HowToFixWiFiSimple fixes  •  Better connection
Wifi Guide

How to Disconnect Printer From Wifi? Wireless Setup Menu Steps

Introduction Wireless printers make it easy to print from laptops, smartphones, and tablets without running cables across the room. However, there are many situations where you need to remove a printer from your wireless network. Whether you are upgrading to a

HowToFixWiFi

Introduction

Wireless printers make it easy to print from laptops, smartphones, and tablets without running cables across the room. However, there are many situations where you need to remove a printer from your wireless network. Whether you are upgrading to a new router, selling an old printer, troubleshooting connection problems, or improving your home network security, knowing How to Disconnect Printer From Wifi? is an essential skill.

Unlike unplugging a USB cable, disconnecting a wireless printer involves navigating menus, changing network settings, or logging into your router. If done incorrectly, the printer may reconnect automatically or continue appearing on your network, which can create confusion and potential security risks.

This guide covers every reliable method for disconnecting a printer from WiFi. You will learn how to use the printer’s built-in control panel, how to remove it through your router, how to handle brand-specific steps for HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother devices, and what to do if the printer keeps reconnecting. We also explain how to reconnect a printer later, how to troubleshoot common issues, and which best practices will keep your wireless printing setup secure and organized.

By the end of this article, you will be able to confidently disconnect any WiFi printer and understand when each method is most appropriate.

Table of Contents

Why Disconnect a Printer From WiFi?

There are several practical reasons to disconnect a printer from a wireless network. Understanding your motivation helps you choose the right method and decide whether the disconnection should be temporary or permanent.

Security concerns. Every device on your WiFi network is a potential entry point. If you no longer use a printer, or if you suspect unauthorized access to your network, removing it reduces your attack surface. Older printers may not receive regular security updates, making them weaker links in your home or office network.

Network changes. When you replace your router, change your WiFi password, or switch internet providers, old printer credentials may no longer work. Disconnecting the printer cleanly prevents it from holding onto outdated network settings and repeatedly trying to connect with the wrong password.

Troubleshooting. If a printer is offline, printing slowly, or showing error messages, disconnecting and reconnecting it can reset the wireless handshake and resolve glitches. This is often the first step a technician will recommend when a printer will not communicate with a computer.

Selling or donating. Before giving away a printer, you should disconnect it from WiFi and, ideally, perform a factory reset so the next owner cannot access your network history or saved credentials.

Reducing congestion. In homes and offices with many smart devices, removing unused printers can free up bandwidth and reduce IP address conflicts. Even an idle printer can send background traffic that competes with video calls, gaming, or streaming.

When You Should Disconnect Your Printer From WiFi

Not every printer issue requires a full disconnection. Here are the most common scenarios where disconnecting makes sense:

  • You are replacing the printer with a new model and no longer need the old one on the network.
  • You are moving to a new home or office with a different network name and password.
  • The printer will not be used for an extended period, such as during a vacation or office closure.
  • You want to restrict printer access to specific devices only and remove it from general network availability.
  • You are troubleshooting persistent wireless errors that a simple restart did not fix.
  • You need to improve network security after a password breach or suspected unauthorized access.
  • You are preparing the printer for resale, recycling, or donation.

If you only need to stop printing temporarily, turning off the printer or pausing the print queue may be enough. Disconnecting from WiFi is best when you want to sever the network link entirely.

Preparation Before You Disconnect

Before you begin, gather the following items so the process goes smoothly:

  • The printer itself, powered on and within reach.
  • The printer’s user manual or quick setup guide, if you have it.
  • A computer or smartphone connected to the same network, especially for router-based methods.
  • Your router’s administrator username and password, if you plan to log into the router.
  • A pen and paper to note down the printer’s current IP address or MAC address, if needed.

It is also helpful to know the printer’s brand and model. Menu layouts differ significantly between manufacturers, so having the exact model name makes it easier to find the right settings. If the printer has a small screen or no screen at all, you may need to rely on a mobile app or a web browser instead of physical buttons.

