How to Connect Your Printer to Wi-Fi (and Fix Dropouts)
UpdatedTo connect a printer to Wi-Fi, identify your network name and password, and use the device panel, WPS or the manufacturer application depending on the model. Check which bands the printer supports and that the mobile or computer can see it on the network. If it disconnects, check the signal and settings.
Key points
- Connect the printer to Wi-Fi using a method supported by your model: its control-panel wizard, the official app, or push-button WPS if the router supports it too.
- Use whichever 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band your printer model supports.
- Push-button WPS connects compatible devices without typing the network password, but availability and steps depend on the printer and router.
- A printer may lose its connection because of a weak signal, router changes, or incompatible network settings.
- Connect a screenless printer with its official app or push-button WPS if both the printer and router support it.
Before you start
- Have the home network SSID and password ready.
- Keep the printer within router range during setup.
- Check the model specifications for support of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or both bands.
The SSID is the network name shown when you search for Wi-Fi. The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands differ in range and throughput depending on the surroundings; under comparable conditions, 2.4 GHz generally reaches farther. Use a band your printer supports with adequate signal.
How do I connect the printer to Wi-Fi from the panel?
If your model has a wireless setup wizard on its control panel, use it to join the home network. Menu paths differ across HP, Brother, Epson, and Canon; look for Network, Wi-Fi, or Wireless Setup in your model’s manual rather than assuming one universal sequence. (Manufacturer examples: HP, Brother, Epson, Canon)
- Find your model’s network setup wizard in its manual and open it on the printer panel.
- Choose the router SSID on a band the printer supports; if it is missing, check signal and compatibility before changing router settings.
- Enter the password with the correct case and symbols, then confirm the displayed settings.
- Wait for a connected message or print a network report; then add the printer to your computer or phone as its manual directs.
If the wizard cannot find the network or reports an error, check the SSID, password, and supported band again. Some models allow a hidden SSID to be entered manually. A Wi-Fi icon alone does not prove the computer can print; also check the network status.
How does the router's WPS button work?
Push-button WPS can connect the printer to the router without typing the password if both support it and your network permits it. Menus and button combinations vary by model; some Canon instructions even use a different button order. Follow the exact manual for your device. (Manufacturer examples: HP, Brother, Canon, Wi-Fi Alliance)
- Confirm that both printer and router support push-button WPS; do not enable PIN mode for this procedure.
- Start push-button WPS on the printer using the menu or buttons specified in its manual.
- Press the router’s WPS button when instructed, within the window stated for that model.
- Wait for confirmation or check a network report. If pairing fails, repeat the manufacturer’s steps or use the panel wizard or official app.
Push-button WPS avoids showing the network password, but do not reduce wireless encryption or enable WPS PIN just to connect a printer. If WPS is disabled by the router or network policy, choose another supported setup method.
WPS pairing does not necessarily install a driver or add the printer to your phone or computer. Once the printer joins the router, complete the software setup specified by the manufacturer.
Is the manufacturer's app worth using?
The official app can guide setup if it supports your model. Check the manufacturer’s support page before installing it and follow only the instructions for your specific printer. (Manufacturer examples: HP)
| Brand | App | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| HP | HP Smart / HP app | Check compatibility and steps on the model’s support page. |
| Epson | Epson Smart Panel | Check compatibility and steps on the model’s support page. |
| Canon | Canon PRINT | Check compatibility and steps on the model’s support page. |
| Brother | Brother Mobile Connect / iPrint&Scan | Check compatibility and steps on the model’s support page. |
Should the printer use the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network?
Use whichever 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band your printer model supports. Check its specifications before changing router settings: some printers support only 2.4 GHz, while others support both bands. If the network does not appear, also check its name, security type, and signal strength; the band is not necessarily the cause. (Manufacturer examples: HP, HP)
Why does the printer lose the Wi-Fi connection every so often?
A printer may lose its connection because of a weak signal, router changes, or incompatible network settings. First check whether it remains connected and has an IP address; then review distance, password, and the bands your model supports. A DHCP reservation can help if the address changes, but it will not fix every disconnection. (Manufacturer examples: HP)
- Print or view a network report to confirm whether the printer remains connected and which IP address it has.
- If the router, SSID, or password changed, reconnect using the instructions for your model.
- If the signal is weak, move the printer nearer the router and test again; also check supported bands and security modes.
- If the printer is connected but the computer says offline, check the queue, driver, and configured printer address.
