Forgot your Wi-Fi password, but your printer is successfully connected to the network? This situation is familiar to many: the router was set up a long time ago, the password sticker is missing, and devices connect automatically. Fortunately, You can extract your Wi-Fi password directly from your printer settings. — without resetting the router or calling the provider.
In this article we will analyze 5 waysHow to find saved Wi-Fi passwords on popular printer brands: HP, Canon, Epson, Brother and others. The methods work for both wireless MFPs, as well as for compact inkjet/laser models. Some solutions require access to a computer or smartphone, while others only require access to the printer itself.
⚠️ Important: If the printer is connected to the network via a cable (Ethernet), these methods will not help - they only work for a wireless connection (Wi-Fi Direct or standard Wi-Fi).
1. View the password through the printer's web interface
Most modern printers have a built-in web server with the control panel. It allows you to not only configure printing but also view current network settings, including the Wi-Fi password. This method works for printers that support Ethernet or Wi-Fi, connected to your local network.
To open the web interface:
- 🖨️ Find Printer IP addressYou can find out by printing it out.
Self-diagnosis page(usually on the menuSettings → Reports → Network Configuration) or through the router control panel (sectionConnected devices). - 🌐 Enter this IP into the address bar of your browser (for example,
192.168.1.105). The printer's web panel will open. - 🔍 Go to the section
Network(Network) →Wireless(Wireless Network) →Wireless Settings(Wi-Fi Settings) A field may appear herePasswordorSecurity Key.
⚠️ Attention: on some models HP And Brother The password in the web interface is displayed as asterisks (). In this case, use the "Show password" function (if available) or contact hidden method.
How to see a password under asterisks in a browser
If the password field is masked with asterisks, right-click on it → "Inspect." Find the attribute in the HTML code. type="password" and replace it with type="text". The password will become visible.
If the web interface asks for login/password, try the standard combinations:
| Brand | Login | Password |
|---|---|---|
| HP | admin | (empty or admin) |
| Canon | root | canon or 7654321 |
| Epson | admin | admin or epson |
| Brother | admin | access |
2. Printing a network settings report
The easiest way is to print it out a network report directly from the printer. It usually indicates SSID (network name) and Security Key (password). This function is available on most models, even without a computer connection.
Brand Guide:
- 🖨️ HP: Click
Settings (⚙️) → Network Settings → Print Configuration Report. - 🖨️ Canon: Go to
Menu → Setup → Device settings → LAN settings → Print LAN details. - 🖨️ Epson: Select
Settings → General Settings → Network Settings → Print Network Configuration. - 🖨️ Brother: Click
Menu → Network → WLAN → Print Report.
⚠️ Attention: on some printers Epson And Canon The password in the report can be replaced with In this case, use the method with web interface or Windows settings.
3. Retrieving the password through Windows settings
If the printer has ever been connected to a computer with Windows, the Wi-Fi password may have been saved in the system. This works even if the printer is currently disconnected from the PC.
How to view saved passwords:
- 🖥️ Open
Windows Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi. - 🔍 Find the network your printer is connected to in the list and click
Properties. - 🔑 Scroll down to the section
Security propertiesand check the boxShow entered characters.
If the network is not listed, try the alternative method via command line:
netsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clearReplace NETWORK_NAME on SSID your Wi-Fi (you can find it in the printer report or on the router sticker). In the command results, find the line Key content - this is the password.
4. Using the manufacturer's mobile app
Printer manufacturers release official apps for managing devices from a smartphone. Some of them allow you to view current network settings, including the Wi-Fi password.
Applications for different brands:
- 📱 HP Smart (For HP): chapter
Printer Settings → Wireless Network. - 📱 Canon PRINT (For Canon):
Settings → Wi-Fi Settings. - 📱 Epson iPrint (For Epson):
Device Settings → Network Settings. - 📱 Brother iPrint&Scan (For Brother):
Printer Information → Network Status.