How to Disconnect Printer From Wifi? Using the Control Panel

The most direct way to disconnect a printer from WiFi is through the printer’s own control panel. Most modern wireless printers have a Network Setup, Wireless Settings, or WiFi menu that lets you disable the wireless radio or forget the current network.

Follow these general steps:

  1. Turn on the printer and wait for it to reach the ready state. Do not interrupt the startup process.
  2. Press the Home, Menu, or Setup button on the control panel.
  3. Navigate to Network Setup, Wireless Settings, LAN Settings, or a similarly named menu.
  4. Look for an option such as Wireless LAN Enable, WiFi On/Off, Disable Wireless, or Disconnect Network.
  5. Select the option and confirm your choice when prompted.
  6. Wait for the printer to display a message confirming that WiFi is disabled or that the connection has ended.
  7. Print a network configuration page to verify that the wireless status shows as disabled or offline.

Because menu names vary by brand, the following sections cover the most common manufacturers in detail.

HP Printers

On most HP wireless printers, you can disconnect from WiFi using the printer’s display or the HP Smart app.

  1. On the printer control panel, touch Setup or touch the wireless icon.
  2. Select Network Setup or Network Settings.
  3. Choose Wireless Settings.
  4. Touch Turn Off Wireless or Disable Wireless.
  5. Confirm the action when the printer asks if you want to turn off the wireless radio.

If your HP printer does not have a touchscreen, use the arrow buttons to navigate the same menus and press OK to confirm. On HP printers with only a few buttons, you may need to press and hold the Wireless button for several seconds until the wireless light turns off.

Canon Printers

Canon printers typically organize wireless options under Device Settings or LAN Settings.

  1. Press the Setup button on the printer.
  2. Use the arrow keys to select Device Settings and press OK.
  3. Select LAN Settings and press OK.
  4. Choose Change Wireless/Wired or Wireless LAN Active/Inactive.
  5. Set the option to Inactive or Disabled.
  6. Press OK to save and exit.

Some Canon models also allow you to disconnect by selecting Reset LAN Settings, which clears all stored wireless profiles. This is useful if you are giving the printer to someone else.

Epson Printers

Epson printers usually place WiFi controls under the Network Settings menu.

  1. Press the Home button if available, then select Setup.
  2. Choose Network Settings.
  3. Select Wireless LAN Settings.
  4. Look for Disable Wireless LAN or Turn Off WiFi.
  5. Confirm the selection to disconnect the printer from the network.

On Epson EcoTank and WorkForce models with small LCD screens, you may need to navigate through submenus using the arrow buttons and OK. Some Epson printers also let you disable WiFi by pressing and holding the WiFi button until the light changes.

Brother Printers

Brother printers use a Menu-driven interface that is fairly consistent across models.

  1. Press the Menu button.
  2. Navigate to Network and press OK.
  3. Select WLAN and press OK.
  4. Choose TCP/IP or Wi-Fi Enable.
  5. Set Wi-Fi Enable to Off.
  6. Press OK and then Stop/Exit to return to the main screen.

After disabling Wi-Fi, the printer’s wireless indicator light should stop blinking or turn off, depending on the model. If you cannot find the menu, consult the Brother support website for your specific model number.

How to Disconnect Printer From Wifi? Through Your Router

If you cannot access the printer’s control panel, or if you want to disconnect multiple devices at once, you can remove the printer through your router’s administration interface. This method works well when the printer is in another room or when you want to block it from reconnecting automatically.

  1. Open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to your WiFi network.
  2. Type your router’s IP address into the address bar. Common addresses include 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 192.168.1.254.
  3. Log in using the router’s administrator username and password. If you never changed these, check the sticker on the router or the manual.
  4. Navigate to the section labeled Connected Devices, Device List, DHCP Clients, or Wireless Clients.
  5. Find your printer in the list. It may appear by model name, by the word “Printer,” or by its MAC address.
  6. Select the printer and look for an option to Disconnect, Block, Remove, or Pause the device.
  7. Confirm the action. The router should immediately terminate the printer’s wireless connection.

