Your printer has its own IP address, and you need it to troubleshoot connection problems or change settings

Every printer connected to your network — whether by WiFi or ethernet cable — has an IP address, just like your computer or phone. This address looks like four numbers separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.105. You'll need this number if your printer stops responding, if you want to change its WiFi password, or if you're setting it up on a new network.

The fastest way to find it depends on what's working right now. If your printer can print, you can pull the address from a test page. If it can't print, you can find it through your router or your computer's network settings. All three methods take less than five minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Print a configuration page directly from your printer's control panel — this page displays the IP address and requires no computer.
  • Check your router's connected devices list to see every device on your network, including your printer and its IP address.
  • Use your computer's network tools to scan for the printer if the first two methods don't work or if you're not comfortable accessing your router.
  • Write down the IP address once you find it, because you may need it again for troubleshooting or settings changes.

Print a configuration page from the printer itself

This is the fastest method if your printer has a touchscreen or control panel with buttons. Most printers can print a page that shows the IP address without needing a computer at all.

Look for a menu button on your printer's control panel — it's often labeled "Menu," "Settings," or "Home." Press it and navigate to "Network Settings" or "Information." From there, select "Print Configuration" or "Print Network Settings." The printer will output a page that lists the IP address, WiFi network name, and other connection details.

If your printer is very basic and has no screen, skip to the next method. If you get stuck in the menu, check the manual that came with your printer — search the model number online plus "configuration page" if you don't have the physical copy.

Check your router's list of connected devices

Your router knows every device connected to it, and most routers let you see that list through a web page or app. This method works even if your printer isn't printing right now.

Open a web browser on your computer and type your router's address into the address bar. For most home routers, this is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You'll be asked to log in — use the username and password printed on the back or bottom of your router. If you've changed the password and don't remember it, you can reset the router by holding a small reset button for 10 seconds, though this will erase your WiFi password.

Once you're logged in, look for a section called "Connected Devices," "Device List," "DHCP Clients," or "Attached Devices." Your printer will appear in this list with its name and IP address. Write down the IP address — it won't change unless your printer is unplugged for a long time or your router restarts.

If you can't find your router's login page, check the manual or search online for your router's model number plus "login page." Different manufacturers use different web addresses.

Use your computer to find the printer on the network

If the first two methods don't work, you can scan your network from your computer to find the printer's address. This method is more technical but doesn't require access to your router.

On Windows: Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key and typing "cmd," then press Enter. Type arp -a and press Enter. This shows every device your computer has recently talked to, with IP addresses. Look for your printer's name in the list — it may show as the printer model number. If you don't see it, type ping 192.168.1.255 to broadcast a message to your entire network, then run arp -a again.

On Mac: Open System Preferences, go to Network, and select your WiFi connection. Click "Advanced," then go to the TCP/IP tab. Your router's address appears next to "Router" — it usually starts with 192.168. Open a web browser and type that address to access your router, then follow the steps in the previous section to find your printer in the device list.

If you're not comfortable with command lines, the router method is simpler and just as fast.

What to do once you have the IP address

Write the IP address down or take a photo of it. You can now type this address into a web browser to access your printer's settings page directly. This is useful if you need to change the WiFi password, update the printer's software, or troubleshoot connection problems.

The IP address may change if your printer is unplugged for several days or if your router restarts and reassigns addresses. If the address stops working, repeat one of the three methods above to find the new one. Most home networks keep the same address for months or years, so you usually won't need to look it up again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my printer not show up in my router's device list?

The printer is either not connected to your network or is connected to a different network than your computer. Check that the printer is on and that it shows a WiFi symbol on its display. If it's connected to a guest network instead of your main network, it won't appear in the main device list. Reconnect it to the correct network through the printer's settings menu.

Can I change my printer's IP address?

Most home printers get their IP address automatically from your router and you shouldn't need to change it. If you want a permanent address that never changes, you can set a "static IP" through your router's settings, but this is rarely necessary for home use. Check your router's manual if you want to try this.

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

No. The IP address is temporary and can change; the MAC address is permanent and built into the printer. You need the IP address to access the printer's settings. The MAC address is useful only if you're setting up advanced network rules, which most home users never do.

What if I see multiple IP addresses that might be my printer?

Look for the one that matches your printer's model name or brand. If you're still unsure, try typing each address into your web browser — the correct one will show your printer's settings page. The others will either show nothing or display a different device's page.