Finding a printer’s IP address is often the first step in fixing connection issues, adding a network printer, checking printer status, or opening the printer’s web settings page. Because printers can be connected through Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or a shared network, the right method depends on the device, operating system, and printer model being used.

What Is a Printer IP Address?

A printer IP address is a unique number assigned to a printer on a local network. It allows computers, phones, tablets, and other devices to communicate with the printer. The address usually looks something like 192.168.1.45 or 10.0.0.23.

Most home and office printers receive an IP address automatically from the router. This is called a dynamic IP address. In some workplaces, printers may be assigned a static IP address, which stays the same to make management easier.

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Method 1: Check the Printer’s Display Screen

For printers with a built-in screen, the IP address is often available directly from the control panel. This is usually the fastest method.

1. Open the printer’s Menu, Settings, or Setup option.
2. Look for Network, Wireless, Wi-Fi, or TCP/IP settings.
3. Select Network Status, Connection Information, or a similar option.
4. Find the entry labeled IP Address, IPv4 Address, or TCP/IP Address.

The exact wording changes by manufacturer, but the address is usually listed near the Wi-Fi network name, signal strength, gateway, and MAC address. If the printer has a touchscreen, the process may be especially simple. If it has small buttons and a limited display, the user may need to scroll through several menu items.

Method 2: Print a Network Configuration Page

Many printers can print a report that lists network details. This is especially useful when the printer has no large screen or when the IP address cannot be found in the menu.

The report may be called a Network Configuration Page, Wireless Network Test Report, Printer Status Report, or Configuration Summary. It often includes the IP address, network name, connection type, signal quality, and hardware address.

• HP printers: The report is often available under Wireless, Network Setup, or by pressing a Wi-Fi information button.
• Canon printers: It may be found under Device Settings or LAN Settings.
• Epson printers: It is commonly available under Wi-Fi Setup or Network Status.
• Brother printers: It may appear under Print Reports or Network Configuration.

Once printed, the user should look for IPv4 Address. In most cases, that is the address needed to add or troubleshoot the printer.

Method 3: Find the Printer IP Address on Windows

Windows can display a printer’s IP address if the printer is already installed. The steps may vary slightly between Windows 10 and Windows 11, but the general process is similar.

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Bluetooth & devices, then choose Printers & scanners.
3. Click the printer name.
4. Select Printer properties or Printer settings.
5. Open the Ports tab.
6. Look for a checked port with an IP address listed beside it.

If the port name is long or unclear, the user can select the port and click Configure Port. The IP address usually appears in a field labeled Printer Name or IP Address.

Another approach is to open the Control Panel, go to Devices and Printers, right-click the printer, and choose Printer Properties. This older interface can sometimes show more detailed information than the modern Settings app.

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Method 4: Find the Printer IP Address on macOS

On a Mac, the printer’s network information can be found through system settings. This method works best when the printer has already been added to the Mac.

1. Open System Settings.
2. Select Printers & Scanners.
3. Choose the printer from the list.
4. Click Options & Supplies or a similar information button.
5. Look for the printer’s location, address, or device URL.

In many cases, macOS displays the information as a URL, such as ipp://192.168.1.45. The number in that URL is the printer’s IP address. If the address is shown as a hostname instead of numbers, the router or printer web interface may provide the numeric address.

Method 5: Check the Router’s Connected Devices List

The router is responsible for assigning IP addresses in most homes and small offices, so its admin page can show every device connected to the network. This includes printers, laptops, phones, smart TVs, and other network devices.

To use this method, the user typically opens a browser and enters the router’s address, such as 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. After signing in, they can look for sections such as Connected Devices, Device List, LAN Clients, or DHCP Clients.

The printer may be listed by brand name, model number, or a generic network name. If several unknown devices appear, comparing the printer’s MAC address from its printed network report can help identify the correct entry.

Method 6: Use the Printer’s Web Interface

Once the IP address is known, it can often be typed into a web browser to open the printer’s built-in web interface. This page may show ink or toner levels, network settings, firmware information, and security options.

For example, entering http://192.168.1.45 into a browser may open the printer management page. If the page loads, the IP address is confirmed. If it does not load, the printer may be offline, on a different network, or blocking web access.

Tips for Avoiding IP Address Problems

• Keep the printer on the same network: A computer on one Wi-Fi network may not find a printer on another.
• Restart the printer and router: Temporary connection issues may disappear after a restart.
• Use a reserved IP address: Router settings can often reserve the same address for the printer every time.
• Update printer software: Current drivers and firmware can reduce network discovery problems.
• Record the address: Keeping the printer IP address in a safe place can save time later.

Common Signs the Printer IP Address Has Changed

A printer’s IP address may change if the router restarts, the printer reconnects after being offline, or the network settings are reset. When this happens, computers may keep looking for the old address and fail to print.

Common signs include print jobs stuck in the queue, the printer showing as offline, scanning features no longer working, or the printer appearing twice in the device list. In that situation, finding the current IP address and updating the printer port may solve the problem.

FAQ

Where is the easiest place to find a printer’s IP address?

The easiest place is usually the printer’s own display screen under Network or Wireless Settings. If the printer has no screen, printing a network configuration page is often the simplest option.

Can a printer have more than one IP address?

Yes. A printer may have separate addresses for wired Ethernet and Wi-Fi. It may also show both an IPv4 and an IPv6 address. For most home and office setup tasks, the IPv4 address is the one commonly used.

Why does the printer IP address keep changing?

The address may change because the router assigns it dynamically. Setting a DHCP reservation in the router or assigning a static IP address can help keep it consistent.

Can the printer IP address be found from a phone?

Yes. Many printer apps show network details, including the IP address. A router app may also list the printer under connected devices.

What should be done if the printer has no IP address?

If no IP address appears, the printer may not be connected to the network. The user should reconnect it to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, restart the printer, and print a new network report.

Is the printer IP address the same as the router IP address?

No. The router has its own address, while the printer has a separate address assigned within the same local network.