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Printer won't connect to Wi-Fi, your computer or phone

Last reviewed: October 2026, against Microsoft, Apple, Google and HP support pages · For Windows 11 and 10, Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android · Works for most brands (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother and others).

You're setting up a new printer, or one that used to work can't be found anymore. Most of the time the printer isn't on your Wi-Fi, or it's on a different network from your computer or phone. Here's how to get them talking again.

⚡ Quick fix (try this first)

  1. Turn the printer off and unplug it, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on. Wait until it's fully ready.
  2. Check the printer's Wi-Fi light or screen shows it's connected. Many printers can print a wireless test report from their own menu that shows whether they're connected and to which network.
  3. Make sure your computer or phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer, not a guest network, a Wi-Fi extender with a different name, or mobile data.

Still not connecting? Find your problem below.

Which problem do you have?

Step 1: Get the printer onto your Wi-Fi

  1. Turn on the printer's wireless

    Many printers have a Wireless button or a Wi-Fi icon on the screen. Make sure wireless is turned on. Where the button is and what the lights mean depends on your model; check its manual or the maker's support site.

  2. Use the setup method the maker recommends

    Most printers join Wi-Fi in one of these ways. The maker's free app often walks you through it:

    • From the printer's screen: look for a Wireless Setup Wizard (or similar) in the network or Wi-Fi settings. Choose your network and type the Wi-Fi password.
    • With the maker's app: HP Smart, Epson Smart Panel, Canon PRINT, Brother Mobile Connect and similar apps can find a new printer and send it your Wi-Fi details. Get them only from the official app store or the maker's website.

    The password is case-sensitive. If you never changed it, it's often printed on a sticker on your router.

  3. If your network isn't listed, check the Wi-Fi band

    Many home routers broadcast two bands, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Some printers can only use 2.4 GHz (HP says this about some of its models), so a 5 GHz-only network won't show up for them. If your router shows two networks, pick the 2.4 GHz one. Move the printer closer to the router while you set it up.

  4. Lost the connection after a new router or password?

    The printer is still trying the old network. Run the Wi-Fi setup again (Step 1). If it won't start, many printers have a Restore network settings option in their network menu. HP printers can be put back into Wi-Fi setup mode this way. It clears only the printer's network settings, so you'll need your Wi-Fi password again.

Don't press the router's small “Reset” hole to fix a printer. That erases your Wi-Fi name and password, and every device in the house would need to be set up again.

Step 2: Add the printer to your device

  1. Select Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners (Windows 10: Devices → Printers & scanners).
  2. Make sure the printer is on and connected, then select Add device (Windows 10: Add a printer or scanner). Wait while Windows searches, then select Add device next to your printer.
  3. Not listed? Select Add manually and follow the prompts. If you know the printer's IP address (it's on the wireless test report), choose Add a printer using an IP address or hostname.
  4. USB printer? Plug the cable firmly into the printer and the PC, turn the printer on, then check the list again.
  5. Still no luck? Run the printer troubleshooter. On Windows 11 it's in the Get Help app.

Microsoft notes some ARM-based PCs can't install a printer with the maker's installer. If that happens, add it through Printers & scanners as above instead.

  1. Open Apple menu → System Settings → Printers & Scanners (older macOS: System Preferences).
  2. Click Add Printer, Scanner or Fax, choose your printer from the list, and click Add.
  3. If your printer supports AirPrint, you don't need to install a driver. Apple keeps a list of AirPrint printers (linked under Sources).
  1. iPhones and iPads print with AirPrint. Your printer must support AirPrint, and the printer and your device must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open the app you want to print from, tap the Share or Actions button, then tap Print.
  3. Tap No Printer Selected, choose your printer, then tap Print.

Apple says AirPrint works over Wi-Fi or wired networks; a printer connected by Bluetooth can't use AirPrint. HP also notes AirPrint won't work if your phone is joined to the printer's own Wi-Fi Direct network instead of your home router.

  1. Put the phone and printer on the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open the document or photo, tap Share or the More (⋮) menu, then Print, and pick your printer.
  3. Printer not listed? Open Settings → Connected devices → Connection preferences → Printing and turn on a print service, or tap Add service. You can also install the printer maker's official print app from Google Play. Menu names vary by phone, and some steps need Android 14 or newer.

If that didn't work

Try these in order, from easiest to hardest.

  1. EasyRestart everything in the right order

    Restart the router first and wait until the internet works again, then the printer, then your computer or phone.

  2. EasyCheck for extenders, mesh and guest networks

    If your home has Wi-Fi extenders or more than one network name, Microsoft says to make sure your device is on the same network as the printer. Guest networks often block devices from seeing each other.

  3. MediumUpdate the printer's software

    Install the latest driver or app for your exact model, only from the manufacturer's official support website. Printer firmware updates can also fix connection problems; your printer's menu or the maker's app usually has an update option.

  4. HarderCheck router settings

    Some routers have a setting (often called AP isolation or client isolation) that stops devices on the same Wi-Fi from talking to each other. HP lists this as a cause of setup and printing errors. If you don't manage the router, ask whoever does, or your internet provider.

Watch out for fake “printer support.” Search ads and pop-ups offering printer setup help or a phone number are often scams. Use only the printer maker's official website or app. See how to spot tech-support scams.
When it's probably not your setup: if the printer can't join any network from its own menu even next to the router, or shows a hardware error, contact the printer maker's support.

Sources

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