Why won't my wireless printer connect to WiFi?

Common causes include: wrong WiFi password, printer too far from router, router using 5GHz instead of 2.4GHz (most printers only support 2.4GHz), network settings changed, or printer's wireless feature is disabled. Try restarting both your printer and router first.

How do I reconnect my printer to WiFi after changing router?

Go to your printer's wireless settings menu, select 'Wireless Setup Wizard' or similar option, choose your new network name (SSID), enter the new password, and wait for connection confirmation. You may need to reinstall the printer on your computer afterward.

Why does my printer keep disconnecting from WiFi?

Frequent disconnections are caused by: weak WiFi signal (move printer closer to router), IP address conflicts (set a static IP), power saving mode turning off WiFi, router issues, or interference from other devices. Disable printer sleep mode and assign a static IP to fix.

Can I connect my printer to 5GHz WiFi?

Most home printers only support 2.4GHz WiFi networks. If your router broadcasts both 2.4GHz and 5GHz with the same name, temporarily disable 5GHz or create separate network names. Some newer high-end printers do support 5GHz - check your printer's specifications.

How do I find my printer's IP address?

Print a network configuration page from your printer's menu (usually Settings > Network > Print Network Config). You can also check your router's admin page for connected devices, or on Windows go to Settings > Devices > Printers and click on your printer's properties.

Wireless Printer Not Connecting? Fix WiFi Printer Problems [2026]

Step-by-Step WiFi Troubleshooting

1 Check Your WiFi Network

Verify 2.4GHz Network

Most printers only work with 2.4GHz WiFi, not 5GHz. If your router combines both bands, you may need to:

Create separate network names for 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Temporarily disable 5GHz while setting up the printer
Move the printer closer to the router during setup

Check WiFi Password

Ensure you're using the correct password. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive. Find it on your router's label or in router settings.

2 Reconnect Printer to WiFi

HP Printers

1. Press wireless icon on printer display
2. Go to Settings > Wireless Setup Wizard
3. Select your network name
4. Enter WiFi password
5. Wait for connection confirmation

Canon Printers

1. Press and hold WiFi button until light flashes
2. Go to Setup > Wireless LAN Setup
3. Select Standard Setup
4. Choose your network
5. Enter password

Epson Printers

1. Press Home button
2. Select WiFi Setup
3. Choose WiFi Setup Wizard
4. Select your network
5. Enter password using on-screen keyboard

Brother Printers

1. Press Menu on control panel
2. Navigate to Network > WLAN
3. Select Setup Wizard
4. Choose your SSID
5. Enter network key

3 Reinstall Printer on Computer

Windows 10/11

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners
2. Click Add device
3. Wait for Windows to find your printer
4. Select your printer and click Add device
5. If not found, click "The printer I want isn't listed" and use IP address

Mac

1. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners
2. Click the + button
3. Select your printer from the list
4. Click Add

4 Advanced Fixes

Assign Static IP Address

Prevents IP conflicts that cause disconnections:

1. Print network config page to find current IP
2. Access router settings (usually 192.168.1.1)
3. Find DHCP reservation or static IP settings
4. Add your printer's MAC address with a fixed IP

Disable Printer Sleep Mode

Sleep mode can disconnect WiFi. In printer settings, disable auto-off or extend sleep timer to prevent disconnections.

Update Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware causes connection issues. Visit your printer manufacturer's website to download the latest firmware update.

Common WiFi Error Messages

"Printer not found" or "No printers detected"

Fix: Ensure printer and computer are on the same network. Check that the printer's WiFi light is solid (not blinking). Try using the printer's IP address to add it manually.

"Unable to connect to network"

Fix: Wrong password or 5GHz network selected. Double-check password, ensure 2.4GHz is enabled, move printer closer to router during setup.

"Printer offline" after successful setup

Fix: IP address changed. Restart printer, or assign a static IP in router settings. Also check that "Use Printer Offline" isn't enabled in Windows.

"WPS connection failed"

Fix: WPS can be unreliable. Use the manual wireless setup wizard instead. Enter network name and password directly on the printer.

Alternative Ways to Connect

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USB Connection

If WiFi keeps failing, use a USB cable as a reliable backup. Most printers include a USB port.

📱

WiFi Direct

Connect directly to the printer without a router. Look for "WiFi Direct" or "HP Direct" in printer settings.

🌐

Ethernet Cable

Many printers have an Ethernet port. Wired connection is more stable than WiFi.

Related Guides

📶

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