Connect Wireless Printer Using IP Address

🗓️ Posted on April 9, 2026

Connect Wireless Printer Using IP Address

Sometimes your computer may not automatically detect your wireless printer. In such cases, you can manually connect it using the printer’s IP (Internet Protocol) address. This method is reliable and works well when automatic setup fails.

Why Use IP Address to Connect a Printer?

  • Helps when the printer is not showing in the device list
  • Provides a direct and stable connection
  • Useful in office or shared network environments
  • Avoids repeated disconnection issues

Step 1: Find Your Printer’s IP Address

Before connecting, you need to know your printer’s IP address.

Method 1: From Printer Display

  • Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Settings
  • Look for Network Status / TCP/IP / Wireless Details
  • Note the IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100)

Method 2: Print Network Configuration Page

  • Go to Printer Settings → Reports / Network Report
  • Print the page
  • Find the IP address listed

Step 2: Ensure Same Network Connection

  • Make sure your printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network
  • If they are on different networks, the connection will fail

Step 3: Connect Printer Using IP Address (Windows)

Steps:

  1. Open Control Panel
  2. Click Devices and Printers
  3. Select Add a printer
  4. Click “The printer I want isn’t listed”
  5. Choose Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname
  6. Click Next
  7. Enter the IP address of your printer
  8. Select Device Type: TCP/IP Device
  9. Click Next

Windows will now detect the printer.

If prompted:

  • Select your printer model
  • Or click Have Disk and install drivers manually
  1. Click Finish

Step 4: Connect Printer Using IP Address (Mac)

Steps:

  1. Open System Settings / System Preferences
  2. Go to Printers & Scanners
  3. Click the + (Add Printer) button
  4. Select the IP tab
  5. Enter:
    • Address: Printer’s IP address
    • Protocol: AirPrint or IPP
  6. Enter a name for your printer (optional)
  7. Click Add

Your Mac will now connect to the printer.

Step 5: Install or Update Printer Drivers

  • Visit your printer brand’s official website (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother)
  • Download the latest drivers for your model
  • Install them if your system doesn’t do it automatically

Step 6: Print a Test Page

After setup, test the connection:

On Windows:

  • Go to Devices and Printers
  • Right-click printer → Printer Properties
  • Click Print Test Page

On Mac:

  • Go to Printers & Scanners
  • Select printer → Options & Supplies
  • Print a test page

Troubleshooting Tips

1. Invalid IP Address

  • Double-check the IP address
  • Make sure it hasn’t changed (some routers assign dynamic IPs)

2. Printer Not Detected

  • Restart printer and computer
  • Reconnect printer to Wi-Fi

3. Firewall Blocking Connection

  • Temporarily disable firewall
  • Try adding the printer again

4. Driver Issues

  • Reinstall or update drivers
  • Use official printer software

Pro Tips

  • Assign a static IP address to your printer to avoid future issues
  • Keep printer firmware updated
  • Use this method for office or shared network setups

Conclusion

Connecting a wireless printer using an IP address is a simple and effective method when automatic detection doesn’t work. By following these steps, you can establish a stable connection and ensure smooth printing without interruptions.