Printer will not connect to Wi-Fi or has disappeared from the network – what to check

The printer used to work, and now the computer shows “offline” or does not see it at all? In most cases a change in the network is to blame, not a device fault. Check the points below in order – they apply to HP, Brother and Canon laser printers and to multifunction devices.

1. Is the printer connected to the network

Print the network configuration page from the printer menu and check the IP address. An address of 0.0.0.0 or one starting with 169.254 means there is no connection to the router. On Konica Minolta and Develop devices read the address this way: how to check the IP address.

2. A new router or Wi-Fi password

After replacing the router or changing the password, the printer has to be connected to the network again – in the wireless menu choose the network name and enter the new password.

3. 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands

Many printers connect only to a 2.4 GHz network. If the router broadcasts both bands under one name, the printer may have trouble connecting – separating the bands in the router settings helps.

4. Guest network and device isolation

On a guest network devices usually cannot see each other. The computer and the printer must be on the same network.

5. A changing IP address

If printing stops working every few days, the router is probably giving the printer a different address. The solution is a fixed IP address – set on the printer or reserved in the router.

6. The computer shows “offline”

Restart the printer, the router and the computer – in that order. If that does not help, remove the printer from the system and add it again, or reinstall the driver: driver installation.

7. Cable instead of Wi-Fi

In an office a network cable connection is the most reliable. If the printer stands near the router or a network socket, it is worth using it.

When to call service

When the printer sees no network at all, the network menu cannot be opened, or the connection drops despite a fixed IP address – the network module may be faulty. Call us, give the device model and describe what has already been checked.

Report a fault or call service: +48 796 999 157

See also: scan to SMB not working and AirPrint.