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Setup and Configuration

How to Change Wifi for Printer? For Wireless Printing

Introduction Wireless printing is one of the most convenient features modern printers offer. Being able to print from any device connected to your home or office network saves time, reduces cable clutter, and allows multiple users to share a single printer. Ho

HowToFixWiFi

Introduction

Wireless printing is one of the most convenient features modern printers offer. Being able to print from any device connected to your home or office network saves time, reduces cable clutter, and allows multiple users to share a single printer. However, there comes a time when your network changes and you need to figure out How to Change Wifi for Printer?

Maybe you just got a new router, switched to a different internet provider, changed your network name and password, or moved your printer to a different location with a new network. Whatever the reason may be, reconnecting your printer to a new Wi-Fi network is a very common task. The tricky part is that every printer brand handles this process a little differently.

Some printers have a touchscreen that makes this process quick and easy. Others rely on manufacturer software, a mobile app, a temporary direct connection, or even a WPS push button. If done incorrectly, your printer may appear offline, refuse to connect, or disappear from your device list entirely.

This guide is designed to walk you through every reliable method step by step. By the end, you should be able to reconnect nearly any wireless printer to a new network with confidence, troubleshoot common errors, and prevent this issue from happening again in the future.

Table of Contents

Why You May Need to Change Wi-Fi for Your Printer

There are far more reasons for this task than just buying a new router. Understanding why can help you choose the right approach for reconnecting.

  • Router replacement: Upgrading your router almost always means your printer will need to be reconnected to the new network.
  • Changing network name or password: Even if you keep the same router, updating SSID or security details will break the existing connection.
  • Switching to a new ISP: A new provider often includes a new gateway router with different network credentials.
  • Moving homes or offices: Relocating means connecting to an entirely different Wi-Fi network.
  • Extending or replacing networks: Moving to a mesh Wi-Fi system or merging networks can cause older printers to drop their connection.
  • Network band changes: Some older printers only support the 2.4 GHz band and may fail to connect to a combined 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network.

No matter your reason, the core goal remains the same: re-establish a stable wireless link so your devices can discover and use the printer again.

Before You Start: Things to Have Ready

Taking a minute to prepare will prevent most connection failures. Before attempting to change Wi-Fi for your printer, gather the following:

  • New Wi-Fi details: Know the exact network name (SSID) and the correct password. Pay attention to capitalization and special characters.
  • Access to the new router: Be near your router or have it powered on and broadcasting during setup.
  • Printer powered on: Ensure the printer has power, no error lights blocking wireless functions, and enough paper/ink for a test page.
  • Computer or smartphone nearby: Have at least one device ready with access to the same new Wi-Fi network.
  • Manufacturer app installed (optional but helpful): Many brands recommend using their official app for the smoothest experience.
  • Printer manual or model number: Keep your exact printer model on hand in case you need to reference specific menu names.

It is also wise to keep your old network temporarily available only if the printer still shows its network menu. Once you switch routers entirely, the old network will be gone, so always use the new one.

Understanding Wireless Printer Connection Types

Before diving into methods, it helps to know how printers connect wirelessly. This knowledge will help you troubleshoot if one method fails.

Infrastructure Mode (Most Common)

This is the standard home setup. The printer connects directly to your Wi-Fi router, just like a phone or laptop. All devices on that same router can print to it without any extra cables.

Direct or Wi-Fi Direct

Some printers create their own temporary network. You can connect your device directly to that printer network without going through your home router. This is mainly used for initial setup, mobile printing in a pinch, or when reconfiguring a printer with no router access.

Ad-Hoc (Rare)

Very few modern printers use this older peer-to-peer method. You are unlikely to encounter it on current models, so focus on the first two types for this guide.

Method 1: Change Wi-Fi Using the Printer Touchscreen

If your printer has a color or monochrome touchscreen, this is often the cleanest way to solve How to Change Wifi for Printer? without installing extra software first.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Wake the printer: Turn on the printer and wait for it to fully initialize.
  2. Open network settings: Look for a menu labeled Network, Wireless, Settings, Network Settings, or Connectivity on the home screen.
  3. Find Wi-Fi setup: Navigate to Wireless Setup Wizard, Change Network, Network Configuration, or Reconnect to Wi-Fi.
  4. Select your new network: The printer will scan for available networks. Choose your new Wi-Fi name from the list.
  5. Enter the password: Use the on-screen keyboard to type your new Wi-Fi password exactly as it is.
  6. Confirm and connect: Accept the prompt. The printer will attempt to connect. A confirmation message or wireless icon will appear once successful.
  7. Test the connection: Print a network status page from the menu if available, or try printing from a connected device.

