Changing your wireless network password is a standard security measure, but for home office equipment owners, it often turns into a headache. After updating the router's access key, the printer stops seeing the network, and attempts to print result in a "Device not found" error. This occurs because the printer's memory still contains old authentication data that no longer matches the access point's settings.
The situation is made worse by the fact that most models do not have a convenient display for quickly entering a new password, and the software may not work correctly without an active connection. Restoring communication Requires a consistent approach and an understanding of how your printer was initially connected to the network. In this article, we'll cover all the current connection recovery methods for devices from various brands.
Don't panic or rush into a full factory reset, as this could result in the loss of important scanner or fax configurations. Modern protocols Allows you to reconfigure your device in just a couple of minutes if you know the right steps. We'll cover methods ranging from using a temporary USB cable to automatic syncing via WPS.
Why does the printer lose connection after changing the router password?
Wireless printing relies on strict authentication. When you change the password in your router settings, you're essentially changing the "key" to the door your printer is knocking on. The device sends a connection request with the old password, the router rejects it, and the connection is lost. It's important to understand that the printer can't Automatically detect changes in credentials in the router.
Many users mistakenly believe that simply rebooting the router or the printer itself is sufficient. However, rebooting only updates the current state and does not change the network parameters stored in the MFP's non-volatile memory. Static IP address, if it was set manually, can also cause a conflict if the router's new address range has changed.
⚠️ Attention: If you have a complex network with separate guest and main zones, make sure the printer and computer are on the same network segment (same VLAN). After changing the password, routers sometimes isolate devices from each other by default.
In addition, some routers may automatically change the network name (SSID) or encryption standard when changing the password, for example, with WPA2 on WPA3Older printer models may simply not support new security standards, requiring separate compatibility settings in the router's admin panel.
Resetting the printer's network settings before reconfiguring
Before attempting to reconnect the device, it is recommended to clear the old, now incorrect, network information. This will eliminate conflicts and force the printer to enter search mode or wait for a new configuration. The reset process depends on whether the device has a display.
For models with a display (e.g. series HP LaserJet Pro or Canon PIXMA (with the screen) you need to go to the settings menu. Usually the path looks like this: Settings (gear icon) → Network → Restore network settingsConfirm the action, and the device will reboot the network module.
- 🔘 Find the “Wireless” or “Network” button on the control panel and hold it for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes.
- 🔘 If there is a screen, use the navigation arrows to find the "Restore Network Settings" item.
- 🔘 On devices without a screen, you often need to press the Wireless button and the Cancel button (cross) at the same time.
- 🔘 Make sure the Wi-Fi indicator starts blinking, which indicates that it is ready to pair.
After the reset, the wireless indicator will typically begin flashing blue (or alternating blue and orange), indicating that it has entered setup mode. The device is now ready to accept new commands from your computer or smartphone.
Temporary connection method via USB cable
The most reliable method, which works 95% of the time, even if the drivers are long installed, is to use a USB cable to transfer the new Wi-Fi data. You'll need a USB Type-B cable (square connector), which is usually included in the kit, or any compatible equivalent.
Connect the printer to your computer using a cable and wait for the system to detect the device. Run the setup program that installed with the drivers, or download the full software package from the manufacturer's official website. During the installation, select the "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" connection type.
Path in the installer: Connection settings → Wireless network → Yes, I want to connect the printer via Wi-FiThe program automatically retrieves your PC's current network settings (SSID and password) and transfers them to the printer's memory via the USB port. Once you see a successful connection message, you can disconnect the cable.
☑️ Check before connecting via USB
It's important to note that after transferring the settings, the printer may automatically switch to wireless mode, and the computer will lose the USB connection. This is normal. You can now print wirelessly, and put the cable away until next time.
Setup via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
If your router supports WPS, the setup process is incredibly simple and doesn't require manual password entry. This is ideal if you don't have a USB cable handy or are setting up the device from a tablet.
