Where to find your printer's IP address

Your printer's IP address is a number that identifies it on your network — something like 192.168.1.105. You need it when you want to access your printer's settings page through a web browser, troubleshoot connection problems, or set it up on a new device. The fastest way to find it depends on what device you're using right now and whether your printer is already connected to your network.

Most printers display their IP address on a settings screen built into the machine itself. If that doesn't work, you can find it through your computer's printer settings or by checking your router's list of connected devices. Each method takes about two minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Your printer usually shows its own IP address on its control panel or settings menu — look for "Network Settings" or "TCP/IP".
  • On Windows, you can find it by opening Settings, going to Devices, then Printers & Scanners, right-clicking your printer, and selecting "Printer Properties".
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and look for the IP address in the printer details.
  • If you can't find it on the printer or computer, log into your router's admin page and look at the list of connected devices.
  • Once you have the IP address, type it into your web browser's address bar (like 192.168.1.105) to reach your printer's settings page.

Check the printer's control panel first

Most network printers have a small touchscreen or button panel on the front. Look for a menu button or settings icon — it's often a gear or wrench symbol. Press it and navigate to "Network Settings," "Network Status," or "TCP/IP Settings." The IP address should appear on that screen.

If your printer doesn't have a touchscreen, look for a small button labeled "Menu" or "Settings" and use the arrow buttons to navigate. Some older printers print a network status page when you hold down a specific button — check your printer's manual for which one. That page will list the IP address along with other network information.

Write down the IP address exactly as it appears. It will be four groups of numbers separated by periods, like 192.168.1.50.

Find it through Windows printer settings

Open the Windows Start menu and type "Settings." Click the Settings app, then select "Devices" from the left sidebar. Click "Printers & Scanners."

Find your printer's name in the list and click on it. A details panel will open on the right side. Click "Printer Properties" at the bottom of that panel. A new window will open — click the "Ports" tab at the top. Look for a port that starts with "IP_" followed by numbers and periods. That's your printer's IP address.

If you don't see an IP port listed, your printer may be connected by USB instead of over the network. In that case, you won't have a network IP address to find.

Find it through Mac printer settings

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings." In the sidebar, click "Printers & Scanners." Find your printer in the list on the left and click it once.

Look at the information panel that appears on the right. You should see a line that says "Location:" or "URL:" — the URL will start with "http://" followed by numbers and periods. The numbers are your printer's IP address. You can also look for a line that directly says "IP Address" or "Network Address."

If your printer doesn't appear in the Printers & Scanners list, it's not connected to your network yet. You'll need to add it first through the same menu by clicking the "+" button.

Check your router's connected devices list

If you can't find the IP address on the printer or through your computer, you can look it up on your router. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar — it's usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You may be prompted to log in with a username and password (check the sticker on the back of your router if you don't know it).

Once you're logged in, look for a section called "Connected Devices," "Device List," "DHCP Clients," or "Attached Devices." Your printer should appear in that list with its IP address next to it. The name will usually match what you named your printer or the printer's model number.

Different router brands have different layouts, so the exact menu names may vary. If you get stuck, search online for "[your router brand] how to see connected devices" — most routers have similar steps.

What to do once you have the IP address

Once you have your printer's IP address, you can use it to reach your printer's settings page. Open any web browser, click the address bar at the top, and type the IP address exactly as it appeared — for example, 192.168.1.105. Press Enter.

Your printer's settings page should load. This page lets you change network settings, update the printer's software, check ink or toner levels, and troubleshoot connection problems. You may need to log in with a username and password — the default is often "admin" for both, but check your printer's manual if that doesn't work.

If the page doesn't load, make sure your computer is connected to the same network as your printer. If your printer is on a guest network and your computer is on the main network, they won't be able to reach each other.

Troubleshooting when you can't find the IP address

If the IP address isn't showing on the printer's screen or in your computer's settings, the printer may not be connected to your network yet. Check that the printer is turned on and that the network cable is plugged in (or that it's connected to your Wi-Fi if it's a wireless printer). Wait a minute for the printer to fully connect, then try looking again.

If your printer is wireless, make sure it's connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. Some printers have a small Wi-Fi icon on the control panel that shows whether they're connected. If the icon shows no signal, you may need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password through the printer's settings menu.

If you've checked everything and still can't find it, restart both your printer and your router. Turn off the printer completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Do the same with your router. This often fixes temporary connection problems that prevent the printer from getting an IP address.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my printer shows a different IP address each time I look?

Your printer is using DHCP, which means your router assigns it a new IP address automatically. This is normal but can be annoying if you need to access the printer's settings page. You can fix this by logging into your printer's settings page and changing it to a static IP address — one that stays the same. Your printer's manual will explain how to do this.

Can I find the IP address if the printer is offline?

If the printer is completely offline or not connected to the network, it won't have an active IP address. You can only find it if the printer is powered on and connected to your network. Once it's back online, the IP address will reappear.

Is the IP address the same as the printer's MAC address?

No — they're different. The IP address is what identifies the printer on your network right now (like 192.168.1.105). The MAC address is a permanent identifier built into the printer that never changes. You usually don't need the MAC address unless you're setting up advanced network features.

What if I forgot my router's login password?

Most routers have a reset button on the back. Holding it down for 10 to 15 seconds will reset the router to factory settings, which restores the default username and password (usually printed on a sticker on the router). Be aware that this will erase any custom settings you've made.

Can I use the IP address to print from my phone?

Yes — many printer apps let you enter the IP address manually to connect to your printer. This is useful if your phone can't find the printer through normal discovery. Check your printer's app or your phone's settings for an option to add a printer by IP address.