HowToFixWiFiSimple fixes  •  Better connection
Wifi Guide

How to Change Wifi Printer Network? Reconnect Your Printer Fast

Introduction If you recently replaced your router, updated your WiFi password, or moved your printer to a different room, you may find that your wireless printer has gone offline. Printers store network credentials just like a laptop or smartphone, and when th

HowToFixWiFi

Introduction

If you recently replaced your router, updated your WiFi password, or moved your printer to a different room, you may find that your wireless printer has gone offline. Printers store network credentials just like a laptop or smartphone, and when those credentials no longer match your router, the printer cannot communicate with your devices. Knowing How to Change Wifi Printer Network? is an essential skill for any home or office user who wants to keep printing without calling technical support.

This guide walks you through every reliable method to reconnect your printer to a new WiFi network. Whether your printer has a large touchscreen, only a few buttons, or no display at all, there is a procedure that fits your situation. You will also learn how to troubleshoot common issues, what to do when WPS fails, and how to keep your connection stable moving forward.

By the end of this article, you will be able to change your printer’s wireless network quickly and get back to printing documents, photos, and labels without delay.

Table of Contents

Why You Might Need to Change Your Printer’s WiFi Network

There are several common situations that make it necessary to update the wireless network settings on a printer. Understanding the reason can help you choose the fastest reconnection method.

  • New router or ISP: If you switched internet providers or upgraded to a new router, the network name (SSID) and password likely changed. Your printer still remembers the old network and will not connect automatically.
  • Changed WiFi password: Updating your router password for security reasons means every wireless device, including the printer, needs the new credentials.
  • Moved the printer: Relocating a printer to a different floor or office might place it closer to a different access point or extender with its own network name.
  • Network reorganization: Some users separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands into different SSIDs. Since many printers only support 2.4 GHz, you may need to connect to the correct band.
  • Security update: If your network was compromised, changing the WiFi password and reconnecting all devices is a smart precaution.

Regardless of the reason, learning How to Change Wifi Printer Network? ensures you are not stuck with an offline printer when you need it most.

Before You Start: What You’ll Need

Gathering the right information before you begin saves time and prevents frustration. Have these items ready:

  • The exact name of your WiFi network (SSID).
  • The WiFi password (network key).
  • The printer model number, usually found on a label on the back or bottom of the device.
  • A computer or mobile device already connected to the new network.
  • The printer’s power cable and a working power outlet.
  • Printer software or mobile app, if you plan to use a computer-based method.

It also helps to place the printer within range of the router during setup. Weak signal strength is one of the most common reasons a printer fails to join a new network, even when the password is correct.

Method 1: Change Network Using the Printer’s Control Panel

Most modern wireless printers include a built-in menu system that lets you change WiFi settings directly on the device. This is often the fastest method because it does not require a computer.

The exact menu names vary by brand and model, but you will generally look for options labeled Network, Wireless Settings, WiFi Setup, or Restore Network Defaults.

Step-by-Step for Touchscreen Printers

  1. Turn on the printer and wait for it to reach the ready state.
  2. Tap the Setup, Settings, or gear icon on the home screen.
  3. Select Network Setup or Wireless LAN Setup.
  4. Choose WiFi Setup Wizard or Search for Networks.
  5. From the list of available networks, select your new WiFi SSID.
  6. Enter the network password using the on-screen keyboard.
  7. Confirm the settings and wait for the printer to display a connection success message.
  8. Print a network configuration page to verify the new IP address and signal strength.

If the touchscreen freezes or does not show your network, restart the printer and try again. Some printers require you to disable Bluetooth temporarily during WiFi setup.

Step-by-Step for Button-Only Printers

Printers without a screen rely on button combinations and indicator lights. The process is less visual, so pay close attention to the LED patterns.

  1. Press and hold the Wireless or WiFi button until the wireless light starts blinking.
  2. On some models, you must also press the Cancel or Resume button to enter setup mode.
  3. Press the Wireless button again to search for available networks.
  4. Use the + or – buttons (if present) to scroll to your network name.
  5. Press OK to select it.
  6. Enter the WiFi password using the button sequence described in your printer manual.
  7. Wait for the wireless light to stop blinking and remain solid, which indicates a successful connection.

