Printer won't connect to Wi-Fi

Symptoms

• Printer shows 'offline' or 'not connected' on the computer
• Print jobs sit in the queue and never print
• Printer's control panel shows no Wi-Fi signal or an error icon
• Printer worked before but stopped after a router or password change

Likely causes

• CommonRouter's network name or password changed since the printer was set upPrinters save their Wi-Fi credentials and don't update automatically when you change your network.
• CommonPrinter's Wi-Fi radio went to sleep or disconnected after inactivitySome printers drop Wi-Fi after periods of not being used and need a nudge to reconnect.
• PossiblePrinter too far from the router for a reliable signalPrinters often sit in a corner or closet with weaker Wi-Fi coverage.
• PossiblePrinter connected to the wrong band (5GHz) if it doesn't support itMany printers only support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
• PossibleComputer or phone using a stale printer driver connectionThe printer itself may be online, but the computer's saved connection to it is outdated.

What to do

1. On the printer's control panel, check its Wi-Fi status; if disconnected, go into its network setup menu and reselect your Wi-Fi network with the current password.
2. Make sure you're selecting the 2.4GHz network name if your router broadcasts two separate networks.
3. Print a network configuration page from the printer's menu (most printers offer this) to see its current IP address and status.
4. Restart the printer by turning it off, waiting 30 seconds, and turning it back on.
5. Remove the printer from your computer's device list and re-add it, letting the computer search for it fresh on the network.
6. Move the printer closer to the router temporarily to rule out a weak signal.
7. Update the printer's firmware and your computer's printer driver from the manufacturer's website if reconnecting doesn't stick.

When to call a pro

Not usually needed; most printer Wi-Fi issues are solved by re-running setup on the printer itself.

Safety