How to Fix Wireless Printer Connection Problems

When this guide applies

• Your computer, phone or tablet cannot find the wireless printer.
• The printer connects for a while and then drops off the network.
• Printing over Wi-Fi is very slow or jobs fail partway through.
• The printer stopped working after a new router, a new Wi-Fi password or an internet provider change.

Possible causes

Router or password changed

A new router, a new network name or a new password means the printer is still trying to join the old network.

Band or router features

Many printers only support 2.4 GHz. Combined-band names, band steering and some mesh systems can make joining or staying connected harder.

Distance and interference

Walls, floors, metal furniture and other electronics weaken the signal where the printer sits.

Guest network or client isolation

Guest networks and isolation settings stop devices on the network seeing each other.

VPN or security software on the computer

VPNs and some firewalls block access to devices on the local network.

Changed IP address

If the router gives the printer a new address, computers set up with the old address cannot reach it.

1. Check whether the printer is connected

1. Look at the wireless indicator

   Check the printer’s Wi-Fi light or status screen. What each light pattern means varies by model, so check your manual.

2. Print a network configuration report

   Print the network or wireless report from the printer’s menu (often under Reports, Network or Setup). Check three things: the connection status, the network name (SSID), and the IP address.

3. Read the result

   If the report shows not connected, the wrong network name, or an IP address starting 169.254, the printer is not properly on your network: go to section 2. If it shows your network and a normal address, the printer is connected: go to section 4.

2. Reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi

1. Restart the router and printer

   Restart the router, wait until it is fully back up, then turn the printer off with its power button and on again.

2. Run wireless setup again

   If you changed your router or password, run the printer’s wireless setup again with the current details. See how to connect a printer to Wi-Fi.

3. Check the band

   If your printer supports only 2.4 GHz, make sure a 2.4 GHz network is enabled. If your router uses one name for both bands and the printer will not join, your router’s settings or app may let you temporarily separate them. Router menus differ, so check its manual.

3. Improve signal and stability

1. Test closer to the router

   If possible, move the printer nearer the router temporarily. If it connects reliably there, signal strength is the issue. Turn the printer off and unplug it before moving it.

2. Reduce obstructions

   Raise the printer off the floor, away from metal objects, microwaves and cordless phone bases, and away from thick walls between it and the router.

3. Consider mesh or extenders carefully

   A mesh node or extender near the printer can help, but some printers have trouble moving between access points. If drops start after adding mesh, try keeping the printer near a single node.

4. Check your computer’s side

1. Same network, not guest

   Confirm your computer is on the same network as the printer. Guest networks commonly block access to other devices.

2. Disconnect VPNs

   Turn off any VPN and try again. If that fixes it, check whether your VPN has a setting to allow local network access.

3. Check network discovery (Windows)

   In Windows, make sure your Wi-Fi network is set as a Private network, which allows device discovery. Public network settings hide local devices.

4. Check for client isolation

   Some routers have an AP isolation or client isolation option that stops devices talking to each other. If it is on for your main network, devices cannot reach the printer. The name and location vary by router.

5. Deal with a changing IP address

1. Re-add the printer

   Remove the printer from your computer and add it again so the computer finds it at its current address. See how to add a printer to a computer.

2. Reserve an address

   To stop the address changing, reserve one for the printer in your router (often called a DHCP reservation or static lease). This is done in the router’s settings or app.

6. Restore the printer’s network settings (last resort)

Warning: restoring network settings erases the printer’s saved Wi-Fi name, password and any other network configuration. You will need to set up the wireless connection again afterwards, and printers with no screen may need the manufacturer’s app or setup software to do so.

1. Find the reset option

   Look in the printer’s Network, Wireless or Setup menu for an option such as Restore Network Settings. Some printers use a button combination described in the manual. Avoid a full factory reset unless you intend to erase all settings.

2. Set up Wi-Fi again

   Follow how to connect a printer to Wi-Fi, then add the printer on your devices again.

If it still isn’t working

Use a wired connection. If the printer has an Ethernet port and the router is within reach, a cable avoids wireless problems entirely. USB is another dependable option for a single computer.

Update firmware using the printer’s own update menu or the manufacturer’s official app. Updates sometimes improve wireless compatibility.

The printer still will not stay connected even beside the router, after a network reset. The wireless hardware may be faulty; contact the manufacturer, or the retailer if it is under warranty.

Frequently asked questions