How to find a printer IP address

Network printer on the blitz? It’s not uncommon for printers to go offline. It may be anything from a disconnected wire to a poor network connection. If it isn’t the wire, or your printer is wireless, you might need to know how to find your printer’s IP address to get it up and running as soon as possible. 

Luckily, you can get back to printing faster with our handy instructions. We’ve covered what a printer’s IP address is, why you might need it, and the easiest way to find it on any device.

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What is a printer IP address?

In general, an IP address is a unique number assigned to any device connected to a network. Each device on the network, including printers, gets an IP address that helps locate and identify it. The printer IP is important because if any device has the wrong IP address for the printer, the print job will not go through. You also need it to manually configure the printer on a network or connect to another device.

Static vs. dynamic IP address

Network printers often allow you to configure the device with a static or dynamic IP address. If you don’t manually change the IP address settings, printers are usually assigned a dynamic IP address. However, assigning a static IP address might be the better option.

A dynamic IP address can change, even if the printer itself stays in the same location and no settings are changed manually. This can happen if the router resets, the printer loses power, or for many other reasons. That means you could encounter printer IP address mismatches if you don’t replace the old IP with the new one where applicable.

Static IP addresses remain the same, even if the connection to the router or printer is interrupted. When the IP address doesn’t change, there is less of a chance for an IP address mismatch. It can also make troubleshooting print errors easier because the information doesn’t change.

Why do you need your printer’s IP address?

Knowing your network printer’s IP address is crucial to connecting and managing your printer and troubleshooting printer and network issues. Without the correct IP address and software configurations, your printer won’t work, and it also takes longer to find compatibility or connection issues between the printer and your network. 

Knowing your printer IP can help you connect it to your network, manage it, and troubleshoot potential issues.

Connecting and managing your printer

Setting up a network printer

Most networks automatically detect new devices but connecting to them may require dedicated installation software. Unfortunately, sometimes the installation software or apps aren’t compatible with legacy software or incompatible devices. In these instances, you can often use the printer’s IP address to manually connect the printer to your network.

Two of the main pieces of information required for manual setup are your printer’s IP address and wireless login information. During setup you can add extra security by activating settings like Wi-Fi Direct, offered by HP, it requires a printer name and password any time a new device attempts to connect to your printer. 

The printer name and password are usually generated automatically, but you can change them anytime in your printer’s network settings. You can also add security by installing a VPN on your router to encrypt all your traffic, including any data traveling to your printer through your wireless network.

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Adding the printer to a new device

Most printers now include installation instructions with QR codes that automatically bring you to the software installation download site. Others provide URL links instead of sending physical software. This cuts costs and makes the drivers and other software available at any time and place.

Once the installation software is on the device, you can enter any necessary printer information to connect the two (e.g., example printer login data). Again, it’s important to note that some devices, like legacy devices, don’t accept the newer software but will allow you to manually install a printer. To do that, you will need your network information and your printer IP address.

Accessing the printer’s settings via a web browser

To use a printer’s online profile, you’ll need the printer’s IP address. Once you have the IP address, type it into any web browser’s search bar to open the printer interface. From there, you can easily configure printer information like hostname, choose static or dynamic IP address settings, and more.

Solving printer and network issues

Fixing printer errors

In addition to the usual printer errors—cartridge replacement, paper jam, no paper, etc.—you may receive IP mismatch or network connectivity issues. After checking your wireless connection status and all applicable cords, it helps to know your printer IP address. 

Some printers are assigned dynamic IP, these types of IP addresses may change under certain circumstances. A dynamic IP address can change if it suddenly disconnects from the network, the lease expires, or the router reboots. Knowing how to find your IP address via your printer settings, makes it easier to replace your IP address with a new one if it changes.

Troubleshooting IP address connectivity issues

If the printer IP address changes your device won’t be able to find it unless you manually enter the new IP address or reinstall the printer. Reinstalling the printer is unnecessary if you know how to find the printer IP address because you can simply replace the old one with the new IP in the printer settings of the connected device.

You can also attempt to stop the printer IP address from changing by switching the address setting from a dynamic to a static IP in your printer’s network settings. However, it’s important to note this isn’t always possible depending on your printer’s manufacturer.

Performing network diagnostics

Some printer manufacturers include online diagnostics software to diagnose issues with your printer via connected devices. To use these tools you need to have the printer’s IP address on hand, so the software can connect to and diagnose connection issues.

Quick ways to find your printer’s IP address

Some older legacy printers come with hardcopy software, but what can you do if you lose it? You’ll still need to connect your printer to the network and there’s a good chance you’ll need your printer IP address to do it. Even if you have a newer printer, the IP address can change if it’s dynamic, so knowing how to find your device’s IP address can save on downtime. 

Thankfully, you don’t have to dig too deep to find it. A few universal methods exist that can help you find your printer IP no matter the make or model of your printer. Here’s what to do.

1. Check the printer’s display panel: Navigate to the Menu, Wireless Settings, or Network Settings section. The IP address might be listed in one of these settings menus.
2. Print a network configuration page: Most printers allow you to print a page with detailed network information, including the IP address. Head to your printer’s settings and look for options like Print Network Configuration or Print Wireless Details. If you’re unsure, check your printer’s manual for instructions.

Log into your router’s admin panel: Your printer’s IP address is often listed in your router’s Device List or DHCP Table. Enter your router’s IP (usually 192.168.1.1) in a browser and log in using your admin credentials. Once inside, look for a list of connected devices to find your printer.

How to find your printer IP address on Windows

Browsing the web for instructions on finding your printer IP address on Windows could leave you feeling overwhelmed. The operating system provides plenty of ways to find the IP address of printers and other network-connected devices. We’ve included the fastest, most reliable methods below.

Command prompt instructions

Steps 1 and 2: Click the Start menu and type cmd in the search box, then open Command Prompt.