Notes for this method

  • If your old network is no longer visible, that is normal after changing routers.
  • Some printers require going through Restore Network Defaults first before showing a setup wizard.
  • If the list is empty, move the printer closer to the router and try again.

Method 2: Change Wi-Fi Using a Manufacturer Mobile or Desktop App

Most major printer families provide a dedicated app. These apps are designed specifically to handle reconfiguration, especially for printers with limited buttons or no full touchscreen.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Connect your device to the new Wi-Fi: Make sure the phone, tablet, or computer you’re using is already connected to the exact new network you want the printer on.
  2. Open the official app: Launch the manufacturer’s printer app on that device.
  3. Find your printer: The app may still detect the printer over the old network or show it as offline. Look for options like Add Printer, Set Up New Printer, or Change Network.
  4. Start network change: If the printer is listed as offline, choose the option to reconnect or update its Wi-Fi settings.
  5. Follow the guided flow: The app will walk you through searching for the new network, entering credentials, and applying the change.
  6. Complete and test: Once complete, the printer should appear as online. Run a quick test print.

Tips for this method

  • If the app cannot find the printer at all, try Method 4 (network reset) to put it back into discoverable setup mode.
  • Keep Bluetooth enabled on your mobile device if the app requests it. Some apps use Bluetooth for initial discovery during reconfiguration.
  • Use the app from the same device you plan to print from whenever possible.

Method 3: Change Wi-Fi Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

WPS is a convenient button-based method that avoids typing the Wi-Fi password on a small screen. However, not all routers support WPS anymore, and some newer routers have it disabled by default for security reasons.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Prepare both devices: Have your router and printer powered on. Know where the physical WPS button is on your router.
  2. Start WPS on the printer: On your printer, go to Network or Wireless settings and select WPS, Push Button, or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (PBC).
  3. Press the router WPS button: Within the time window shown by the printer (usually 2 minutes), press the WPS button on your router.
  4. Wait for connection: The printer and router will negotiate automatically. Look for a solid wireless light or an on-screen success message.
  5. Verify: Check the network status or print a test page.

Important considerations

  • Time limit: Both actions must happen quickly. If too much time passes, restart from step 2.
  • Router compatibility: If your router has no visible WPS button or the option is missing in its settings, use another method.
  • Security note: If WPS is disabled on your router, enabling it temporarily for setup is only needed for this process and can be disabled again after.

Method 4: Use Setup Mode or Restore Network Settings

If your printer is stuck trying to connect to an old network, it may not show the new network at all. Putting it into network setup mode forces it to become discoverable again, which is often the key when figuring out How to Change Wifi for Printer? on stubborn models.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Locate the reset option: Check your printer menu for Network Settings > Restore Network Defaults, Reset Wireless Settings, or Clear Network Configuration.
  2. Reset the network: Confirm the prompt. The printer will clear saved network credentials. After this, it will usually enter wireless setup or auto-discovery mode.
  3. Use your preferred method: With network settings cleared, use Method 1 (touchscreen) or Method 2 (manufacturer app) to connect to your new Wi-Fi.
  4. Reconnect devices: After connecting to the new network, update your computers and phones as shown in a later section.

Tips and warnings

  • Know what resets: Restoring network settings only clears Wi-Fi details. It typically does not erase stored faxes, print jobs, or most custom printer settings.
  • Button combination alternative: On some printers with no touchscreen, holding a combination like Wi-Fi and Cancel/Stop for several seconds triggers network reset. Check your model’s exact combination if the menu option is missing.
  • Be patient: After reset, the wireless indicator may blink rapidly to show it is in setup mode.

