In the modern office or home office, wireless printing has become the standard, eliminating unnecessary cables. However, initial device setup often leaves users stumped when the system prompts PIN code or passwordMany people confuse the standard password for their home Wi-Fi network with the printer's unique security code, which is required for the mode. Wi-Fi Direct.
Understanding the difference between these two pieces of information is crucial for a successful connection. If you're trying to connect a computer or smartphone to a printer directly, bypassing the router, you'll need the device's internal code. In this article, we'll detail where to find this information on various models and what to do if the sticker is lost or worn off.
What is the difference between a router password and a printer PIN?
The first thing you need to understand before starting setup is the difference in security types. When you connect a printer to an existing network, it will ask for a password from your Wi-Fi routerThis is a standard procedure, similar to connecting a phone or laptop. In this case, the device code is not required; only the WPA2 encryption key for your home network is required.
The situation changes if you use technology Wi-Fi DirectIn this mode, the printer itself creates an access point to which other gadgets can connect. This is where PIN codeIt serves as protection against unauthorized printing, preventing the connection of foreign devices within the signal range.
⚠️ Important: Do not attempt to enter your router password into the PIN prompt during a direct connection—the system will return an error. Make sure you are searching for the Device PIN.
Users often ignore this nuance and spend hours trying to find the combination, not realizing they're looking in the wrong place. The code can be static (factory) or dynamic (generated), depending on the model and security settings of your phone. MFP.
Finding the code on the device's case and labels
The fastest and most reliable way to find the necessary information is a physical inspection of the equipment. Manufacturers typically place factory data on special stickers. The location of these stickers varies: inspect the back panel, the sides, or the area under the paper tray. Look for the inscription on the sticker. Wi-Fi Direct PIN or simply PIN.
If the sticker has worn off or been removed over time, don't despair. On many modern models, the code can be displayed on the printer's screen. This is often as simple as pressing the wireless button or a key combination, which we'll discuss in the following sections. Visual search remains the preferred method for older models without displays.
Please note that on some devices, the code may be hidden under a protective layer that needs to be carefully scraped off with a fingernail or a coin. Also, check the packaging box or instructions, if you still have them—they often duplicate the information on the sticker.
Printing a network configuration report
If a visual inspection yields no results, the most informative method is to print a service report. Almost all HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother network printers have a configuration printout feature. This document contains complete information about network settings, including the IP address, MAC address, and the desired Wi-Fi Direct PIN.
Printing a report is usually done through the device menu. Find "Reports" or "Information," then select "Network Configuration" or "Wireless Network Test." On devices without a display, a button combination is often used: press and hold the wireless and cancel buttons simultaneously for 3-5 seconds.
☑️ Print a network report
In the received document, look for the section Wi-Fi DirectThe current status (On/Off) and a numeric code will be displayed. If the report indicates the function is disabled, it must be activated through the menu before attempting to connect.
Using the Embedded Web Interface (EWS)
For advanced users and office equipment, accessing the printer's built-in web server is an excellent solution. This method not only allows you to find the code but also change it to a more user-friendly one. To access the interface, you need to know the device's IP address on the local network.
Enter the IP address into the address bar of any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge). The printer management page will open. Go to the "Network" or "Wireless" tab. In the settings section Wi-Fi Direct You will see the current PIN code and will be able to change the method of its generation.
| Brand | Path to the EWS menu | Possibility of changing PIN |
|---|---|---|
| HP | Network -> Wi-Fi Direct -> Settings | Yes |
| Canon | Settings -> LAN -> Wireless | Partially |
| Epson | Network -> Wi-Fi Direct | Yes |
| Brother | Network -> Wireless -> Wi-Fi Direct | Yes |
The interface may differ depending on the firmware, but the logic remains the same. If you change the code through the web interface, be sure to update it on all connected devices, otherwise the connection will be lost.
What should I do if the web interface doesn't open?
If the browser doesn't load the page, check whether your computer is connected to the same network as the printer. Also, make sure the address doesn't contain any typos and uses the http:// protocol, not https://, as older printers may not support secure connections.
Specifics of code search for different brands
Each electronics manufacturer has its own unique interface and control layout. Understanding these nuances will significantly speed up the search process. Below are instructions for the most popular brands.
Devices HP They often have a dedicated button with a smartphone image or a Wi-Fi Direct icon. A short press on it can display a code on a small monochrome screen or cause the indicator to flash in a specific pattern. On touchscreen models, the code is displayed directly on the main screen at the top.
Printers Canon And Epson Often require going into a deep menu. On Canon PIXMA series models, you need to press the direct connection button (the phone icon) and hold it until the power light comes on. On Epson models, the code is often printed automatically when the feature is first enabled or is retrieved through the "Wi-Fi Setup" menu.
⚠️ Note: Device interfaces are being updated. The layout of menu items may vary depending on the firmware version of your MFP.
For technology Brother Typically, you use the "Menu" button and arrow keys to navigate. Find "Network," then "Wi-Fi Direct," and select "PIN Code." On devices Kyocera And Pantum The logic is similar, but the section names may vary (for example, "Wireless" instead of "Network").
Setting up via a mobile app
The most modern and convenient way to manage your device is through official smartphone apps. Manufacturers create dedicated utilities (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson iPrint) that handle some of the settings for you. The app can automatically scan the code when you first launch it or request it once for pairing.
Download the app for your model from Google Play or the App Store. Follow the on-screen instructions. The app often prompts you to use QR code, which is displayed on the printer screen (if equipped) or located in the quick access menu. Scanning the code with your phone's camera will automatically enter all the necessary data.
This method is great because the app will automatically prompt you if the code is incorrect or Wi-Fi Direct is disabled. You can also use the app to generate a new, more complex password, which is easier to remember than the random numbers on the factory sticker.
Reset network settings and generate a new code
If none of the methods work, or you've forgotten the password you changed earlier, there's a radical but effective solution: resetting your network settings. This will return your network settings to factory defaults, including the default settings. PIN code, indicated on the sticker.
You can perform a reset through the menu: "Settings" -> "Network" -> "Restore network settings." On devices without a display, a common combination is to turn on the printer, press and hold the wireless and cancel buttons simultaneously for 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash.
After resetting, the printer will restart the network module. You can now use the code from the sticker or print a new configuration report to verify the operation was successful. This is a guaranteed way to restore access if the previous code was lost or altered by an unknown person.
⚠️ Note: Resetting network settings will not affect your personal files on your computer, but it will force you to reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi router, as it will "forget" the password for your home network.
Use this method only as a last resort, when all other options have been exhausted. After resetting, it is recommended to immediately change the factory PIN to a unique one via the web interface for increased security.
Where can I find the printer's IP address if I don't know it?
The IP address is often needed to access the web interface. You can find it by printing a network configuration report (as described above). You can also find the address in the router settings in the list of connected clients (DHCP Client List). In Windows, this can be found via Control Panel -> Devices and Printers -> Right-click the printer -> Properties -> Web Services tab.
What should I do if my printer can't see the 5 GHz Wi-Fi network?
Most printers only support the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts a 5 GHz network, the printer simply won't detect it. You need to either separate the networks in the router settings (by assigning different SSIDs for 2.4 and 5 GHz) or ensure that Dual Band mode is configured correctly. Connect the printer strictly to the 2.4 GHz network.
Is it possible to disable the PIN code request for Wi-Fi Direct?
Yes, this is possible on many models. You can change the security method from "WPA2-Personal" (requires a PIN) to "Open" in the Wi-Fi Direct settings via the web interface or the printer menu itself. However, this reduces security, allowing any device within range to print to your printer without restrictions.