Printer Disconnected from Wi-Fi: 7 Proven Ways to Reconnect

Have you sent a document to print, but the printer suddenly stopped responding, and the status shows the error "no network connection"? Or after rebooting the router, the device simply disappeared from the list of available devices? Is there a problem with the printer disconnecting from Wi-Fi - one of the most common among users HP DeskJet, Canon PIXMA, Epson EcoTank and other models. The causes may lie in the printer's settings, the router's settings, or even the operating system's settings.

In this article we will look at all possible scenariosWe'll explain why your printer is losing its Wi-Fi connection and provide step-by-step instructions for restoring the connection. You'll learn how to check your router settings, reset your printer's network settings, update drivers, and even manually enter the IP address if automatic connection isn't working. And for those encountering this issue for the first time, we've prepared a tutorial. section with answers to frequently asked questions at the end of the material.

Why Your Printer Disconnects from Wi-Fi: 5 Main Reasons

Before you begin configuring, it's important to understand what exactly triggered the connection failure. In 80% of cases, the problem stems from one of five factors:

  • 🔄 Changing router settings: changing the Wi-Fi password, switching to a different channel, updating the firmware or enabling a function WPA3 (not all printers support it).
  • ⚡ Power failure: sudden power outage or reboot of the router/printer without proper termination of the session.
  • 📡 Network interference: operation of microwave ovens, neighboring routers on the same channel, or too great a distance between devices.
  • 🖨️ Printer software errors: outdated firmware, device memory failure, or conflict with other connected gadgets.
  • 💻 Problems on the PC/smartphone side: outdated drivers, blocked by a firewall, or a failure in the print service Print Spooler.

If your printer was previously working reliably but now periodically drops out of the network, the router or external interference is most likely to blame. If the connection is lost after an OS update or router replacement, the problem lies in the device settings.

📊 What printer do you have?
HP
Canon
Epson
Brother
Xerox
Another

Method 1: Restarting the printer and router is a simple but effective method

This may seem trivial, but in 30% of cases complete reboot of equipment This solves the problem. The problem is that printers (especially budget models) often "forget" their network settings after extended use or power outages. And routers can block devices due to DHCP overload.

How to reboot correctly:

  1. Turn off the printer using the power button (not the touch sensor!). If there is no button, unplug it from the power outlet.
  2. Turn off the router's power (pull the plug out of the socket or press the button Power).
  3. Wait minute — this time is enough for the capacitors to discharge and the settings cache to be reset.
  4. First, turn on the router and wait until it is fully loaded (all indicators light up).
  5. Then turn on the printer and check the connection.

If the printer still won't connect after rebooting, proceed to the next method. But remember: some models (for example, Epson WorkForce) may require manual reconnection to the network after reset.

Method 2: Checking Wi-Fi settings on your router

If your printer won't connect to the network, the first thing you need to do is make sure that your router distributes Wi-Fi in compatible modeMany modern printers (especially older models) do not support new security standards or dual-band networks.

What settings to check:

  • 🔒 Security type: the printer must support WPA2-PSK (AES). WPA3 or WEP may not work.
  • 📶 Network range: if the router is operating in mode 5 GHz, try switching to 2.4 GHz (most printers support only it).
  • 🔄 Wi-Fi channel: The automatically selected channel may conflict with neighboring networks. Try setting the channel manually. 1, 6 or 11.
  • 📛 SSID (network name)If you recently changed the Wi-Fi name, the printer won't recognize the network. You'll have to reconnect.

To change these settings, log into your router's control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1>) and find the section Wireless Settings (or Wi-Fi settings).

Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on|

Check security type (WPA2-PSK)|

Switch to 2.4 GHz band|

Select a fixed channel (1, 6 or 11)|

Check the network name (SSID) and password

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⚠️ Attention: If you use guest network On the router, the printer may not connect due to access restrictions. Disable client isolation (AP Isolation) in the guest network settings.

Method 3: Reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi

If the printer was previously connected to the network but now doesn't see it, there may be a problem with its network settings. In this case, re-binding to Wi-Fi.

Instructions for most models:

  1. Find the button on the printer. Wi-Fi or Settings (can be touch-sensitive on the display).
  2. Select an option Network setup → Wireless network → Setting up Wi-Fi.
  3. Find your network in the list and enter the password. If the network is not there, click Refresh the list.
  4. Confirm the connection. On some printers (Canon MG3600, HP Envy) you will need to enter the password again.