⚠️ Attention: In recent app versions (2023–2026), some manufacturers have removed the password display for security reasons. If the field is empty or masked, try the other methods in this article.
Install the official brand app|Connect your smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer|Update the printer firmware to the latest version|Check that the printer is turned on and in standby mode-->
5. Reset the printer and reconnect
If none of the methods worked, there is a last resort - reset the printer's network settings and reconnect it. You'll have to enter the Wi-Fi password manually, but at least you'll know it.
How to reset settings:
- 🔄 On most printers, hold down the button
Wi-Fi(orReset) 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing. - 🖨️ On models HP go to
Settings → Network settings → Restore network settings. - 📄 On Canon And Epson reset is performed through
Menu → Setup → Reset Settings → Network.
After reset:
- Connect your printer to Wi-Fi via the control panel or app.
- When prompted for a password, enter it manually - it will be displayed on the screen (if the printer has a display) or in the application input field.
On printers Brother series DCP/TSC After resetting, the Wi-Fi password can be seen in the configuration report, even if it was previously hidden.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When trying to find the Wi-Fi password for a printer, users often encounter common problems. Here's how to solve them:
- 🚫 The printer does not print the report: Check for paper and ink/toner. On laser models, make sure the error indicator is not lit (e.g.
Toner Low). - 🚫 The web interface does not open: Make sure your computer and printer are on the same network. Try connecting via IP through a different browser (for example, Firefox instead of Chrome).
- 🚫 The password is displayed as asterisks: use the method with viewing the page source (described in spoiler) or extract it through
Windows. - 🚫 The application does not see the printer: Update your printer firmware and app to the latest version. Restart your router and printer.
⚠️ Attention: if the printer is connected to the network via Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection mode), the password for the primary Wi-Fi is not saved in its settings. In this case, the password can only be retrieved through Windows/macOS settings or router panel.
Bonus: How to find out the password through a router
If none of the methods worked, you can always view the password in the settings routerThis is a universal method, regardless of the printer model.
Instructions:
- 🌐 Open the router control panel by entering its IP in the browser (usually
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - 🔍 Log in (login/password are indicated on the router sticker).
- 📡 Go to the section
Wi-Fi(orWireless) →Security(Security) There will be a field herePasswordorPSK.
⚠️ Attention: if the router is rented from a provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), access to Wi-Fi settings may be restricted. In this case, contact support or use the method with Windows command line.
How to find out the router's IP address
If standard 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 don't work, open command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and enter:
ipconfigFind the line in the results Main gateway - this is the IP of your router.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the printer is connected via USB?
No. When connected via USB, the printer does not store Wi-Fi network information. In this case, the password can only be retrieved via Windows/macOS settings or router panel.
Printer HP DeskJet 2700 The network report doesn't print. What should I do?
On budget models HP (for example, series DeskJet 2700/3700) the report printing function may be disabled. Try:
- Hold the button
Information (i)5 seconds. - Or connect the printer to your PC and use the utility HP Print and Scan Doctor for diagnostics.
After resetting, the printer requires a PIN to connect to Wi-Fi. Where can I get one?
This WPS-PIN — it is generated by the printer for a secure connection. It is usually displayed on the printer's screen or in the configuration report. If there is no screen, connect the printer to the router via WPS (click the button WPS on the router within 2 minutes after the connection starts).
Is it possible to find out the password from the printer if it is connected to a guest network?
Yes, but only if the guest network uses the same SSID and the same password as the main network. If the guest network is separate (with a different name), the password will need to be found in the router settings or on the device that previously connected to it.
Printer Canon MG3600 It shows the error "Unable to connect to the network" after a reset. What should I do?
The problem is specific to the models Canon with outdated firmware. Solution:
- Update your printer firmware through the official website Canon.
- In the router settings, change the security type from
WPA3onWPA2-PSK(Printers older than 2018 often do not supportWPA3). - Disable the feature
802.11r(Fast Roaming) in the router settings.