Wireless printer won't connect to computer

Symptoms

• Computer can't find the printer when adding it
• Printer shows connected on its own screen but jobs don't print
• Print jobs stay stuck in the queue
• Printer worked before but disappeared after a router restart

Likely causes

• CommonPrinter and computer on different Wi-Fi networksThis commonly happens with dual-band routers where devices connect to the 2.4GHz vs 5GHz network separately.
• CommonRouter assigned the printer a new network addressRestarting a router can change device addresses, breaking a previously saved connection.
• CommonStuck print queueA single failed print job can block every job after it until cleared.
• PossibleOutdated printer driver or firmwareOld software can lose compatibility after an OS update.
• Less commonPrinter's Wi-Fi module issueSome printers have flaky Wi-Fi hardware that drops connections under certain conditions.

What to do

1. On the printer's own screen or a printed network test page, confirm which Wi-Fi network it's connected to and that it matches your computer's network.
2. Restart the printer and the router, giving each a minute to fully reconnect.
3. On the computer, remove the printer from the printers list and add it again, selecting it fresh from the network.
4. Clear the print queue: open the printer's queue window, cancel all pending jobs, and try printing a fresh test page.
5. Update the printer driver from the manufacturer's website and check for a firmware update from the printer's menu.
6. Move the printer closer to the router temporarily to rule out a weak signal.
7. If using a printer app, make sure it has permission on the network (some routers flag new devices as needing approval).

Tools and parts

• None

When to call a pro

If the printer won't hold a connection after a router and printer restart plus reinstalling it, a technician or the manufacturer's support line can check for a failing Wi-Fi module.

Safety