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printer-not-connecting-to-wifi

Printer Not Connecting to WiFi? 9 Fixes That Work (2026)

You hit Print and nothing happens. The Wi-Fi light is blinking, your computer can’t find the printer, and you have a deadline. If your printer is not connecting to WiFi, you’re in good company. It’s one of the most common printer problems in American homes and small offices, and it is usually fixable in under 15 minutes.

This guide works for HP, Canon, Epson, Brother and most other wireless printers, on both Windows and Mac.

Quick answer: Restart the printer, router and computer. Make sure the printer is on a 2.4 GHz network. Then reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi from its control panel.

Why Your Printer Won’t Connect to WiFi

The usual causes are:

  • You recently changed your router, Wi-Fi name or password
  • The printer is on a 5 GHz band it doesn’t support
  • The signal is weak because the printer is too far from the router
  • The printer’s firmware or driver is outdated
  • Router settings such as a guest network or AP isolation are blocking the printer
  • A temporary glitch has left the printer with a stale network connection

Fix 1: Restart Everything (the Right Way)

  1. Turn off the printer and unplug it for 30 seconds.
  2. Turn off your router and wait 30 seconds before turning it back on.
  3. Restart your computer or phone.
  4. Plug the printer back in and wait for the Wi-Fi light to stop blinking.

This clears most temporary glitches.

Fix 2: Use the Same Network and the 2.4 GHz Band

Your printer and computer must be on the same network. Many printers only support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. If your router combines 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under one name, temporarily split them or connect the printer to the 2.4 GHz network. Check your printer’s manual to see which bands it supports.

Fix 3: Move the Printer Closer to the Router

Thick walls, microwaves and cordless phones weaken the signal. Move the printer within about 10–15 feet of the router while you set it up, then move it back if the signal holds.

Fix 4: Reconnect the Printer to Wi-Fi

Menu names vary by model, but the path is usually:

  • HP: Wireless settings → Wireless Setup Wizard (or use the HP Smart app)
  • Epson: Wi-Fi Setup → Wi-Fi Setup Wizard
  • Brother: Menu → Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard
  • Canon: Settings → Device settings → LAN settings → Wireless LAN setup

Select your network, enter the password carefully (it’s case-sensitive), and wait for the confirmation.

Fix 5: Changed Your Router or Wi-Fi Password? Reconnect Manually

A printer does not update itself when your Wi-Fi name or password changes. Run the wireless setup wizard again and enter the new details.

Fix 6: Print a Wireless Network Test Report

Most printers can print a Wireless Test Report or Network Configuration Page from the settings menu. It shows the connection status, signal strength and the error code. Search that code, or contact the maker’s support, for next steps.

Fix 7: Check Your Router Settings

  • Turn off AP isolation or client isolation
  • Make sure the printer isn’t on a guest network
  • Check that MAC address filtering isn’t blocking the printer
  • Temporarily turn off any VPN on your computer, since VPNs can hide local printers

Fix 8: Update Firmware and Drivers

Outdated firmware can break wireless connectivity.

  • Windows: Settings → Windows Update, then reinstall the printer driver from the manufacturer’s site
  • Mac: Apple menu → System Settings → General → Software Update

See our full guide: How to Install Printer Drivers.

Fix 9: Reset Network Settings, Then Remove and Re-Add the Printer

  1. On the printer, choose Restore Network Settings (or Reset Network).
  2. On Windows, go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners, remove the printer and click Add device.
  3. On Mac, go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners, remove the printer and click + to add it again.

Wireless printer not connecting to WiFi router

Still Not Working?

If you’ve tried everything and the printer still won’t connect, our team can help. Browse our setup guides for HP, Canon, Epson or Brother, or get remote printer support.

Printer Setup Guide is an independent provider and is not affiliated with HP, Canon, Epson or Brother.

FAQs (add as an FAQ block for rich results)

Why does my printer say it’s connected to Wi-Fi but won’t print?
The printer may be on a different network or band than your computer. Its IP address may also have changed, or the driver may be pointing at the old connection. Remove and re-add the printer.

Can a printer connect to 5 GHz Wi-Fi?
Some newer models can, but many only support 2.4 GHz. Check your model’s specifications.

How do I find my printer’s IP address?
Print the network configuration page from the printer’s settings menu.

Why did my printer disconnect from Wi-Fi overnight?
Router restarts, firmware updates or sleep mode can drop the connection. Reconnect it, and consider setting a fixed IP address for the printer in your router.