Resetting your router usually fixes internet problems — but it can also break the WiFi connection between your router and your printer. If your printer suddenly shows “offline”, “not connected”, or refuses to print after a router reset, don’t worry. This is one of the most common printer issues we help customers fix, and in most cases it takes less than 10 minutes to resolve.

Below are 6 proven fixes that work for HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and Kyocera printers. Try them in order — most people solve the problem in the first two or three steps.

Why This Happens After a Router Reset

When you reset your router, it usually generates a new network name (SSID) or a new IP address range, even if the WiFi name looks the same. Your printer is still holding onto the old network credentials, so it can no longer “see” or talk to the router — even though your phone and laptop reconnect automatically.

Fix 1: Restart Your Printer and Router (In the Right Order)

Before touching any settings, do a clean power cycle:

1. Turn off the printer completely.
2. Unplug the router, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
3. Wait until the router’s internet light is solid (1–2 minutes).
4. Turn the printer back on.

This forces both devices to establish a fresh connection and clears temporary network glitches — it fixes the issue in a large share of cases on its own.

Fix 2: Forget the Old WiFi Network on the Printer

Most printers with a touchscreen store old network credentials, which can block a new connection attempt.

• HP: Go to Wireless Settings > Network Settings > Restore Network Settings.
• Canon: Go to Setup > Device Settings > LAN Settings > Change Wireless/Wired LAN.
• Epson: Go to WiFi Setup > WiFi Setup Wizard, then select your network again.
• Brother: Go to Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard.
• Kyocera: Go to System Menu > Network Settings > WiFi Settings.

Removing the saved network and re-adding it clears any mismatched password or outdated router info.

Fix 3: Reconnect the Printer to WiFi Manually

Once the old network is cleared, reconnect manually using your printer’s control panel:

1. On the printer touchscreen, go to WiFi Setup Wizard.
2. Select your router’s network name (SSID) from the list.
3. Enter the WiFi password exactly as it appears on your router (check for a sticker on the router if unsure).
4. Wait for the printer to confirm a successful connection and print a test page if prompted.

If your printer doesn’t have a screen, most brands offer a WPS button method — press the WPS button on your router, then the WiFi/wireless button on the printer within 2 minutes.

Fix 4: Update the Printer’s IP Address on Your Computer

After a router reset, your printer often gets assigned a new IP address, but your computer may still be trying to print to the old one.

• Windows: Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners, remove the printer, then click Add Device to let Windows detect it fresh.
• Mac: Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, remove the printer using the minus (–) button, then click the plus (+) button to re-add it.

This re-links your computer to the printer’s current network address instead of the outdated one. printer won’t connect to wifi after router reset

Fix 5: Check for a Firmware or Driver Update

Router resets sometimes expose an outdated printer driver or firmware version that no longer talks properly to newer router security protocols (especially if your router reset switched from WPA2 to WPA3).

• Check your printer brand’s official support site for the latest driver.
• On many printers, you can also check firmware directly from the touchscreen under Settings > Printer Information > Firmware Update.

Keeping drivers current also prevents future “offline” errors after network changes.

Fix 6: Assign a Static IP to Avoid Future Disconnections

If this keeps happening every time the router restarts, the long-term fix is giving your printer a static (fixed) IP address in your router settings, rather than letting it change automatically. This is a slightly more technical step involving your router’s admin panel and DHCP reservation settings — this is exactly the kind of issue our remote support technicians resolve in a single session, without you needing to touch any router settings yourself.

Still Not Connecting?

If you’ve tried all 6 fixes and your printer still won’t connect to WiFi, the issue may be a network conflict, security software blocking the printer, or a hardware fault — these need a technician’s eyes on your specific setup.

Our certified technicians can remotely connect to your PC and printer and get you printing again in one session — no waiting, no store visits.

👉 Book  Remote Printer Support Session — we support HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and Kyocera printers.

FAQ

Why did my printer disconnect after I reset my router?
Resetting a router can change the network name, password, or IP address range, which erases the saved connection your printer previously used. printer won’t connect to wifi after router reset

Do I need to reconnect my printer every time I restart my router?
No — a simple restart (not a factory reset) usually keeps the same network settings. Only a full reset typically requires reconnecting.

Can I fix this without calling for help?
Yes, most users resolve it using Fixes 1–3 above. If your printer still won’t connect after a full reset and reconnect, professional remote support can usually solve it in minutes.

Does this apply to both WiFi and WiFi Direct printers?
Yes — the same reconnection steps apply whether you print over your home network or use WiFi Direct.