Printer Not Connecting to Wi-Fi? Try These Fixes

Wireless printers are convenient when they work, but a printer not connecting to Wi-Fi leaves you unable to print from any device on your network. When printer not connecting to wifi becomes an issue, the cause is usually something you can fix yourself. Whether your printer has never connected to Wi-Fi or it suddenly lost its wireless connection, the causes are usually the same: incorrect network settings, router configuration issues, or outdated printer firmware. This guide covers the troubleshooting steps that resolve the vast majority of wireless printer connectivity problems.

Before You Troubleshoot

Gather these details before starting. You will need them during the setup process.

If you're also having network problems, check our wi-fi not connecting troubleshooting guide.

• Your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password. The printer needs these to connect. The password is case-sensitive.
• Your router's frequency bands. Know whether your router broadcasts on 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or both. Most wireless printers only support 2.4 GHz. If your router uses a single SSID for both bands, the printer may try to connect to 5 GHz and fail.
• The printer's current status. Check the printer's display panel or wireless indicator light. A blinking light usually means it is searching for a network. A solid light means it is connected. No light means Wi-Fi is disabled on the printer.

Step-by-Step: Connect Your Printer to Wi-Fi

Step 1: Restart Everything

Power cycle all three devices in this order: turn off the printer, unplug the router for 30 seconds, plug the router back in and wait for all lights to stabilize, then turn the printer back on. This clears temporary glitches in both the printer and the router.

Step 2: Run the Printer's Wireless Setup Wizard

Most printers have a built-in wireless setup wizard accessible from the printer's control panel. Navigate to the wireless or network settings menu and select "Wireless Setup Wizard" or "Wi-Fi Setup." The printer will scan for available networks. Select yours and enter the password carefully.

Step 3: Use WPS If Available

If your router has a WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button, you can connect without entering a password. Start the WPS mode on the printer (usually in the wireless settings menu), then press the WPS button on your router within two minutes. The devices will negotiate the connection automatically.

Step 4: Move the Printer Closer to the Router

Wireless printers have relatively weak Wi-Fi antennas. If the printer is more than 30 feet from the router or separated by thick walls or floors, the signal may be too weak. Temporarily move the printer next to the router to test. If it connects, signal strength is the issue.

Router Settings to Check

2.4 GHz Network Availability

Most printers, especially older models, only support the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band. If your router is set to broadcast only on 5 GHz, or if band steering aggressively pushes devices to 5 GHz, the printer will not see your network. Log into your router's admin panel and ensure the 2.4 GHz band is enabled and broadcasting. According to Tom's Guide, 2.4 GHz compatibility remains the most overlooked cause of wireless printer failures.

SSID Broadcasting

If your router has SSID broadcasting disabled (hidden network), the printer's wireless scanner cannot find it. Either enable SSID broadcasting in your router settings or manually enter the network name on the printer. Not all printers support connecting to hidden networks.

MAC Address Filtering

If your router uses MAC address filtering, it will reject connections from devices not on the approved list. Find your printer's MAC address (in the printer's network settings or on a label on the printer) and add it to the router's allowed list.

Channel Width and Security Protocol

Some printers do not support WPA3 encryption or 40 MHz channel width on 2.4 GHz. If your router uses these newer settings, try switching to WPA2 and 20 MHz channel width in the router's wireless settings. This improves compatibility with older printers without significantly affecting other devices.

Having printer problems too? Check our guide on printer not printing.

Reinstall the Printer on Your Computer

Even if the printer connects to Wi-Fi, your computer may not see it. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners and click Add a printer or scanner. Wait for your printer to appear in the list. If it does not, click "The printer that I want isn't listed" and follow the prompts to add it by IP address or hostname.

On Mac, open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click the + button, and select your printer from the list. If it does not appear, make sure the Mac and the printer are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Most printer manufacturers also offer a setup app (like HP Smart, Canon PRINT, or Epson Connect) that walks you through the entire wireless setup process and can detect and fix configuration issues automatically.

If your printer shows as connected to Wi-Fi but your computer shows it as offline, check our guide on printer showing offline for steps to resolve that specific issue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Printer Not Connecting To Wifi

Can I print without Wi-Fi using a wireless printer?

Yes, in most cases. Many wireless printers support Wi-Fi Direct, which creates a direct connection between the printer and your device without using a router. Check your printer's settings for a Wi-Fi Direct option. You can also connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable as a fallback.

Why does my printer keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

Frequent disconnections are usually caused by a weak signal, DHCP lease conflicts, or the printer's power-saving mode turning off the Wi-Fi radio. Assign a static IP to the printer, move it closer to the router, and disable the printer's auto-off or power-saving feature in its settings menu.

Does changing my Wi-Fi password disconnect my printer?

Yes. When you change your router's Wi-Fi password, every device that was connected with the old password will be disconnected, including your printer. You need to run the printer's wireless setup wizard again and enter the new password.

Why can my phone see the printer but not my computer?

Your phone may be using a direct printing protocol like AirPrint or Mopria that discovers printers differently than your computer. Make sure your computer has the correct printer driver installed and that both the computer and printer are on the same network and subnet. Firewall software on the computer may also block printer discovery.

Can I connect my printer to a mobile hotspot?

Technically yes, but most mobile hotspots use AP isolation which prevents devices from communicating with each other. This means the printer may connect to the hotspot but your computer will not be able to see the printer. Use Wi-Fi Direct or USB instead when working from a hotspot.