Method 5: Use a Temporary USB Connection to Reconfigure Wi-Fi

For some older printers or in cases where wireless discovery completely fails, a temporary USB cable connection can act as a bridge. The setup utility on your computer uses that direct connection to push your new Wi-Fi credentials to the printer.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Prepare: Have a compatible USB cable for your printer, your computer connected to the new Wi-Fi network, and the latest setup utility from the manufacturer’s official site.
  2. Install or open the utility: Run the setup tool on your computer. If already installed, look for Change Printer Settings, Reconfigure Wireless Network, or Wireless Setup.
  3. Connect via USB: Plug one end of the USB cable into the printer and the other into your computer. Keep the printer powered on.
  4. Let the utility detect it: The tool should detect the printer over USB even if it’s currently offline on Wi-Fi.
  5. Select new network: When prompted, choose your new Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password.
  6. Switch to wireless: The utility will transfer settings to the printer. It may ask you to disconnect the USB cable once wireless setup is complete.
  7. Finish and test: Remove the USB cable, confirm the printer connects to Wi-Fi, and run a test print.

Notes for this method

  • This method is most reliable when used with the most up-to-date setup utility for your exact model.
  • Do not disconnect the USB cable until the software explicitly says it is safe to do so.
  • If the utility does not offer a “change network” option, use a full setup flow which often includes reconfiguration.

Updating the Printer on Your Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android Devices

Successfully reconnecting the printer to Wi-Fi is only half the task. Your devices may still try to use the old network profile and show the printer as offline until updated.

On Windows

  1. Check connectivity: Ensure your Windows PC is on the same new Wi-Fi network as the printer.
  2. Open settings: Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  3. Remove old entry (if offline): If the old printer entry shows as offline or unreachable, select it and choose Remove.
  4. Add the printer again: Select Add a printer or scanner. Windows will search and should find the printer on the new network.
  5. Test: Print a test page to confirm.

On macOS

  1. Connect to same network: Join the new Wi-Fi on your Mac.
  2. Open printer settings: Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
  3. Refresh: If present and offline, remove the old printer, then click + to add it.
  4. Select from list: Choose the printer from the discovered list. macOS will usually select the correct driver automatically.
  5. Test print: Open any document and print to verify.

On iOS (iPhone/iPad)

  1. Join new network: Connect your iOS device to the new Wi-Fi.
  2. Use AirPrint: Open a document, tap Share > Print. Tap Select Printer.
  3. Discover: If the printer appears, select it. If it still shows the old one or none, ensure both are on the same network.
  4. Print test: Complete a small test print.

On Android

  1. Join new network: Connect your Android device to the new Wi-Fi.
  2. Check default print service: Open Settings > Connections > Printing (wording varies). Ensure the system print service is enabled.
  3. Print: From any app, use Print. Your device should auto-discover the printer if on the same network.
  4. Use manufacturer app as fallback: If not discovered, the manufacturer’s Android app can also detect and print to the printer directly.

Comparison of All Methods: Which One is Right For You?

Use this table to quickly decide the best approach based on your printer and situation.

Method Best For Needs Password Entry On Requires Extra App? Difficulty Success Rate
Touchscreen Printers with a built-in display Printer screen No Easy Very High
Manufacturer App Most modern printers, minimal buttons Phone/Tablet Yes Easy Very High
WPS Push Button Quick change without typing password None (button-based) No Very Easy High (if router supports)
Setup/Network Reset Stuck on old network, not discoverable Depends on follow-up method Sometimes Moderate Very High as a fix
Temporary USB Older models, wireless scan completely fails Computer via utility Usually uses setup utility Moderate High for supported models

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the correct steps, things can go wrong. Here are the most frequent problems and practical fixes when trying to change Wi-Fi for your printer.

Printer Won’t Find the New Network

  • Move closer: Bring the printer within a few feet of the router during setup.
  • Check band: If your router uses band steering, try temporarily separating 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, or connect the printer to the 2.4 GHz network. Many wireless printers do not support 5 GHz.
  • Reduce interference: Keep away from microwaves, thick walls, or large metal objects during setup.
  • Use manual scan: Some menus require a manual rescan if it doesn’t appear on first search.

Incorrect Password or Authentication Error

  • Re-type carefully: Check for case sensitivity, spaces, or special characters.
  • Use the correct network: Ensure you’re selecting the new network, not the old one still cached.
  • Check security type: Most home printers work with WPA2-Personal. Extremely new WPA3-only networks can cause issues with older printers. If possible, use a mixed WPA2/WPA3 mode on the router for compatibility.

Printer Connects But Stays Offline

  • Same network check: Your printing device must be on the identical Wi-Fi network as the printer. Guest networks often isolate devices and block printing.
  • Restart everything: Power off the printer, router, and your computer/phone for 60 seconds, then power the router first, then printer, then devices.
  • Remove and re-add: Remove the printer from your device’s printer list and add it again after a successful connection.
  • IP address conflict: Rarely, restarting the router allows it to assign a fresh IP address which resolves discovery issues.