For printers Epson with a display the path might look like this: Settings → Network settings → Wi-Fi setup → Default setup.

If the printer does not find the network at all, try alternative connection method via WPS:

  • Click the button WPS on the router (usually it blinks for 2 minutes).
  • On the printer, select Wi-Fi Setup → WPS → Press the button on the router.
  • Wait for the connection to be established (the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer should stop blinking).
⚠️ Attention: If the printer gives an error Failed to connect to the network When entering a password, check the case of the characters. Passwords like 12345678 or qwerty may not work due to printer security limitations.

Method 4: Set up a static IP address for the printer

If your printer connects to Wi-Fi but disconnects again after a while, the problem may be dynamic IP assignmentThe router may "forget" the device or assign it a new address, causing the connection to break. The solution is to assign it to the printer. static IP.

How to do it:

  1. Find out the MAC address of the printer (usually found on a sticker on the back or in the menu Network Settings → Network Information).
  2. Log into your router's control panel and find the section DHCP Reservation (or IP to MAC Binding).
  3. Add a new rule: enter the MAC address of the printer and assign it an IP from your network range (e.g. 192.168.1.100).
  4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

After this, the printer will always receive the same IP, which will prevent connection breaks.

Router model Path to DHCP Reservation Configuration Example IP for a printer
TP-Link Archer C6 Advanced → Network → DHCP Server → Address Reservation 192.168.0.150
ASUS RT-AX55 Local Network → DHCP Server → Manual Assignment 192.168.1.200
Keenetic Giga Home Network → Segments → IP to MAC Binding 192.168.1.101
Zyxel Keenetic Lite Network → Local Networks → IP Address Binding 192.168.1.102

If the printer still turns off after assigning a static IP, check whether the selected address conflicts with other devices on the network (for example, IP cameras or smart speakers).

What should I do if my router doesn't support DHCP reservations?

If your router doesn't have a DHCP Reservation feature, you can manually assign a static IP address to the printer itself. To do this:

1. Go to the printer menu: Settings → Network Settings → TCP/IP Settings.

2. Turn off Obtain IP automatically (DHCP) and enter the IP manually (for example, 192.168.1.150).

3. Specify the subnet mask (255.255.255.0), gateway (router IP, for example 192.168.1.1) and DNS (you can leave it 8.8.8.8).

4. Save the settings and restart the printer.

Method 5: Update printer drivers and firmware

Outdated drivers or firmware can cause conflicts with modern routers, especially if they use new security standards (WPA3, 802.11ax). Updating the printer software often solves the problem of an unstable connection.

How to update a driver on a PC:

  • 🖥️ Open device Manager (click Win + X → device Manager).
  • Find the section Print queues, open it and right-click on your printer.
  • Select Update driver → Automatic search.
  • If Windows does not find updates, download the driver from official website of the manufacturer (Please indicate the exact printer model!).

How to update printer firmware:

  1. Download the latest firmware version from the manufacturer's website (for example, for Canon PIXMA TS3450 - on canon.ru).
  2. Connect the printer to your PC via USB (even if you usually use Wi-Fi).
  3. Run the firmware file and follow the on-screen instructions.
  4. Do not turn off the printer until the process is complete (this may take 5-10 minutes).

After updating, restart the printer and try connecting to Wi-Fi again. If the problem persists, check printer error log (usually accessible via the web interface using the device's IP address).

⚠️ Attention: Updating firmware on printers Brother (For example, Brother DCP-T520W) may reset your network settings. Afterward, you'll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password.

Method 6: Diagnosing problems on the PC or smartphone side

Sometimes a printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but your computer or phone can't see it. In this case, the problem lies in the settings of the device you're trying to print from.

For Windows 10/11:

  • 🖱️ Check if the printing service is enabled: click Win + R, enter services.msc and find Print Spooler. It should work in the mode Automatically.
  • 🔧 Remove the printer from the system and add it again: Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners → Remove device.
  • 🛡️ Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software (they may block network printing).

For macOS:

  1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
  2. Remove the printer from the list (click –).
  3. Click +, select the tab IP and enter the printer's IP address manually (you can find it on the printer's display or through the router).