Some routers also offer MAC address filtering. You can add the printer’s MAC address to a blacklist so it cannot rejoin the network even if it tries to reconnect automatically. This is one of the most effective ways to ensure a printer stays disconnected.

How to Disconnect Printer From Wifi? Using a Computer

It is important to distinguish between removing a printer from your computer and disconnecting the printer from WiFi. Removing a printer from Windows or macOS deletes it from your computer’s list of available printers, but it does not necessarily disconnect the printer itself from your wireless network.

Still, using a computer is useful if your printer has an Embedded Web Server (EWS). Many HP, Epson, and Brother printers host a small configuration page that you can open in a browser.

  1. Print a network configuration page from the printer to find its IP address.
  2. On a computer connected to the same network, open a web browser.
  3. Type the printer’s IP address into the address bar and press Enter.
  4. Log in if prompted. The default password is often blank, admin, or printed on a label on the printer.
  5. Navigate to the Network, Wireless, or WiFi tab.
  6. Select Disable Wireless, Turn Off WiFi, or Disconnect.
  7. Apply the changes and wait for the printer to reboot or refresh its network status.

If you only want to remove the printer from your computer without touching the WiFi connection, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners on Windows, or System Settings > Printers & Scanners on macOS, select the printer, and click Remove. This keeps the printer on the network but hides it from that specific computer.

Removing the Printer From Your Network Completely

Disconnecting a printer from WiFi is sometimes not enough if you want to ensure it never rejoins your network. To remove it completely, combine the control panel method with router-level blocking.

  1. Disable WiFi on the printer using its control panel or embedded web server.
  2. Log into your router and locate the printer in the connected devices list.
  3. Block the printer’s MAC address or add it to an access control list.
  4. On each computer that used the printer, remove the printer device from the operating system.
  5. If you are selling or donating the printer, perform a factory reset from the printer’s Restore Defaults or Reset All Settings menu.

A factory reset erases saved WiFi passwords, email settings, and custom configurations, giving the next owner a clean slate. It also ensures that no stored network credentials remain on the device.

Comparison: Disconnecting vs. Turning Off WiFi vs. Factory Reset

Not all disconnection methods are equal. The table below compares the most common approaches so you can choose the right one for your situation.

Method Difficulty Effect on Printer Effect on Network Best For Reversibility
Disable WiFi on printer control panel Easy Wireless radio turned off Printer removed from network Quick temporary disconnection Easy; re-enable in same menu
Block via router admin page Medium Printer cannot connect Device blocked at router level Remote management, multiple devices Medium; unblock in router settings
Remove from computer only Easy No effect on printer WiFi Printer still on network Cleaning up computer device list Easy; re-add printer anytime
Factory reset Hard All settings erased Printer forgets all networks Selling, donating, major troubleshooting Hard; must reconfigure from scratch

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes a printer does not disconnect cleanly, or it reconnects without your permission. Here are the most frequent problems and how to fix them.

The printer reconnects automatically. Many printers are designed to rejoin the last known network after a power cycle. To prevent this, disable WiFi on the printer itself and block its MAC address in your router. Simply turning the printer off and on again will not stop it from reconnecting if the wireless radio is still enabled.

I cannot find the wireless menu. Menu names vary by model. Check the printer’s user manual or look for icons labeled Network, Wireless, or a radio signal symbol. On printers without screens, you may need to use the manufacturer’s mobile app or embedded web server instead of physical buttons.

The WiFi light stays on after disabling. Some printers keep the wireless indicator lit even when disconnected. Print a network status page to confirm the actual connection state rather than relying on the light alone.

