How to reset your printer's network settings
Reset your printer's Wi-Fi and network settings to factory defaults, reconnect it to your network, and add it again on Windows or a Mac.
A network reset makes the printer forget its Wi-Fi name, password and IP settings and return them to factory defaults. It is useful after you change your router or Wi-Fi password, or when the printer keeps dropping off the network. You will need to connect it to Wi-Fi again afterwards. A network reset normally leaves other settings alone, unlike a full factory reset.
Steps
On the printer
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Note what you need first
Have your Wi-Fi network name and password ready. If you can, print a network configuration page so you have a record of the current settings, such as a fixed IP address you may want to set again.
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Find the reset option on the screen
On printers with a display, look under Settings, Setup or Network for an option such as Restore network settings, Reset network or Restore defaults within the network menu. Confirm, and let the printer restart if it wants to.
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Use the button method on models without a screen
Printers without a display usually reset their network settings with a button combination, such as holding the wireless button together with another button. The combination varies by model, so check the manual or the manufacturer's support site rather than guessing, as some combinations perform a full factory reset.
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Or use the printer's web page
If you can still reach the printer's built-in web page by typing its IP address into a browser, look in the network section for an option to restore network defaults. Changes there may need the printer's admin password; on many newer printers this is printed on a label on the printer.
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Reconnect to Wi-Fi
Run the printer's wireless setup wizard, choose your network and enter the password. Alternatively, if both printer and router support WPS, press the WPS button on the router and then start WPS on the printer within about two minutes. Many printers can also be set up with the manufacturer's phone app.
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Pick the right network band
Many printers only connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. If your router shows separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network names, choose the 2.4 GHz one; if it uses a single name for both, that usually works fine.
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Confirm the connection
Print a network configuration page and check that it shows as connected with a normal IP address. An address starting with
169.254means it still hasn't joined the network properly.
Windows 11 / 10
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Remove the old printer entry
If the printer's IP address changed, remove the old entry: open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer and click Remove (Windows 10: Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, select it, then Remove device).
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Add it again
Click Add device (Windows 10: Add a printer or scanner) and wait for the printer to appear, then add it. If it isn't found, click Add manually (Windows 10: The printer that I want isn't listed) and choose to add a printer using an IP address or hostname.
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Print a test page
Select the printer and click Print test page (Windows 10: Manage > Print a test page) to confirm it works.
macOS
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Remove the old printer entry
Open Apple menu > System Settings > Printers & Scanners, select the printer and choose Remove Printer. On macOS 12 and earlier, select it in System Preferences > Printers & Scanners and click the minus button.
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Add it again
Click Add Printer, Scanner or Fax, wait for the printer to appear, select it, choose AirPrint or the manufacturer's driver from the Use menu and click Add.
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Print a test document
Print a short document from TextEdit to confirm everything works.
Tips
- Keep the printer fairly close to the router while setting it up, then move it once it is connected and printing.
- After reconnecting, reserve the printer's IP address in your router so it keeps the same address.
- Try a network reset before a full factory reset. A factory reset also clears settings such as paper sizes, contacts and saved preferences.
Common questions
Will a network reset erase my other printer settings?
Usually not. A network reset clears Wi-Fi and network settings only. A full factory reset is the option that returns everything to defaults.
Do I need to reinstall the driver afterwards?
Normally no. Removing the printer and adding it again on each computer is enough, because the driver usually stays installed.
Why can't my printer see my Wi-Fi network?
Many printers can't use 5 GHz Wi-Fi, so they don't see 5 GHz-only networks. Check that a 2.4 GHz network is available and that the printer is within range of the router.