Click the button WPS On the router's body (sometimes it's combined with the Wi-Fi power button). Hold it for 2-3 seconds until the corresponding indicator lights up. Then, within 2 minutes, press the same button on the printer or select "WPS" in the device's menu.
| Router model | Steps to activate WPS | Time to activate the printer |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | WPS button / Wi-Fi button | 2 minutes |
| Asus / Keenetic | Button with a key symbol or WPS | 2 minutes |
| D-Link | WPS button (sometimes on the back) | 2 minutes |
| MikroTik | Configuration is required in WinBox (Wireless section) | Depends on the config |
The devices will automatically exchange encryption keys, and the printer's indicator light will stop flashing and turn solid. This indicates a successful connection.
What to do if WPS doesn't work?
The WPS function may be disabled in the router's security settings. It also won't work if the router only uses WPA3 encryption without support for transition modes. In this case, use the USB cable method or configure it through the router's control panel.
Using the router control panel for binding
For advanced users, there's a configuration method via the router's web interface if it supports adding devices by MAC address (WDS or similar features). First, you'll need to find the printer's MAC address, which is usually printed on a sticker on the back, or you can print a configuration report.
Go to the router interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Find the section "Wireless" → "Wireless MAC Filter" or "Client List". Some modern ecosystems, for example, from Keenetic or MikroTik, allow you to manually register a device and assign it a password, after which the router will automatically “knock on” the printer.
However, this method requires the printer to support active connection listening (Push Button Configuration on the router). In most home scenarios, a temporary cable connection is easier to use, as router interfaces vary widely and there is no standard for "pushing" the password to the printer.
Setting up mobile devices and printing from your phone
If you use smartphones for printing, changing the router password will also cause your mobile devices to lose connection to the printer. Unlike PCs, reinstalling drivers isn't always necessary, but reconnecting is necessary.
For the system Android And iOS technologies are often used Wi-Fi Direct or cloud services. If the printer is configured via Wi-Fi Direct, changing the password on the main router won't affect direct printing from your phone, as they are connected directly. However, if printing is done via a shared network, you'll need to go to your phone's Wi-Fi settings, forget the old network, and reconnect.
Manufacturer applications such as HP Smart, Epson iPrint or Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY, may require re-authorization. Open the app; it will offer to search for the printer on a new network. If the printer isn't found, make sure your phone is connected to the same network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) to which you connected the printer.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure "AP Isolation" is not enabled on your router. This prevents devices on the same Wi-Fi network from seeing each other, making printing from your phone impossible, even if the passwords are correct.
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even with the correct sequence of actions, nuances can arise. Often, the problem lies not in the password, but in the frequency range. Most budget and office printers only work in the frequency range. 2.4 GHzIf your router only distributes 5 GHz or combines them into one network with smart switching, the printer may get “lost”.
Another common mistake is using special characters in a password. Some older printer models do not correctly recognize characters like #, $ or spaces in the Wi-Fi password. In this case, it's recommended to temporarily simplify the router password, set up a printer, and then, if necessary, tighten up the security.
- 🚫 The printer sees the network but won't connect: Check the encryption type (it should be WPA2-PSK AES).
- 🚫 "Not Found" Error: Make sure Windows Firewall isn't blocking device discovery.
- 🚫 All indicators are flashing: The printer firmware may need to be updated via USB.
If all else fails, perform a hard reset (Cold Reset), but remember that this will return all settings, including fax and address book, to factory defaults. Use this method only as a last resort.
Is it possible to set up a printer without a computer, just from a phone?
Yes, most modern models support setup via the manufacturer's mobile app. After changing the password, launch the app, select "Add Printer" or "Change Wi-Fi," and follow the on-screen instructions. Your phone will transfer the new network information directly to the printer via Bluetooth or a temporary hotspot.
What if the printer is old and does not support WPA2?
If your printer is very old and only supports WEP or WPA (TKIP), and your router is modern, you'll need to create a guest network on the router with weaker encryption specifically for the printer. However, this will reduce overall network security, so it's best to consider replacing the printer with a more modern model.
Should I remove my old printer from Devices and Printers in Windows?
This isn't necessary if you're simply changing the password. Changing the port properties or reconfiguring the device using the utility is sufficient. However, if you're re-creating the connection, it's best to delete the old shortcut so the system doesn't attempt to send tasks to an offline device.