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Printer won't connect after a new router or Wi-Fi password

New router, new internet provider or a changed Wi-Fi password, and now the printer won't connect? Rejoin it, check bands and security, then re-add it.

15–30 min
Moderate
Updated

Quick fix

Your printer still has the old network name and password saved, so it needs setting up again. On its control panel, open the wireless settings, run the Wi-Fi setup option, choose your new network and enter the new password. Then remove and re-add the printer on each computer, because it will probably have a new IP address.

Didn’t work? Go to the full steps

You might see

  • The printer's Wi-Fi light blinks or it says it isn't connected
  • Your new network name doesn't appear in the printer's list
  • The printer rejects the new password
  • The printer says it's connected but computers still show it as offline
  • Phones can print but a computer can't, or the other way round

Usually caused by

  • Printer still saved to the old network
  • Network only on 5 GHz, or one name shared by both bands
  • WPA3-only security that the printer doesn't support
  • Mesh band steering or client isolation
  • Computers still pointing at the printer's old IP address

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 6 steps tried

  1. Join the printer to the new network

    On the control panel, open the Wireless, Network or Wi-Fi settings and run the setup wizard or similar option. Pick your new network name and type the password carefully, because it's case-sensitive. Printers without a screen are set up with the maker's app, the WPS button or the method in the manual, sometimes after a network settings reset.

  2. Make sure 2.4 GHz is available

    Many printers only connect at 2.4 GHz. If the printer can't see your network, check in the router's app or admin page that the 2.4 GHz band is switched on. Some routers can also create a separate 2.4 GHz network for smart devices, which suits printers well.

  3. Check the security mode

    Newer routers sometimes default to WPA3 only, which many older printers can't join. Set the router's security to WPA2/WPA3 mixed (sometimes called transition mode), so newer devices keep WPA3 and the printer can use WPA2. Don't fall back to WEP, WPA with TKIP or an open network, which are insecure.

  4. Pause band steering during setup

    Mesh systems and dual-band routers may move devices between bands and units, which can interrupt a printer's setup. Set the printer up close to the main router unit and, if the app allows it, turn off band steering or pause 5 GHz for a few minutes. Turn it back on once the printer is connected.

  5. Confirm the connection

    Print a network configuration page. It should show your new network name, a connected status and an IP address in the same range as your computers, for example both starting 192.168.1. An address starting 169.254 means the printer didn't get a proper address from the router.

  6. Reserve the IP address

    In the router's app or admin page, set up a DHCP or address reservation for the printer so its address stays the same from now on.

Common questions

Can I avoid this next time I change routers?

Usually, yes. Give the new router the same network name, password and security type as the old one, and the printer and most other devices will reconnect on their own.

Do I need to reinstall the printer driver?

Usually not. The driver stays on your computer and only the connection has changed, so removing and re-adding the printer reuses the installed driver.

Why can my printer not see my 5 GHz network?

Many printers only have a 2.4 GHz radio, so they can't see 5 GHz networks at all. Check your printer's specifications; some newer models are dual-band.

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