Upgrading your home router or simply changing your Wi-Fi password are excellent steps for network security and performance. However, these changes can sometimes lead to a minor headache: your wireless printer suddenly goes offline. This happens because your printer, like any other wireless device, needs to be updated with the new network credentials to reconnect.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to reconnect your wireless printer after you’ve installed a new router or changed your Wi-Fi network’s name (SSID) or password. We aim to help you get your printer back online and printing smoothly.
Important Disclaimer: This guide provides independent, informational content for printer setup and troubleshooting. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by HP, Epson, Canon, Brother, Microsoft, Apple, or any other printer manufacturer or software company. We do not provide driver downloads, remote technical support, or repair services. Our aim is to offer reliable information to assist you in troubleshooting your printer issues.
Why Your Printer Lost Connection (and Why Reconnection Is Needed)
When you change your router or Wi-Fi password, your printer still tries to connect using the old network name and password it has saved. Since those credentials are no longer valid, the connection fails, and your printer effectively becomes “lost” on the network. You need to provide it with the new network details, just as you would with your phone or laptop.
Before You Reconnect: A Quick Checklist
- New Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID): Make sure you know the exact name of your new network (it’s case-sensitive).
- New Wi-Fi Network Password: Have your new password readily available (it’s also case-sensitive).
- Printer Powered On: Ensure your printer is plugged in and turned on.
- Router On: Your new (or reconfigured) router should be fully powered on and broadcasting the Wi-Fi signal.
Step 1: Reconnect the Printer to the New Wi-Fi Network (Primary Method)
The process of updating your printer’s Wi-Fi information is typically done directly from the printer itself.
Option A: Using the Printer’s Control Panel / LCD Screen (Most Common)
Most modern wireless printers have a built-in display and menu system for network configuration.
- Access Network Settings: On your printer’s control panel, navigate to the “Wireless,” “Network,” or “Setup” menu.
- Run Wi-Fi Setup Wizard: Look for an option like “Wi-Fi Setup Wizard,” “Wireless Setup Guide,” or “Network Setup.” Select it.
- Scan for Networks: The printer will scan for available Wi-Fi networks.
- Select Your New Network: Choose the name (SSID) of your new or updated Wi-Fi network from the list.
- Enter New Password: Using the printer’s keypad or touchscreen, carefully enter your new Wi-Fi network password. Double-check for accuracy, especially case sensitivity.
- Confirm Connection: The printer should attempt to connect and, if successful, will display a “Connected” message, and its wireless indicator light should turn solid.
Option B: WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Push Button (If Available)
If both your printer and new router have a WPS button, this can be a quick method.
- On Your Printer: Go to the printer’s control panel, navigate to the “Wireless” or “Network” settings, and select the WPS option (often labeled “Push Button” or “Wi-Fi Protected Setup”).
- On Your Router: Within 2 minutes of activating WPS on your printer, press and hold the WPS button on your new Wi-Fi router until its light indicates WPS is active (it might blink or change color).
- Connection Confirmation: The printer and router will connect automatically. The printer’s wireless light should turn solid, confirming the connection.
Option C: Using Manufacturer’s Software (If Printer Lacks Display)
Some basic wireless printers without a display might require connecting via software on your computer.
- Connect Temporarily (if needed): The software might instruct you to temporarily connect the printer to your computer via a USB cable for the initial wireless setup.
- Download & Run Software: Go to your printer manufacturer’s official website (e.g.,
support.hp.com,epson.com/support). Download and run the latest full software and driver package for your specific model and Windows version. - Choose Wireless Setup: Select “Wireless” or “Network” connection during the installation wizard. The software will guide you through finding your new network and entering the password.
Step 2: Update Your Computer’s Printer Settings
Even after your printer is reconnected to Wi-Fi, your computer might still be looking for it on the old network.
- Remove Old Printer Entry:
- On your Windows 10/11 computer, go to Start Menu > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Locate the entry for your printer (it might show “Offline”).
- Click on it and select “Remove device.”
- Add Printer (Again):
- Click “Add device” next to “Add a printer or scanner.”
- Your computer will search for printers on your current network.
- Select your printer when it appears (it should now be visible online) and click “Add device.” Windows will install the necessary connections.
- Print a Test Page: Once added, select your printer, click “Manage,” and then “Print a test page” to confirm communication.
Important: This is an independent guide for general information. For specific model details, official software, or technical support, please refer to your printer manufacturer’s official website or your printer’s manual.
Common Reconnection Challenges
- Printer Can’t Find Network: Ensure the printer is within range of your new router. Check that your router is broadcasting on the 2.4GHz band, as many older printers only support this frequency.
- Incorrect Password: Double-check your Wi-Fi password carefully; this is a very common mistake.
- IP Conflicts: Restarting your router can sometimes resolve this. (For persistent issues, assigning a static IP to your printer via your router settings is an advanced step.)
- Firewall/Antivirus: Temporarily disabling security software on your computer during setup can help with initial connection, but remember to re-enable it immediately afterward.
Conclusion
Changing your router or Wi-Fi password doesn’t have to mean a frustrating printing experience. By systematically updating your printer with the new network credentials and ensuring your computer recognizes the updated connection, you can often quickly restore wireless printing functionality.