WPS Fails Repeatedly

  • Check timer: Start the printer’s WPS mode first, then press the router button within 120 seconds.
  • Disable MAC filtering: If router MAC filtering is enabled, it can block the printer. Temporarily disable it for setup if safe to do so.
  • Fallback method: If WPS continues to fail, switch to the touchscreen, app, or temporary USB method.

App Cannot Find Printer After Router Change

  • Force into setup: Perform a network reset on the printer so it broadcasts for setup again.
  • Use phone hotspot cautiously: As a test, you can sometimes use a mobile hotspot to run setup, but the final network must be your home Wi-Fi.
  • Grant permissions: Allow local network access for the printer app on your mobile device. On many mobile systems this is required for discovery.

Tips and Best Practices for Long-Term Reliability

Once you’ve learned How to Change Wifi for Printer?, a few preventative measures can save you from repeating this process under pressure.

  • Use the same network name if possible: If you’re replacing a router, using the old SSID and password on the new router can allow many devices, including some printers, to reconnect automatically.
  • Stick to 2.4 GHz for older printers: For maximum compatibility, especially with legacy models, use a dedicated 2.4 GHz network for the printer.
  • Keep the printer near the router initially: For reconfiguration, proximity drastically improves discovery and success.
  • Update firmware: After reconnecting, check for printer firmware updates through the app or menu. Updates often improve wireless stability and compatibility.
  • Assign a static IP (advanced): If your router allows, reserving an IP address for your printer prevents it from changing addresses after reboots and reduces offline issues.
  • Document credentials: Keep your Wi-Fi name and password in an easy-to-access place for future router changes.
  • Test after changes: Always print a test page from your primary device right after reconnecting to catch issues early.
  • Keep the app updated: Manufacturer apps receive frequent fixes for discovery and network change flows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to uninstall my printer before changing Wi-Fi?

Not usually. In most cases, updating the Wi-Fi connection on the printer itself is enough. You only need to remove and re-add it on your computer or phone if it stays offline after reconnecting.

Can I change Wi-Fi for my printer without a computer?

Yes. If your printer has a touchscreen, you can do it directly from the menu. If not, a manufacturer mobile app can handle it from a smartphone or tablet in most cases.

What if my printer only has buttons and no screen?

Use the manufacturer app with a mobile device, try WPS if supported, or perform a network reset followed by app-guided setup. The temporary USB method can also work with a computer and setup utility.

Why won’t my printer connect to a combined 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network?

Many older wireless printers lack 5 GHz support. Band steering merges both bands under one name and can confuse them. The simplest fix is to connect to the 2.4 GHz band explicitly or create a separate 2.4 GHz network on your router during setup.

Is restoring network defaults safe?

Generally yes. Restoring network settings only erases saved Wi-Fi credentials. Custom calibration, some presets, or saved address books may remain depending on the model, but it will not perform a full factory wipe of most printing data.

Can I use Wi-Fi Direct after changing to a new home network?

Wi-Fi Direct is a separate feature. Changing the router network does not disable Wi-Fi Direct. You can still connect directly to the printer’s own network for printing, though this won’t use your home internet or allow all devices on your router to print at the same time.

What if the new router has a stronger password requirement?

As long as you enter it correctly, most printers accept standard WPA2-Personal passwords. If your router enforces stricter characters and the printer rejects it, try a slightly simpler password for the initial setup, or use the temporary USB/app method which tends to be more forgiving.

Do I need the old router turned on to change Wi-Fi?

No. In fact, the old router being off or unreachable is the most common reason to reconfigure. All methods in this guide are designed for switching to a completely new network with the old one gone.

Conclusion

Learning How to Change Wifi for Printer? doesn’t have to be frustrating. The key is to work through the process in the right order: prepare your new network details, put the printer in a state to accept new credentials, connect it using the method that matches your hardware, and finally update all of your devices.

For most users, the touchscreen or manufacturer app will be the fastest route. If your printer is stuck on an old network, a quick network reset will usually get it back into setup mode. For rare edge cases, WPS or a temporary USB connection will cover the rest.

Take your time with password entry, keep devices on the same network, and use the comparison table above if you’re unsure which path to take. With the steps and troubleshooting advice in this guide, you should have your wireless printer back online and ready to print in no time.