Symptoms
- Setup wizard says 'No printers found'
- Printer isn't listed when trying to add a new device
- Printer's Wi-Fi light is off or blinking, not solid
- Printer previously worked but disappeared from the network
Likely causes
- CommonPrinter not connected to Wi-Fi at allIf setup wasn't completed or the network changed, the printer may not be joined to any Wi-Fi.
- CommonComputer/phone on a different network than the printerBoth devices must be on the same network (and not a 5GHz-only network if the printer only supports 2.4GHz).
- CommonPrinter only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, but connected to a 5GHz network nameMany printers can't join 5GHz networks, and some routers only broadcast one combined network name.
- PossibleRouter firewall or isolation settings blocking discoverySome network configurations prevent devices from finding each other even when connected properly.
What to do
- Check the printer's own display or control panel for its current Wi-Fi status and network name.
- If not connected, use the printer's control panel Wi-Fi setup wizard to join it to your home network directly.
- Confirm your computer or phone is on the same network name, and if your router broadcasts separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, connect the printer to the 2.4GHz one.
- Restart the router and the printer, then try discovery again.
- Temporarily disable any firewall or router isolation feature to test whether that's blocking discovery.
- Use the manufacturer's printer setup app, which often has more reliable discovery than generic OS printer-adding tools.
- As a fallback, connect the printer to the computer via USB temporarily to complete setup, then switch to wireless.
Tools and parts
- None
When to call a pro
If the printer still can't be found after confirming the correct network band and restarting both devices, its Wi-Fi module may be failing, which a technician can test.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.