Wi-Fi printer keeps disconnecting
Your wireless printer works for a while, then drops off the network or shows offline. Fix the signal, sleep settings and changing IP address for good.
Quick fix
Reserve a fixed IP address for the printer in your router's settings (often called DHCP reservation), then restart the printer. Most repeated drop-outs happen because the router gives the printer a new address while your computer keeps looking for the old one.
Didn’t work? Go to the full stepsYou might see
- The printer goes offline every few hours or days
- It works right after a restart, then stops again
- The Wi-Fi light on the printer blinks or goes out
- The first job after a break fails, but a retry works
Usually caused by
- Router assigning the printer a new IP address
- Weak signal or interference where the printer sits
- Deep sleep or energy saving switching off Wi-Fi
- Mesh or dual-band router moving the printer between bands
- Old printer firmware
- Windows using an unreliable WSD port
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 5 steps tried
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Reserve the printer's IP address
Find the printer's IP address on its network configuration page, then sign in to your router's admin page or app. Look for DHCP reservation, address reservation or static lease (names vary), assign the printer's current address to it permanently and save.
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Improve the signal
Check signal strength on the printer's screen or network report. Move the printer and router closer, raise the printer off the floor, and keep it away from microwaves, cordless phone bases and thick walls.
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Adjust sleep and power settings
In the printer's settings, look for sleep, auto-off or energy-saving options (sometimes under Eco or Power). Lengthen the sleep timer or turn off automatic power-off so the printer stays on the network.
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Keep the printer on one band
If your router uses one name for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, some printers struggle when it steers them between bands. If the router allows it, give the 2.4 GHz band its own name and reconnect the printer to that.
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Update the printer firmware
Firmware updates often improve Wi-Fi stability. Use the update option in the printer's menu, its built-in web page or the maker's app, following the manufacturer's official instructions.
Windows 11 / 10
0 of 3 steps tried
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Use a TCP/IP port instead of WSD
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer and open Printer properties > Ports. If the ticked port starts with WSD, click Add Port > Standard TCP/IP Port > New Port, enter the reserved IP address, and tick the new port.
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Check the port matches the address
If you already use a TCP/IP port, select it, click Configure Port and confirm the address matches the one you reserved. Correct it if needed, then click OK and Apply.
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Test after an idle period
Choose Print test page on the printer's page to confirm the port works. Then leave the printer idle for an hour and print again to check it survives sleep.
macOS
0 of 3 steps tried
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Resume the queue after a drop-out
macOS may pause the queue when a job fails. In System Settings > Printers & Scanners, select the printer, click Printer Queue and click Resume if it appears.
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Re-add the printer by IP address
Printers added from the default list usually follow address changes on their own. If drop-outs continue after you've reserved an address, remove the printer, click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax, and add it on the IP tab using the reserved address.
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Check which network the Mac joins
If only the Mac loses the printer, open System Settings > Wi-Fi and make sure it hasn't switched to a guest or neighbouring network. Remove known networks it shouldn't join automatically.
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? Our printer assistant can walk you through it by live chat, free. . Or the 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
Should I give my printer a static IP address?
A DHCP reservation on the router is usually better, because the router keeps track of it. Setting a static address on the printer also works, but pick one outside the router's automatic range to avoid conflicts.
Can a mesh Wi-Fi system cause printer drop-outs?
It can. Mesh systems move devices between access points and bands, and some printers handle that badly. Keeping the printer near the main unit usually helps.