Button-only setup can be tedious. If your printer supports WPS, that method may be easier and is covered next.

Method 2: Reconnect Using WPS Push Button

WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you connect a printer to a router without typing a password. Both the router and printer must support WPS for this to work.

  1. Place the printer near the router.
  2. Press the WPS button on your wireless router. Hold it for a few seconds until the WPS LED begins blinking.
  3. Within two minutes, press the WPS or Wireless button on the printer.
  4. Wait for the printer’s wireless light to turn solid. This can take up to two minutes.
  5. Print a test page to confirm communication with your computer.

WPS is convenient, but it has downsides. Many modern routers disable WPS by default because of security vulnerabilities. If your router does not have a physical WPS button, skip to the control panel or software method.

Method 3: Use WiFi Direct or Printer Hotspot

WiFi Direct allows a printer to create its own temporary wireless network. Your computer or phone connects directly to the printer rather than through a router. This is not the same as joining your home WiFi, but it can be useful for quick printing when the main network is down.

  1. Enable WiFi Direct on the printer through its control panel or by pressing a dedicated button.
  2. On your computer or phone, open WiFi settings and look for a network name that starts with the printer brand (for example, DIRECT-45-HP OfficeJet).
  3. Connect to that network. You may need to enter a password shown on the printer display.
  4. Open the document you want to print and select the printer.

Keep in mind that while WiFi Direct is active, your device may lose internet access because it is connected to the printer instead of the router. Use this method for printing only, and switch back to your normal WiFi network when finished.

Method 4: Change Network via Computer Software or App

Most printer manufacturers provide desktop software or mobile apps that simplify network changes. This method is helpful when the printer’s screen is difficult to use or when you want to manage multiple printers from one place.

Popular options include:

  • HP Smart app (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
  • Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY
  • Epson iPrint
  • Brother iPrint&Scan
  1. Install the manufacturer’s app on a device already connected to the new WiFi network.
  2. Add your printer by selecting Add Printer or Set Up New Printer.
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to select the new network and enter the password.
  4. The app sends the credentials to the printer, usually over USB or Bluetooth during initial setup.
  5. Once the printer confirms the connection, disconnect the USB cable if you used one.

On Windows, you can also go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select your printer, and choose Manage to update port or network settings. On Mac, use System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

Brand-Specific Instructions (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother)

While the general steps are similar, each brand has slight differences in menu layout and button behavior.

HP Printers

HP printers with touchscreens use the Wireless Setup Wizard under Setup > Network. HP Smart app users can tap Printer Settings and choose Wireless Setup Wizard to change networks. Some HP models support Auto Wireless Connect, which temporarily puts the printer in setup mode when it detects a new network.

Canon Printers

Canon printers often use the Wireless LAN Setup menu. Button-only models may require holding the WiFi button until the alarm light flashes, then pressing the Color or Black button to initiate setup. The Canon PRINT app guides users through selecting a new SSID.

Epson Printers

Epson models typically place WiFi settings under Setup > Network Settings > WiFi Setup. The Epson iPrint app can also manage network changes. If an Epson printer fails to connect, resetting network settings to default often resolves the issue.

Brother Printers

Brother printers use Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard on most touchscreen models. Button-only Brother printers often require pressing Menu, navigating to Network, then WLAN, and selecting Setup Wizard. The Brother iPrint&Scan app is reliable for network changes on mobile devices.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Even after following the steps above, your printer might still refuse to join the new network. Here are the most frequent problems and how to fix them.

Printer Does Not See the Network

Make sure the printer is within range of the router. Also, confirm that your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network. Many printers do not support 5 GHz, so if your router uses a single combined SSID for both bands, the printer may fail to connect. Splitting the bands or temporarily disabling 5 GHz can help.

