Symptoms
- Printer's setup process fails or times out during Wi-Fi connection
- Printer connects briefly then drops
- New router or network name doesn't appear in the printer's Wi-Fi list
- Worked on the old router but not after switching or upgrading it
Likely causes
- CommonPassword entered incorrectly on the printer's small keypad or touchscreenPrinter interfaces are easy to mistype on, especially with special characters.
- CommonNew router broadcasting only 5GHz, which many printers can't joinMost printers only support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, so a 5GHz-only network name won't be visible or connectable.
- CommonPrinter still holding old network credentialsA factory reset of the printer's network settings is sometimes needed after a router change.
- PossibleRouter's Wi-Fi security type not supported by an older printerSome older printers don't support newer security protocols like WPA3.
What to do
- Double check the Wi-Fi password by comparing it letter-by-letter, ideally by connecting a phone with the same password first to confirm it's correct.
- Confirm your router has a 2.4GHz network name available and connect the printer specifically to that one, not a 5GHz-only or combined band.
- Reset the printer's network settings to factory default through its control panel menu, then set up Wi-Fi again fresh.
- If your router supports WPA3, temporarily switch it to WPA2 or a mixed WPA2/WPA3 mode to test compatibility with an older printer.
- Move the printer closer to the router temporarily during setup to rule out a weak signal causing setup failures.
- Use the manufacturer's official setup app on a phone, which often walks through Wi-Fi setup more reliably than the printer's own panel.
- Restart the router if it was recently reconfigured and hasn't been power cycled since.
Tools and parts
- None
When to call a pro
If the printer still can't join Wi-Fi after a factory network reset with confirmed correct credentials on a 2.4GHz network, its Wi-Fi hardware may be failing and a technician can test it.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.