Computer can't find my network printer
Your Wi-Fi or network printer doesn't show up when you try to add it. Check the network and discovery settings, then add it directly by IP address.
Quick fix
Print a network configuration page from the printer to get its IP address, then add the printer by that address instead of waiting for it to appear. On Windows choose Add a printer using an IP address or hostname; on a Mac use the IP tab in the Add Printer window.
Didn’t work? Go to the full stepsYou might see
- The printer never appears when you search for printers
- The search finishes with nothing listed
- Your phone can see the printer but your computer cannot
- The printer says it is connected to Wi-Fi but no device finds it
Usually caused by
- Printer and computer on different networks or a guest network
- Router isolation stopping devices seeing each other
- Network set to Public or network discovery off on Windows
- VPN or firewall blocking local traffic
- Printer not actually connected to Wi-Fi
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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Confirm the printer is on your network
Print a network configuration or Wi-Fi report from the printer's menu (usually under Network, Wireless or Reports). It should show Connected, the network name you use, and an IP address. An address starting with 169.254 or 0.0.0.0 means the printer didn't connect properly.
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Avoid guest networks and isolation
Guest Wi-Fi, and some mesh or internet provider routers, stop devices seeing each other (often called AP or client isolation). Put the printer and computer on the main network.
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Restart the router and printer
Turn off the printer, restart the router, wait for the internet to come back, then turn the printer on. Many printers only use 2.4 GHz, so if your router has separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz names, join the printer to the 2.4 GHz one.
Windows 11 / 10
0 of 5 steps tried
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Set your network to Private
In Windows 11, go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi, open your network's properties and set Network profile type to Private network. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, select your network and choose Private. Public mode hides your PC from other devices.
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Turn on network discovery
In Windows 11, open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings and turn on Network discovery for private networks. In Windows 10, it's in Control Panel under Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.
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Disconnect any VPN
VPN apps often send all traffic away from your home network, which hides local printers. Disconnect it and search again.
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Add the printer by IP address
In Printers & scanners, click Add device, then Add manually. Choose Add a printer using an IP address or hostname, set Device type to TCP/IP Device, enter the IP address from the network page and follow the prompts to pick a driver.
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Test the connection with ping
If adding fails, open Command Prompt and run the command below, using your printer's address. Replies mean the printer is reachable and the problem is the driver; Request timed out or Destination host unreachable means a network problem.
ping 192.168.1.50
macOS
0 of 3 steps tried
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Check Wi-Fi and local network access
Make sure the Mac is on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. If you use the printer maker's app, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network and allow it (macOS 15 and later).
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Add the printer by IP address
In System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax, then the IP tab. Type the printer's IP address, choose AirPrint as the protocol if offered (otherwise IPP), and click Add.
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Check VPN and firewall software
Disconnect any VPN. If you use a third-party firewall, make sure it isn't blocking devices on your local network; the built-in macOS firewall normally allows printing.
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 can my phone find the printer but not my laptop?
Usually the laptop is on a different network, has a VPN running, or has its network set to Public. Phones use AirPrint or Mopria discovery, which can succeed when Windows discovery doesn't.
What is AP isolation?
It's a router setting that stops Wi-Fi devices talking to each other, common on guest networks. It protects guests but blocks printing, so keep the printer and your computers on the main network.