How to Reconnect a Printer After Changing Routers or Wi-Fi

When you get a new router, change your Wi-Fi network name (SSID), or change your Wi-Fi password, your wireless printer loses its connection because it still has the old network details stored. The printer needs to be re-introduced to the new network.

What You'll Need

• Your new Wi-Fi network name (SSID)
• Your new Wi-Fi password
• About 5–10 minutes

Step 1: Reset the Printer's Wireless Settings

Before connecting to the new network, clear the printer's stored Wi-Fi information. The method varies by manufacturer:

• HP: Press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button together for 3 seconds, until the wireless light blinks. This restores wireless defaults without affecting other settings.
• Canon: On the printer's panel, go to Settings > Device Settings > LAN Settings > Wireless LAN > Wireless LAN Setup and choose to reset or setup again.
• Epson: Hold the Wi-Fi button for at least 3 seconds until the Wi-Fi light flashes, or go to Settings > Network Settings > Wi-Fi Setup > Wi-Fi Setup Wizard.
• Brother: On the control panel, go to Menu > Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard or find the network reset option under Initial Setup > Reset.

Step 2: Reconnect to the New Wi-Fi Network

Use one of these methods (see our wireless printer setup guide for full details):

• WPS: Use the WPS push button on both the printer and the new router if both support it — this is the quickest method.
• Touchscreen wizard: On the printer's panel, run the wireless setup wizard and select your new network name and enter the password.
• Manufacturer app: Use HP Smart, Epson Smart Panel, Canon PRINT, or Brother iPrint&Scan to guide you through reconnecting.

Step 3: Update the Printer in Windows

After the printer is on the new network, Windows may still be looking for it at the old IP address. The easiest fix is to:

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click the printer and select Remove.
3. Click Add device and let Windows find the printer on the new network.
4. Click Add device next to the printer's name.

Tip: Assign the Printer a Static IP

To avoid this process every time your router reassigns addresses, set a static IP for the printer through its network settings menu. Keep a note of the IP — you'll use it if you ever need to add the printer manually using Add by IP address in Windows.

If the printer still won't connect to the new network, ask us — some routers with strict firewall settings need a specific configuration.