How do I reconnect my printer to a new Wi-Fi network?
Changing your Wi-Fi router or switching to a new internet connection can sometimes disconnect your printer from the network. When this happens, your computer or mobile device may no longer find the printer, and print jobs may fail.
The good news is that you usually do not need to reinstall your printer completely. You can reconnect it to the new Wi-Fi network by updating its wireless settings. The exact steps depend on your printer brand and model, but the general process is quite simple.
Why Does Your Printer Need to Be Reconnected?
Your printer saves the Wi-Fi network name and password when you first connect it. If you change your router, internet provider, network name, or password, the printer may continue trying to connect to the old network.
Here are some common reasons why a printer disconnects:
- You purchased a new Wi-Fi router.
- Your internet provider replaced your modem or router.
- You changed your Wi-Fi password.
- You updated your network name.
- Your printer lost its wireless connection after a network change.
- The printer is connected to a different Wi-Fi network than your computer.
Before changing any printer settings, make sure your new Wi-Fi connection is working properly.
How to Reconnect Your Printer to a New Wi-Fi Network
Follow these general steps to connect your printer to your new wireless network.
Check Your New Wi-Fi Network
First, check that your new router is switched on and providing a stable internet connection.
Find your new Wi-Fi network name and password. You will need these details when configuring the printer.
Also, check whether your printer supports the Wi-Fi frequency used by your router. Some older printer models only work with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks.
Reconnect the Printer Using Its Control Panel
If your printer has a screen, you can usually change its wireless settings directly.
Follow these steps:
- Turn on your printer.
- Open the printer’s Settings or Network menu.
- Select Wireless Settings or Wi-Fi Setup.
- Choose the option to set up a new wireless connection.
- Select your new Wi-Fi network from the available list.
- Enter the new Wi-Fi password.
- Confirm the settings and wait for the printer to connect.
Once connected, the wireless indicator should show an active connection. The exact indicator may vary by printer model.
Use the Printer Manufacturer’s Mobile App
Many printer brands provide mobile apps that make wireless setup easier.
For example, you can use HP Smart or the HP app for supported HP printers, Epson Smart Panel for compatible Epson printers, Canon PRINT for supported Canon models, and Brother Mobile Connect for compatible Brother printers.
The general process is:
- Install or open the manufacturer’s printer app.
- Turn on your printer and enable its wireless setup mode.
- Open the app and select the option to add or set up a printer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Select your new Wi-Fi network.
- Enter the network password when requested.
- Wait for the app to complete the setup.
- Make sure your phone is connected to the new Wi-Fi network during setup.
Reconnect Your Printer Using WPS
If your router and printer both support Wi-Fi Protected Setup, you may be able to connect them without manually entering the Wi-Fi password.
Try these steps:
- Turn on your printer.
- Open its wireless setup menu or activate WPS mode using the appropriate button.
- Press the WPS button on your router.
- Wait for the printer to establish a connection.
The connection process may take a few minutes. Button combinations and timing vary by printer, so check your model’s instructions before using this method.
Connect the Printer Again on Windows
After reconnecting the printer to Wi-Fi, make sure your Windows computer can find it.
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings on your Windows computer.
- Select Bluetooth & devices.
- Click Printers & scanners.
- Select Add device.
- Wait for Windows to find your printer.
- Choose your printer and follow the instructions.
If Windows does not detect it, restart the printer and computer. Confirm that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Reconnect the Printer on a Mac
Mac users may also need to add the printer again after changing the wireless network.
- Open the Apple menu.
- Select System Settings.
- Click Printers & Scanners.
- Select Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.
- Wait for your printer to appear.
- Select the printer and complete the setup.
If the printer is already listed but does not work, check its wireless connection before removing and adding it again.
What If Your Printer Will Not Connect to the New Wi-Fi Network?
Sometimes, the printer may fail to connect even after you enter the correct password. Try these troubleshooting steps.
Restart Your Printer and Router
Turn off the printer and unplug your router for a short time. Restart the router and wait until the Wi-Fi connection becomes stable. Then turn on the printer and try connecting again.
Check the Wi-Fi Password
A small typing mistake can prevent the printer from joining the network. Check the password carefully, including uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and special characters.
Check the Wi-Fi Frequency
Some printers do not work with 5 GHz networks. If your printer supports only 2.4 GHz, connect it to the 2.4 GHz network instead.
Reset the Printer’s Network Settings
If the printer keeps trying to connect to your old network, you may need to reset its network settings and complete wireless setup again.
The reset process differs between printer brands and models. Check the printer’s manual before using a button combination or resetting its network settings.
Update or Reinstall the Printer Software
Outdated printer software can sometimes cause communication problems. Visit the manufacturer’s official website and download the correct software or driver for your printer model and operating system.
How to Check Whether Your Printer Is Connected Successfully
After completing the setup, check the following:
- The printer’s Wi-Fi indicator shows an active connection.
- Your printer and computer are connected to the same network.
- The printer appears in your computer’s printer list.
- Your computer can communicate with the printer.
- A test page prints without an error.
If all these checks are successful, your printer should be ready to use with the new Wi-Fi network.
FAQs
Do I need to reinstall my printer after changing my Wi-Fi router?
Not always. In most cases, you only need to update the printer’s wireless settings and connect it to the new network. However, you may need to add the printer again on your computer if it is no longer detected.
Why is my printer not finding my new Wi-Fi network?
Your printer may not support the router’s Wi-Fi frequency, or it may be too far from the router. Restart both devices and check whether the network is visible to other devices.
Can I reconnect my printer without a computer?
Yes. Many printers can connect through their control panels or manufacturer mobile apps. Some models also support WPS setup.
Will changing my Wi-Fi password disconnect my printer?
Yes. If you change your Wi-Fi password, your printer may lose its connection because it still has the old password saved. You must update the wireless settings with the new password.
Why does my printer keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?
A weak wireless signal, router problems, incompatible network settings, or outdated printer software can cause repeated disconnections. Check the router’s location and make sure the printer has a stable connection.
Conclusion
Reconnecting your printer to a new Wi-Fi network is usually a straightforward process. You can update the wireless settings through the printer’s control panel, use the manufacturer’s mobile app, or try WPS if both devices support it.
If the printer still cannot connect, check the Wi-Fi password, network frequency, and printer settings. Once the printer and computer are connected to the same network, you should be able to print wirelessly again.
