Printer stopped working after its IP address changed
Your router gave the printer a new IP address and your computer is still looking at the old one. Find the new address, update the port and lock it in.
Quick fix
Print the printer's network configuration page to get its current IP address. On Windows, open Printer properties > Ports, select the ticked port, click Configure Port and enter the new address. Then reserve that address on your router so it doesn't change again.
Didn’t work? Go to the full stepsYou might see
- The printer went offline after a router restart or power cut
- Jobs fail from one computer while other devices still print
- The address on the printer differs from the one your computer uses
- Printing stopped after a new router was installed
Usually caused by
- Router handed out a new address after a restart
- New or reset router using a different address range
- Printer added by IP address without a reservation
- Static IP on the printer clashing with another device
Step-by-step fix
Work through the steps in order and check each one off. Most people are printing again before the last step.
On the printer and router
0 of 3 steps tried
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Find the current IP address
Print a network configuration or Wi-Fi report from the printer's menu, or check its network status screen. Note the IP address, for example 192.168.1.37.
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Reserve the address on the router
Sign in to your router's admin page or app and look for DHCP reservation, address reservation or static lease. Pick the printer from the list of connected devices (it may show its model name or MAC address) and reserve its current address.
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Restart the printer
Turn the printer off and on so it picks up the reserved address, then print the network page again to confirm the address is the one you reserved.
Windows 11 / 10
0 of 3 steps tried
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Update the port address
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer and open Printer properties > Ports. Select the ticked Standard TCP/IP port, click Configure Port, type the new address in Printer Name or IP Address, then click OK and Apply.
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Add a new port if needed
If the port is a WSD port or Configure Port is greyed out, click Add Port > Standard TCP/IP Port > New Port, enter the IP address, finish the wizard and make sure the new port is ticked.
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Print a test page
Back on the printer's page in Printers & scanners, choose Print test page. If it prints, the port is correct.
macOS
0 of 3 steps tried
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Check how the printer was added
Printers added from the default list in the Add Printer window normally follow address changes by themselves. If you added it by typing an IP address on the IP tab, macOS keeps using that old address.
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Re-add it with the new address
In System Settings > Printers & Scanners, select the printer and click Remove Printer. Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax, choose the IP tab, type the new address and click Add. Adding it from the default list is fine too.
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Print a test
Open any document, press Command + P, choose the printer and print a page.
Did this fix it?
Good. To confirm everything is healthy, print a test page. It takes a minute and shows any quality problems early.
Try these next
Still stuck? The troubleshooter asks a few questions and narrows it down. If your printer is under warranty, the manufacturer can repair or replace it at no cost. Find their official support site on our brand pages.
Common questions
Why did my printer's IP address change?
Most routers hand out addresses automatically and can give a device a different one after a restart or when its lease expires. Reserving the address stops that.
Is it safe to change router settings?
Adding a DHCP reservation is a normal, low-risk change. Leave settings you're unsure about alone, and note down anything you change.