For Android/iOS:

Remove the printer from the manufacturer's application (e.g. HP Smart, Canon PRINT) and add it again. If used Google Cloud Print, check if the authorization token has expired (reconnect your Google account).

Method 7: Reset the printer to factory settings

If none of the methods helped, there remains extreme measure — a full printer reset. This will return all network settings to factory defaults, allowing you to connect to Wi-Fi from scratch.

How to reset settings:

  • 🔄 On most printers HP And Canon hold the button Wi-Fi or Cancel 10-15 seconds until all indicators flash.
  • 📄 On printers Epson with display: Settings → Recovery → Reset network settings.
  • 🔧 On Brother: Menu → Network → WLAN → Reset Network.

After reset:

  1. Reconnect the printer to the router (as you did during the first setup).
  2. Install drivers on your PC/smartphone.
  3. Check the test page print.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting printer settings Xerox and some models Kyocera You may be asked to enter a service code. Check the instructions or the manufacturer's website for the code.

If the printer still won't connect to Wi-Fi after resetting, the problem may be a hardware failure in the network module. In this case, contact a service center; attempting to repair it yourself may void the warranty.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting your printer to Wi-Fi

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but the computer can't see it. What should I do?

Check:

  1. Is the service working? Print Spooler on PC (see Method 6).
  2. Are the printer and computer on the same subnet (for example, both must have IP type 192.168.1.x).
  3. Is your firewall or antivirus blocking printing (temporarily disable them).

If nothing helps, try connecting the printer via USB and installing the drivers, then return to Wi-Fi.

Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a display?

Yes, there are three ways:

  • Via WPS: Press the WPS button on the router, then on the printer (if there is such a button).
  • Via USB: Temporarily connect the printer to the PC via USB and use the manufacturer's program (eg. HP Smart) to set up Wi-Fi.
  • Via the web interface: connect the printer to the router via an Ethernet cable (if there is a port), log in to its web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1) and set up Wi-Fi there.
My printer keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi. How do I fix it?

Reasons and solutions:

  • Weak signal: Move the printer closer to the router or use signal amplifier.
  • Router overload: Limit the number of connected devices or reboot the router.
  • IP conflict: Assign a static IP to the printer (see Method 4).
  • Energy saving: In the printer settings, disable sleep mode (Energy Saving → Never).
How to connect a printer to Wi-Fi from a phone?

Download the manufacturer's official app:

  • HP Smart (for HP printers),
  • Canon PRINT (for Canon),
  • Epson iPrint (for Epson).

Then:

  1. Turn on Wi-Fi on your phone and connect to the same network as the printer.
  2. Open the app and follow the instructions to add your device.
  3. If the printer is not found, check if the printer mode is enabled on it. Wi-Fi Direct or AP Mode.
Is it possible to connect a printer to two networks at the same time?

No, most printers only support connection to one Wi-Fi network. However, some models (for example, HP OfficeJet Pro 9025) allow you to quickly switch between networks via the menu. You can also use:

  • Wi-Fi Direct: the printer creates its own network to which devices connect directly (without a router).
  • Ethernet: If your printer supports wired connectivity, you can connect it to your router via a cable while still using Wi-Fi for other tasks.

📖 Read also

How to Print from an iPhone to a Printer via WiFi: A Complete Guide A detailed guide to setting up printing from an iPhone via WiFi. AirPrint, manufacturer apps, How Printer Wi-Fi Works: A Complete Setup Guide We'll take a detailed look at how Wi-Fi works on a printer, including connection methods, frequencies, and troubleshooting. Epson L3151: Wi-Fi connection to a PC and laptop Step-by-step instructions: how to connect the Epson L3151 printer to a computer via Wi-Fi. Driver setup How to Disable Wi-Fi on a Canon MG3540: A Complete Guide A step-by-step guide to disabling wireless connectivity on a Canon MG3540 printer. Resetting network settings Wi-Fi on an Epson printer: connection and setup in 10 minutes A step-by-step guide to connecting your Epson printer to Wi-Fi, troubleshooting errors, and optimizing printing. How to Connect the Canon G3411 to Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide A step-by-step guide on how to set up a Canon G3411 via Wi-Fi. Direct wireless connection, installation