isolate networks, preventing devices from connecting to each other. Also, make sure the printer isn't in sleep mode, which would disable the WiFi module.
Specialized utilities from the manufacturer
Major printing equipment manufacturers are developing their own software that significantly simplifies diagnostics. Utilities such as HP Smart, Canon IJ Network Tool or Brother iPrint&Scan automatically scan the network and find brand devices.
Install the official app for your model. Once launched, the program will automatically find the printer on the network and display its properties. You can easily find the network address in the "Device Settings" or "Properties" sections. This is especially convenient if you have multiple printers of different brands on your network.
Such programs often allow you not only to find out the IP address but also to change it to a static one, update the firmware, or check the ink levels. For corporate environments, this is the most professional approach to fleet management.
- 📲 Download the app from the manufacturer's official website, not from third-party resources.
- 🔍 Launch the "Search for printers on the network" function in the program's main menu.
- ⚙️ Select your device and go to properties to view connection details.
☑️ Check before searching for IP
Setting up a static IP address
Once you've determined the current address, it's recommended to consider locking it. A dynamic IP address can change after a router reboot, which can result in loss of printer connectivity on computers configured manually. Static IP solves this problem forever.
It's best to configure a static address not on the printer itself, but on the router (using the DHCP Reservation feature). This will prevent address conflicts when the router accidentally assigns the same IP address to another device, such as your smartphone. Go to the router's LAN or DHCP server settings.
Find your printer in the list by its MAC address (it's also listed in the configuration report) and enter the desired IP address. Make sure the selected address is outside the dynamic range, or reserve it manually.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and firmware are frequently updated. The menu item locations may differ from those described. If you don't find the exact name, look for synonyms: "Reservation," "IP Binding," or "Static Lease."
Troubleshooting connection issues
Sometimes finding the IP address isn't enough—you need to ensure a stable connection. If your printer is constantly losing network connectivity, check the signal strength. Printers often have weaker antennas than laptops. Placing the router in the same room as the printer can dramatically improve the situation.
It's also worth checking whether your antivirus or Windows Firewall is blocking the connection. Sometimes, after a security update, the system may consider a network printer a threat. Add the device to the exceptions list or allow access to the local network.
In conclusion, knowing how to manage network peripheral settings is an essential skill. It saves time and frustration when a standard driver installation doesn't go as planned. Use this knowledge to optimize your home or office network.
Is it possible to change the printer IP manually from the control panel?
Yes, most network models allow you to manually enter the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway through the TCP/IP menu. However, this must be done carefully to avoid conflicts with other devices on the network.
What should I do if my printer is not visible on the network?
Check if your computer and printer are connected to the same network (SSID). Make sure WiFi client isolation isn't enabled on your router. Also, try rebooting both the router and printer simultaneously.
Can a printer's IP address change on its own?
Yes, if the router does not have a reservation (Static DHCP) configured, the address may change after the DHCP lease expires or the router is rebooted.
How to find out the printer IP if it is connected via USB?
When connected via USB, the printer doesn't have an IP address on the network because it's not currently a network device. It operates as a local device on the computer.
What address range should I use for the printer?
It is common to use addresses at the end of the range, such as 200 to 254 (e.g. 192.168.1.200), to avoid conflicts with phones and laptops that occupy addresses first.