Incorrect Password Error

Double-check the WiFi password. Remember that passwords are case-sensitive. If you recently changed the router password, restart the printer before re-entering it so old credentials are cleared from memory.

Printer Connected but Cannot Print

A printer can connect to WiFi but still be unreachable by your computer if the IP address changed. Print a network configuration page from the printer’s menu and note the new IP address. On your computer, remove the old printer and add it again using the new IP or let Windows or Mac detect it automatically.

WPS Fails or Times Out

WPS has a two-minute window. If you miss it, the process resets. Press the router WPS button first, then immediately press the printer WPS button. If WPS is disabled on your router, use the control panel method instead.

Printer Keeps Going Offline

Assign a static IP address to the printer through your router’s admin panel. This prevents the router from assigning a different IP address each time the printer reconnects, which can confuse your computer’s print queue.

Comparison: Connection Methods at a Glance

Not every method works equally well for every situation. The table below compares the most common ways to change a printer’s WiFi network.

Method Difficulty Speed Best For Requirements
Control Panel Medium Fast Printers with screens WiFi name and password
WPS Push Button Easy Very Fast Quick setup without typing WPS-enabled router and printer
WiFi Direct Easy Medium Direct printing without router Printer with WiFi Direct support
Computer Software/App Medium Medium Managing multiple printers Manufacturer app installed
Button-Only Sequence Hard Slow Basic printers without screens Printer manual

Tips and Best Practices for Stable Printer WiFi

Changing the network is only half the job. Keeping the connection reliable over time requires a few good habits.

  • Use 2.4 GHz: If your router offers both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, connect the printer to 2.4 GHz for better range and compatibility.
  • Assign a static IP: Log into your router settings and reserve an IP address for the printer so it never changes.
  • Keep firmware updated: Printer manufacturers release firmware updates that improve WiFi stability and security.
  • Place the printer wisely: Avoid putting the printer inside a cabinet or far from the router. Walls and metal objects weaken the signal.
  • Re-add the printer on computers: After changing the network, remove the old printer from your computer and add it again so the system uses the new IP address.
  • Record the settings: Write down the SSID, password, and printer IP address in case you need to reconfigure it later.

If you ever ask yourself How to Change Wifi Printer Network? again, these tips will make the process smoother the next time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a computer to change my printer’s WiFi network?

No. Many printers allow you to change the network directly from the control panel. A computer is only necessary if you prefer using manufacturer software or if your printer has no screen.

Will changing the WiFi network delete my saved print jobs?

Generally, no. Print jobs stored in the printer’s memory are usually unaffected by network changes, though any pending jobs in the computer’s print queue may need to be resent after reconnection.

Can I connect my printer to a guest network?

Yes, but guest networks often isolate devices from each other. This means your computer might not be able to send print jobs to the printer if both are on a guest network. Use your main private network for best results.

What if my printer only supports 2.4 GHz but my router only broadcasts 5 GHz?

You will need a router that supports dual-band or a separate 2.4 GHz access point. Some routers allow you to disable band steering so older devices can connect to 2.4 GHz.

How do I find my printer’s new IP address?

Print a network configuration page from the printer’s control panel menu. The page lists the current IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.

Is WPS safe to use?

WPS is convenient but has known security weaknesses. If security is a priority, disable WPS on your router and use the control panel or app method instead.

My printer connected to WiFi but still says offline. What should I do?

Restart both the printer and the router. Then remove the printer from your computer’s device list and add it again. Verify that the IP address on the printer matches the port configured on your computer.

Conclusion

Changing a printer’s wireless network does not have to be complicated. Whether you use the printer’s control panel, WPS, WiFi Direct, or a manufacturer app, the key is to have your network name and password ready before you begin.

If you follow the steps in this guide, you can answer How to Change Wifi Printer Network? with confidence and get your printer back online in minutes. Remember to place the printer near the router during setup, choose the 2.4 GHz band when possible, and assign a static IP address to avoid future connectivity problems.

With a stable connection restored, you can resume printing documents, photos, and projects without interruption.