Where to find your printer's IP address

Your printer's IP address is printed on a configuration page that comes out of the printer itself, or you can find it through your computer's settings. The easiest route depends on whether your printer is networked (connected to WiFi or Ethernet) or connected directly to one computer via USB.

If your printer has a built-in screen, the IP address often appears in the network settings menu on the printer itself. If it doesn't have a screen, you'll need to either print a configuration page or check your computer's printer settings. Both methods take less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Most networked printers display their IP address on a configuration page you can print directly from the printer's menu or buttons.
  • On Windows, you can find the IP address by opening Settings, going to Devices, then Printers & Scanners, right-clicking your printer, and selecting Printer Properties.
  • On Mac, the IP address appears in System Settings under Printers & Scanners when you select your printer and click Details.
  • If your printer has a touchscreen or LCD display, the IP address is usually in the Network or Settings menu on the device itself.
  • USB-only printers do not have an IP address because they connect directly to one computer rather than a network.

Printing a configuration page from the printer

Most networked printers can print their own configuration page, which displays the IP address along with other network details. Look for a menu button, settings button, or information button on the printer's control panel. The exact button varies by brand — it might say "Menu," "Settings," "Info," or have a gear icon.

Once you open the menu, look for options like "Network," "Network Settings," "Device Information," or "Configuration Page." Select that option and the printer will print a page showing its IP address, MAC address, and network status. If you can't find these options, check the printer's manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model.

Finding the IP address on Windows

Open the Settings app and go to Devices, then Printers & Scanners. Find your printer in the list and click on it once to select it. A menu will appear below the printer name — click Printer Properties or See what's printing.

In the window that opens, look for a tab called Ports or General. The IP address may appear here, often in a format like "192.168.1.100" or "10.0.0.50." If you don't see it in Printer Properties, try right-clicking the printer name again and selecting Printer Settings instead — some printer drivers show the IP address in a different location.

If the printer still doesn't show an IP address in Windows settings, it may be a USB-only printer with no network connection. USB printers don't have IP addresses because they communicate directly with your computer rather than through a network.

Finding the IP address on Mac

Open System Settings and click Printers & Scanners in the sidebar. Find your printer in the list on the left and click it once. On the right side of the window, click the Details button or link.

A new window will open showing printer information. Look for a field labeled Location, IP Address, or URI. The IP address appears in one of these fields and looks like "192.168.1.100" or similar. If you see a URI instead, it may start with "ipp://" followed by the IP address — the numbers after "ipp://" are your printer's IP address.

Checking your printer's built-in display

If your printer has a touchscreen or LCD display on the front panel, the IP address is often the fastest place to find it. Press the Menu button or the home icon on the screen. Navigate to Network, Network Settings, or Device Information.

The IP address will be displayed on the screen, usually labeled as "IP Address" or "IPv4 Address." Write it down or take a photo. If the menu structure is different on your printer, the manual or the manufacturer's support page for your model will show the exact steps.

Using your router to find the printer's IP address

If you can't find the IP address through the printer or your computer, you can check your router's connected devices list. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar — this is usually "192.168.1.1" or "192.168.0.1," but check your router's manual or the sticker on the back if those don't work.

Log in with your router's username and password. Look for a section called Connected Devices, Device List, or DHCP Clients. Find your printer's name in the list — it will be labeled with the printer's brand or model name. The IP address will be shown next to it.

What to do if you can't find the IP address

If your printer doesn't appear in your computer's printer settings, it may not be connected to the network yet. Check that the printer is turned on and connected to the same WiFi network as your computer. On the printer's display or settings menu, confirm that WiFi is enabled and showing a connected status.

If the printer is connected but still doesn't show up, restart both the printer and your computer, then wait a minute for them to reconnect. If you're still stuck, the printer's manual or the manufacturer's support website for your specific model will have troubleshooting steps. You can also try printing a configuration page again — sometimes the network information takes a moment to populate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do USB printers have an IP address?

No. USB printers connect directly to a single computer with a cable, so they don't need an IP address. Only networked printers — those connected via WiFi or Ethernet — have IP addresses. If your printer only has a USB port and no network connection option, it won't have an IP address to find.

Why would I need my printer's IP address?

You need the IP address to access the printer's web interface, where you can change settings, check ink levels, update firmware, or troubleshoot problems. You enter the IP address into a web browser's address bar (like "192.168.1.100") and log in with the printer's admin password.

Is the IP address the same as the MAC address?

No. The MAC address is a hardware identifier that never changes, while the IP address can change if your router reassigns it. The configuration page shows both — the MAC address is usually labeled "MAC Address" or "Physical Address," and the IP address is labeled "IP Address" or "IPv4 Address."

What if my printer's IP address keeps changing?

Your router is assigning a new IP address each time the printer connects. To fix this, log into your router's settings and assign a static IP address to the printer, or enable "IP reservation" for the printer's MAC address. This keeps the same IP address every time the printer connects.

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

If the printer is powered off or disconnected from the network, you can't find its current IP address through your computer or router. Turn the printer on and reconnect it to the network, then wait 30 seconds for it to establish a connection before checking again.