How to Change Wifi on Printer? Link To New Network

Introduction

If you have recently changed your home or office internet connection, you may be wondering How to Change Wifi on Printer? so that your device can reconnect to the internet and resume printing wirelessly. Printers are no longer simple plug-and-play machines; modern wireless printers rely heavily on a stable Wi-Fi network to function. When you switch routers, change your ISP, or update your network password, your printer often loses connection and becomes unresponsive until you link it to the new network.

Many users panic when their printer suddenly stops printing, but the good news is that reconnecting a printer to a new Wi-Fi network is usually straightforward. Whether you own an HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, or another brand, the general process involves placing the printer in setup mode, selecting your new network, and entering the password. This guide walks you through every method, from the printer control panel to manufacturer apps and WPS pairing.

By the end of this article, you will have a clear, step-by-step understanding of how to change Wi-Fi on a printer and link it to a new network without needing professional help.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why You May Need to Change Wi-Fi on a Printer
• Before You Start: What You Need
• General Steps: How to Change Wifi on Printer?
• Method 1: Using the Printer Control Panel
• Method 2: Using HP Smart App
• Method 3: Connecting Canon Printers
• Method 4: Connecting Epson Printers
• Method 5: Connecting Brother Printers
• Method 6: Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
• Method 7: USB Setup and Wi-Fi Transfer
• Printer Brand Comparison Table
• Troubleshooting Common Issues
• Tips and Best Practices
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Why You May Need to Change Wi-Fi on a Printer

There are several common scenarios where you will need to learn How to Change Wifi on Printer? and link the device to a new network. The most frequent reason is moving to a new home or office with a different router. Another common cause is upgrading your internet plan, which often comes with a new router and a new SSID (network name). Sometimes, you simply change your Wi-Fi password for security reasons, and your printer can no longer authenticate.

Other times, the issue is not a new network but a failing connection. Printers can drop off the network due to router firmware updates, IP address conflicts, or interference from other devices. In all these cases, the solution is to re-establish the connection by re-running the Wi-Fi setup process.

Understanding the root cause helps you avoid repeating the problem. For example, if your printer keeps disconnecting, you may need to assign a static IP address or move the printer closer to the router.

Before You Start: What You Need

Before attempting to change the Wi-Fi network on your printer, gather the following items:

• Your printer’s power cable and a stable power source.
• The new Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password.
• A smartphone, tablet, or computer connected to the new network.
• The printer’s manual or quick-start guide (optional but helpful).
• The manufacturer’s app installed on your phone (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson Smart Panel, Brother Mobile Connect, etc.).
• A USB cable (if using the USB setup method).

Make sure the printer is powered on and not in sleep mode. If it has been sitting unused for a while, print a test page or press the power button to wake it up. Also, ensure your router is broadcasting on the 2.4 GHz band, as most printers do not support 5 GHz networks.

General Steps: How to Change Wifi on Printer?

Although the exact interface varies by brand, the general process for changing the Wi-Fi network on a printer follows these universal steps:

1. Turn on the printer and ensure it is in a ready state.
2. Open the printer’s settings or network menu.
3. Select the wireless setup or Wi-Fi setup option.
4. Choose your new network from the list of available SSIDs.
5. Enter the Wi-Fi password carefully, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters.
6. Wait for the printer to connect and print a network configuration page.
7. Re-add the printer on your computer or phone if needed.

These steps form the foundation of How to Change Wifi on Printer? regardless of brand. The sections below break down brand-specific instructions.

Method 1: Using the Printer Control Panel

Most modern printers have a built-in touchscreen or button-based control panel that lets you manage network settings directly. This is often the fastest method.

Step-by-Step Control Panel Instructions

1. Press the Wireless or Network button on the printer.
2. Navigate to Settings > Network > Wireless Setup Wizard.
3. The printer will scan for available networks.
4. Select your new Wi-Fi network from the list.
5. Enter the password using the on-screen keyboard.
6. Confirm and wait for the connection status to show “Connected.”
7. Print a network test page to verify.

If your printer does not have a screen, look for a button with a wireless icon. Pressing and holding it for a few seconds often triggers the WPS or setup mode, which you can then complete using a computer.

Method 2: Using HP Smart App

HP printers are among the most popular, and the HP Smart app simplifies the process of changing Wi-Fi networks significantly.

How to Change Wi-Fi on an HP Printer

1. Download and open the HP Smart app on your smartphone or computer.
2. Make sure your phone is connected to the new Wi-Fi network.
3. Tap the + icon to add a printer, or select your existing printer.
4. Choose Printer Settings > Network > Wireless Setup.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to select your new network and enter the password.
6. The app will send the credentials to the printer automatically.
7. Wait for the confirmation message and print a test page.

For HP printers without a screen, the app may ask you to temporarily connect your phone to the printer’s own Wi-Fi Direct network. Once connected, it transfers the new network details seamlessly.

Method 3: Connecting Canon Printers

Canon printers often use the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app, but they also support direct control panel setup.

Canon Wi-Fi Setup Steps

1. Press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer until the power lamp flashes.
2. Press the Color button, then the Wi-Fi button again to start the setup.
3. On your computer or phone, connect to the printer’s temporary access point.
4. Open a browser and go to the Canon setup page (usually http://192.168.x.x or the Canon IJ Network Tool).
5. Select your new network and enter the password.
6. The printer will connect and the Wi-Fi lamp will stop flashing.

Alternatively, use the Canon PRINT app: go to Settings > Printer Settings > LAN Settings > Wireless LAN, then follow the prompts.

Method 4: Connecting Epson Printers

Epson offers the Epson Smart Panel app and a web-based setup utility. Many Epson printers also have a clear LCD panel for direct configuration.