- Check manufacturer updates when the diagnostic report or model guide recommends them.
When a DHCP reservation can help
A DHCP reservation keeps the router-assigned address stable for the printer. Consider it only if a network report shows that the address changes while the computer still points to the old one; it cannot fix weak signal, password, or band problems.
And what if the printer has no screen?
Connect a screenless printer with its official app or push-button WPS if both the printer and router support it. Follow the manufacturer’s button sequence; there is no universal shortcut. If the printer offers Wi-Fi Direct, you can link a phone directly for printing, but that is not the same as joining your home network. (Manufacturer examples: Epson, Brother)
More on mobile printing: how to print from your phone
If the printer shows as connected but still will not print, see the printer won't print even though it has ink. To use it for scanning too, follow scan documents with the printer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I connect my printer to Wi-Fi?
Connect the printer to Wi-Fi using a method supported by your model: its control-panel wizard, the official app, or push-button WPS if the router supports it too. Check the manual for the exact sequence, select your network, and enter the password when prompted. Then confirm the connection with a network status page or a test print.
Why does my printer lose the Wi-Fi connection?
A printer may lose its connection because of a weak signal, router changes, or incompatible network settings. First check whether it remains connected and has an IP address; then review distance, password, and the bands your model supports. A DHCP reservation can help if the address changes, but it will not fix every disconnection.
Should the printer use the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network?
Use whichever 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band your printer model supports. Check its specifications before changing router settings: some printers support only 2.4 GHz, while others support both bands. If the network does not appear, also check its name, security type, and signal strength; the band is not necessarily the cause.
What is the WPS button and is it safe?
Push-button WPS connects compatible devices without typing the network password, but availability and steps depend on the printer and router. If WPS is disabled for security, use the panel wizard or official app instead. Do not enable WPS PIN or weaken router protection just to connect a printer; follow your model’s manual.
How do I connect a printer with no screen to Wi-Fi?
Connect a screenless printer with its official app or push-button WPS if both the printer and router support it. Follow the manufacturer’s button sequence; there is no universal shortcut. If the printer offers Wi-Fi Direct, you can link a phone directly for printing, but that is not the same as joining your home network.
Keep reading at Startoner
- How to print from your phone: Android and iPhone guide
- How to scan documents with the printer
- The printer won't print even though it has ink: causes and solutions
- How to fix a paper jam
- My printer doesn't recognise the compatible toner
- Time to restock? Look at our best-selling toner and inks
If your printer keeps dropping offline or loses signal after connecting to Wi-Fi, read our step-by-step guide on how to fix an offline printer on Windows, Mac, and mobile.
Sources
- HP: Manufacturer documentation: https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_14933053-14932534-16
- Brother: Manufacturer documentation: https://support.brother.com/g/s/id/htmldoc/printer/cv_hll8430cdw/use/html/GUID-6724461D-8AB1-4461-B32B-CA39AE21FD9A_1.html
- Epson: Manufacturer documentation: https://files.support.epson.com/docid/cpd5/cpd59879/source/printers/source/networking/tasks/et8500_8550_l8160_l8180/network_setting_panel_et8500_l8180.html
- Canon: Manufacturer documentation: https://ij.manual.canon/ij/webmanual/Tutorial/TS6000%20series/EN/TRL/trl-4002.html
- HP: Manufacturer documentation: https://support.hp.com/hr-en/document/ish_4641127-4645964-16
- Brother: Manufacturer documentation: https://help.brother-usa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/162881/~/wireless-setup---using-one-push-configuration---wps
- Canon: Manufacturer documentation: https://ij.manual.canon/ij/webmanual/Tutorial/TS5100%20series/EN/TRL/trl-3000-a.html
- HP: Manufacturer documentation: https://support.hp.com/au-en/document/ish_11065056-11065100-16
- HP: Manufacturer documentation: https://support.hp.com/hr-en/document/ish_1736500-1626554-16
- Epson: Manufacturer documentation: https://epson.com/faq/SPT_C11CJ63202~faq-00005ef-et2850
- Brother: Manufacturer documentation: https://help.brother-usa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/157057/
- Wi-Fi Alliance: WPS: https://www.wi-fi.org/faq/how-does-wi-fi-protected-setup-work
Last updated: July 2026. Startoner, Central Warehouse, Calle Océano Atlántico 38, 11379 Los Barrios, Cádiz. CHICTRATEC S.L. (NIF B72834534), part of the Recycop Group founded in 1998.
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