Fix: Wireless Printer Not Connecting to WiFi [Windows 11 or 10]

Having a wireless printer that won’t connect to Wi-Fi can be frustrating, especially when you need to print an important document. Whether you’re working from home or dealing with a school assignment, a wireless printer offers convenience and flexibility. However, when the connection fails, it can disrupt your workflow. 

In this guide, we’ll go over why your wireless printer may not be connecting to Wi-Fi and fix it on both Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Why is My Wireless Printer Not Connecting to Wi-Fi?

There are several reasons why your wireless printer might not be connecting to Wi-Fi. Some of the most common issues include:

• Incorrect network settings: The printer might be trying to connect to the wrong network or has incorrect Wi-Fi credentials saved.
• Router issues: The Wi-Fi router may have connectivity problems or might be incompatible with the printer’s Wi-Fi standards.
• Outdated printer drivers: An outdated printer driver can prevent the printer from connecting to the network.
• Signal interference: Wireless interference can affect the strength and quality of your printer’s connection.
• Printer settings: The printer might not be configured correctly to connect to Wi-Fi.

With this in mind, let’s go over a detailed guide on how to fix this issue for Windows 11 or Windows 10 users, with specific instructions for popular printer brands like HP, Epson, Brother, and Canon.

Fix: Wireless Printer Not Connecting to WiFi [Windows 11 or 10]

If your wireless printer is not connecting to Wi-Fi on Windows 10 or Windows 11, try the following steps: First, make sure your printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. Check your router and ensure there’s no interference. Update your printer drivers, reboot both your printer and computer, and run the Windows Troubleshooter to automatically detect and fix issues. Lastly, reset the printer’s network settings and reconnect it to your Wi-Fi network.

Step 1: Ensure Your Printer is on the Correct Wi-Fi Network

The first step is to check if your printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. Sometimes, printers can mistakenly connect to a different network or fail to connect altogether. To check this:

• On HP Printers: From the printer’s control panel, navigate to the Network or Wireless settings. Ensure the correct Wi-Fi network is selected and that the printer is connected.
• On Epson Printers: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi Setup > Wi-Fi Status on the printer’s control panel. If needed, manually select the Wi-Fi network and enter the correct password.
• On Brother Printers: Press the Menu button, select Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard. This will let you choose your network.
• On Canon Printers: Open the Setup menu on the printer and go to Wireless LAN Setup. Ensure that the correct network is selected.

If your printer is not connected, manually reconnect it to your network.

Step 2: Restart Your Router and Printer

If the printer is correctly connected to the Wi-Fi network but still won’t print, the next step is to restart your router and the printer. This can help resolve network-related issues and refresh the connection.

• Restart the Router: Unplug the router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for all lights to stabilize.
• Restart the Printer: Turn off your printer and wait for 10 seconds before turning it back on.

This simple step can often resolve issues like a dropped connection or a weak Wi-Fi signal.

Step 3: Update Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted printer drivers are one of the leading causes of connectivity issues. To fix this, you need to update the drivers:

• For HP Printers: Go to the HP Support website and enter your printer model. Download the latest drivers and install them.
• For Epson Printers: Visit the Epson Support page, find your printer model, and download the latest drivers.
• For Brother Printers: Head to the Brother Support page, search for your printer model, and download the latest drivers.
• For Canon Printers: Visit Canon’s website, find your printer model, and download the most recent drivers.

Once the drivers are updated, restart your printer and computer, then try printing again.

Step 4: Check for Network Interference

Wi-Fi interference can be caused by other devices such as microwaves, cordless phones, or even neighboring Wi-Fi networks. To reduce interference:

• Move your printer closer to the router if possible.
• Change the Wi-Fi channel on your router (usually found in your router’s settings).
• Use the 5GHz network instead of the 2.4GHz band if your router supports it. The 5GHz band is less congested.

Step 5: Run the Windows Troubleshooter

Both Windows 11 and Windows 10 come with a built-in troubleshooting tool that can automatically detect and fix issues related to your printer’s connection.

• For Windows 10: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Printer. Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix the problem.
• For Windows 11: Open Settings, click on System, then select Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Find Printer in the list and click Run.

Let Windows detect any issues and apply the recommended fixes.

Step 6: Reset Printer’s Network Settings

If the previous steps didn’t work, you might need to reset your printer’s network settings. This will erase all previous network configurations and allow you to set up a new connection.

• For HP Printers: On the printer’s control panel, go to Settings > Network > Restore Network Defaults.
• For Epson Printers: Go to Menu > Network Settings > Restore Defaults.
• For Brother Printers: Press the Menu button, navigate to Network > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
• For Canon Printers: Open the Setup menu, go to Wireless LAN Setup, and select Reset.

Once the settings are reset, try connecting to your Wi-Fi again.

Step 7: Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Start by temporarily turning off your antivirus program and Windows Firewall. To do this, open Windows Security, go to Firewall and Network Protection, and disable it briefly. Then try printing a test page.

If your printer works, it means the security software is blocking the connection. Turn the firewall back on and look for settings like Allowed Apps or Exceptions. Add your printer software or allow File and Printer Sharing.

This ensures your system stays secure while allowing the printer to connect properly.

Step 8: Assign a Static IP Address to the Printer

A static IP address helps keep your printer consistently connected to your network. Without it, your router may assign a new IP address each time, causing connection issues.

First, print a network configuration page from your printer to find its current IP address. Then open a web browser and enter that IP address to access the printer’s settings page.

Look for Network Settings and choose an option like Manual IP or Static IP. Enter an IP address within your router’s range and save the changes.

This step may sound advanced, but it improves stability and prevents your printer from disconnecting frequently.

Step 9: Reinstall the Printer on Windows

If nothing else works, reinstalling the printer can fix hidden configuration issues.

Go to Settings, then Bluetooth and Devices, and open Printers and Scanners. Select your printer and click Remove Device. This clears all existing settings.

Next, click Add Device and let Windows search for your printer again. When it appears, select it and follow the setup instructions.

If Windows cannot find it, download the latest software from your printer’s official website and install it manually.

Reinstalling gives your printer a fresh setup, which often resolves stubborn WiFi connection problems.

FAQs

Q1: How do I know if my printer is connected to the Wi-Fi network?

You can check the printer’s network settings on the control panel. If the correct Wi-Fi network name is displayed, the printer is connected. You can also print a network configuration report from the printer’s settings menu to confirm the connection.

Q2: Why is my wireless printer still not connecting even after following the steps?

If the problem persists, try changing the Wi-Fi channel on your router, ensuring there’s no signal interference, or testing the printer in a different location. If none of these work, the issue might be with your router or printer hardware.

Q3: Can I connect my printer to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network?

Some printers support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, while others may only support 2.4GHz. Check your printer’s manual to see which frequency band it supports.