Epson Wi-Fi Setup Steps

1. On the printer, press Home > Wi-Fi Setup > Wi-Fi (Recommended).
2. Select Wi-Fi Setup Wizard.
3. Choose your new network from the list.
4. Enter the password and press Done.
5. Wait for the connection confirmation.

If using the app, open Epson Smart Panel, tap Add Printer, and follow the guided setup. Epson printers may also support WPS for a faster connection.

Method 5: Connecting Brother Printers

Brother printers are known for their straightforward network menus. You can change the Wi-Fi network directly from the LCD panel or via the Brother Mobile Connect app.

Brother Wi-Fi Setup Steps

1. Press Menu on the printer.
2. Navigate to Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard.
3. Select your new SSID.
4. Enter the password using the keypad.
5. Confirm and wait for the connection.
6. Print a network configuration report to verify.

Brother also provides the BRAdmin Light utility for Windows, which lets you push network settings from a computer over USB.

Method 6: Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

WPS is the quickest way to link a printer to a new network without typing a password. It works by pressing a button on both the router and the printer.

WPS Connection Steps

1. Press the WPS button on your router (usually located on the back or side).
2. Within two minutes, press the WPS or Wireless button on your printer.
3. Wait for the printer’s Wi-Fi light to stop blinking and remain solid.
4. Print a network test page to confirm the connection.

Note: WPS must be enabled on your router. Some modern routers disable WPS by default for security reasons. If WPS fails, revert to the manual password method.

Method 7: USB Setup and Wi-Fi Transfer

If wireless setup keeps failing, you can use a USB cable to configure the printer and transfer Wi-Fi credentials.

1. Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Install the printer driver and software from the manufacturer’s website.
3. During installation, choose the Wireless connection option.
4. The software will detect available networks; select your new SSID.
5. Enter the password when prompted.
6. The software sends the settings to the printer over USB.
7. Disconnect the USB cable once the printer confirms the wireless connection.

This method is especially useful for printers without a screen or for users who find on-screen keyboards frustrating.

Printer Brand Comparison Table

The table below compares the most popular printer brands and their recommended methods for changing Wi-Fi networks.

Brand	Primary Method	App Name	WPS Support	Screen Required?
HP	HP Smart App	HP Smart	Yes	No
Canon	Control Panel / App	Canon PRINT	Yes	Optional
Epson	Control Panel	Epson Smart Panel	Yes	Optional
Brother	Control Panel Menu	Brother Mobile Connect	Yes	Yes
Lexmark	Web Interface	Lexmark Mobile Print	Limited	No

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even when you follow the steps for How to Change Wifi on Printer? correctly, things can go wrong. Here are common problems and their fixes:

Printer Not Found on Network

Ensure the printer is connected to the same network as your device. Restart both the printer and the router. Check that your computer’s firewall is not blocking the printer.

Incorrect Password Error

Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive. Re-enter the password carefully. If your password contains special characters, try changing it to a simpler one temporarily.

Printer Only Supports 2.4 GHz

Most printers do not support 5 GHz networks. Log into your router settings and ensure the 2.4 GHz band is enabled with a distinct SSID.

IP Address Conflict

If two devices share the same IP, the printer may disconnect. Assign a static IP to the printer through your router’s DHCP settings.

Outdated Firmware

Check the manufacturer’s website for firmware updates. An outdated printer firmware can cause compatibility issues with newer routers.

Tips and Best Practices

To make the process of changing your printer’s Wi-Fi network smoother and avoid future headaches, follow these tips:

• Keep your printer’s firmware updated regularly.
• Place the printer within 10–15 feet of the router for a strong signal.
• Use a consistent SSID and password across router upgrades when possible.
• Save your network configuration page after a successful connection for future reference.
• Disable sleep mode or set longer timeout intervals to prevent disconnections.
• Consider using a Wi-Fi extender if the printer is far from the router.
• Always test print after reconnecting to confirm functionality.
• Remove old printer instances from your computer before re-adding the new connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I change Wi-Fi on a printer without a screen?

Use the manufacturer’s app (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, etc.) or the WPS method. You can also use a USB cable to push network settings from your computer.

2. Why won’t my printer connect to the new Wi-Fi?

Common reasons include entering the wrong password, using a 5 GHz network, router firewall settings, or outdated printer firmware. Verify each of these factors.

3. Can I connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a computer?

Yes. Most modern printers can be configured directly from their control panel or via a smartphone app over Wi-Fi Direct.

4. How do I reset my printer’s network settings?

Navigate to the printer’s settings menu and select Restore Network Defaults or Reset Network Settings. This clears old credentials and lets you start fresh.

5. Does changing Wi-Fi affect my printer’s IP address?

Yes. When you connect to a new network, the printer receives a new IP address from the router’s DHCP server. You may need to update the printer port on your computer.

6. How long does it take to change Wi-Fi on a printer?

Typically 5–10 minutes. Using WPS can reduce this to under 2 minutes.

Conclusion

Learning How to Change Wifi on Printer? and link it to a new network is an essential skill in today’s wireless world. Whether you use the control panel, a manufacturer app, WPS, or a USB cable, the process is designed to be user-friendly. By following the brand-specific steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly restore your printer’s connectivity and get back to printing.

Remember to keep your firmware updated, place the printer close to the router, and double-check your password for case sensitivity. If you encounter issues, the troubleshooting section provides practical solutions. With a little patience, reconnecting your printer to a new Wi-Fi network is a task anyone can accomplish.

If you found this guide helpful, consider bookmarking it for future reference the next time you upgrade your router or move to a new location.