I forgot the router admin password. Reset the router to factory defaults by pressing the reset button for 10 to 30 seconds. Note that this will disconnect all devices, not just the printer, and you will need to reconfigure your WiFi network afterward.

The printer is offline and I cannot access its settings. Connect the printer to your computer with a USB cable temporarily, use the manufacturer’s software to adjust network settings, or connect via Ethernet if the printer has a wired port. This gives you an alternate path to reach the printer’s configuration page.

Reconnecting Your Printer to WiFi Later

If you decide to reconnect the printer, the process is usually straightforward. Most printers remember previous networks, but if you performed a factory reset, you will need to set up WiFi from scratch.

  1. On the printer control panel, open the Wireless Setup Wizard or Network Setup menu.
  2. Select your WiFi network name (SSID) from the list of available networks.
  3. Enter your WiFi password using the printer’s keypad or on-screen keyboard.
  4. Confirm the settings and wait for the printer to establish a connection.
  5. Print a test page or network configuration page to verify success.
  6. On your computers, re-add the printer if you previously removed it from the device list.

For faster setup, many printers support WPS (WiFi Protected Setup). Press the WPS button on your router, then select WPS on the printer within two minutes to connect without typing a password. This is convenient but slightly less secure than entering a password manually.

Tips and Best Practices for Printer WiFi Management

Managing a wireless printer is easier when you follow a few best practices. These tips can help you avoid connection problems and keep your network secure.

  • Label your printer. Write down the model name, IP address, and MAC address on a sticker attached to the printer. This makes future troubleshooting much faster.
  • Use a static IP address. Assign a fixed IP to your printer in your router settings so its address never changes. This prevents “printer not found” errors on your computers.
  • Turn off WiFi when not in use. If you only print occasionally, disabling WiFi between print jobs reduces unnecessary network traffic.
  • Update firmware regularly. Printer manufacturers release firmware updates that fix wireless bugs and security vulnerabilities.
  • Secure your router. Use a strong WiFi password and WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. A secure router protects every connected printer.
  • Document your steps. If you disconnect a printer for troubleshooting, write down what you did so you can reverse it or repeat it later.
  • Consider USB for sensitive printing. For highly confidential documents, a direct USB connection is more secure than sending data over WiFi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disconnecting my printer from WiFi delete saved print jobs?
No. Disconnecting from WiFi removes the network link, but it does not erase documents stored in the printer’s internal memory. However, pending print jobs on your computer may fail until the printer is reconnected.

Can I still print using a USB cable after disconnecting WiFi?
Yes. Disabling WiFi only affects the wireless connection. You can connect the printer directly to a computer with a USB cable and continue printing.

How do I know if my printer is disconnected from WiFi?
Print a network configuration page from the printer’s control panel. The report will show the wireless status as disabled, offline, or not connected. You can also check your router’s connected devices list.

Does removing a printer from my computer disconnect it from WiFi?
No. Removing a printer from Windows or macOS only deletes it from that computer’s list of available printers. The printer may still be connected to your wireless network.

Can I disconnect a printer from WiFi remotely?
Yes, if you can log into your router’s admin page from another location, or if your printer supports remote management through a cloud service. Otherwise, you generally need physical access to the printer’s control panel.

What if I do not know my WiFi password?
You do not need the WiFi password to disconnect a printer. You only need the password if you plan to reconnect the printer to the network later.

Conclusion

Knowing How to Disconnect Printer From Wifi? is a practical skill that helps you manage network security, troubleshoot connection problems, and prepare devices for resale. Whether you use the printer’s control panel, your router’s admin page, or an embedded web server, the process is straightforward once you know where to look.

Take a moment to identify your printer’s brand and model, gather your router login details, and choose the method that fits your situation. If you ever need to bring the printer back online, most devices make reconnection just as simple as disconnection.

By following the steps and best practices in this guide, you can take full control of your printer’s wireless connection and keep your home or office network running smoothly.