Whether you are setting up a wireless printer, adding it to a new computer or troubleshooting a connection problem, knowing your printer’s IP address can be extremely useful.

Although an IP address may sound technical, it is simply the address your router gives your printer so that computers, smartphones and other devices can find it on your network.

This guide explains how to find your printer’s IP address using the printer itself, a Windows PC, a Mac, your router or the manufacturer’s printer app. The instructions cover common Epson, HP, Canon and Brother printers.

Table of Contents

What Is a Printer IP Address?

An IP address, short for Internet Protocol address, is a set of numbers assigned to a device connected to a network.

A typical printer IP address might look like:

192.168.1.105

You can think of it as your printer’s digital address. When you send a document to a network printer, your computer uses this address to communicate with the correct device.

Your printer may have:

An IPv4 address, such as 192.168.1.105
An IPv6 address, which is longer and contains letters and numbers
A hostname, such as EPSON123456 or HP-LaserJet

For most home and small-office tasks, you will normally need the printer’s IPv4 address.

Do All Printers Have an IP Address?

No. Only printers connected to a network through Wi-Fi or Ethernet will have a network IP address.

A printer connected only through a USB cable does not normally need its own network IP address. However, a printer may still have an IP address if it is connected to Wi-Fi while also being connected to a computer by USB.

Why Might You Need Your Printer’s IP Address?

Finding the IP address can help you:

Add a network printer manually to a computer
Troubleshoot a printer showing as offline
Check whether the printer is connected to your network
Open the printer’s settings page in a web browser
Identify the correct printer in an office with multiple devices
Create a DHCP reservation for a more stable connection
Diagnose AirPrint or wireless-printing problems
Check ink levels, network status and other printer information

If your computer cannot automatically discover the printer, locating its IP address is a useful first troubleshooting step.

Before You Start

Check the following before trying the methods below:

The printer is switched on.
Wi-Fi or Ethernet networking is enabled on the printer.
Your computer or mobile device is connected to the same local network.
The printer is not connected to a separate guest Wi-Fi network.
The printer’s Wi-Fi indicator is steady rather than continuously flashing.

Menu names and button combinations vary between printer models. If the exact options below do not appear, check the printer’s manual or the manufacturer’s support instructions for your model.

Method 1: Print a Network Configuration Page

Printing a network configuration page is one of the most dependable ways to find a printer’s IP address.

Depending on the brand, this document may be called:

Network Configuration Page
Network Status Sheet
Wireless Network Test Report
LAN Details
Network Settings Report
Network Configuration Report

The printed page may show the IP address, connection status, Wi-Fi network name, MAC address, subnet mask and gateway.

Epson printers

On Epson printers with a display:

Open Settings, Setup or Network Settings.
Select Network Status or Wi-Fi Status.
Choose Print Status Sheet or a similar option.
Find the IPv4 address on the printed page.

On some Epson printers without a screen, pressing the information button—or a model-specific combination of the Wi-Fi and information buttons—prints a network status sheet.

HP printers

On HP models with a control panel:

Open Wireless, Network Settings or Setup.
Find Reports or Print Reports.
Select Network Configuration Page or Wireless Network Test Report.
Look for the IPv4 address.

Some screenless HP printers use a combination of the Wireless and Information buttons. The correct combination depends on the model.

Canon printers

On many Canon printers:

Open Setup or Settings.
Select Device Settings.
Open LAN Settings.
Select Print LAN Details or Confirm LAN Settings.
Find the IPv4 address.

Some Canon PIXMA printers can print network details using the Information or Resume/Cancel button, but the procedure varies by model.

Brother printers

On many Brother printers:

Press Menu or Settings.
Select Print Reports.
Choose Network Configuration.
Find the IP address on the printed report.

If you cannot find the option, search your printer’s manual for “network configuration report.”

A disconnected printer may still print a network report, but the report might show no valid IP address or an address from an earlier connection.

Method 2: Check the Printer’s Control Panel

If your printer has an LCD screen or touchscreen, you may be able to see the IP address without printing anything.

The usual process is:

Open Menu, Setup or Settings.
Select Network Settings, Wireless Settings or Wi-Fi Setup.
Open Network Status, Connection Details or TCP/IP Settings.
Look for IP Address or IPv4 Address.

The IP address may also appear on the printer’s home-screen network-information panel.

Take a photograph of the screen or write the address down carefully. An IP address contains numbers and full stops, so it is easy to mistype.

Method 3: Find the Printer’s IP Address in Windows

There are several ways to check a printer’s network details on a Windows computer.

Using Settings in Windows 11

Open Start and select Settings.
Go to Bluetooth & devices.
Select Printers & scanners.
Choose your printer.
Open Printer properties.
Select the Ports tab.
Look for the selected port.

A standard TCP/IP port may display an address such as 192.168.1.105, or a port name beginning with IP_.

If the printer uses a WSD port, the IP address may not be shown clearly. In that case, check the router, print a network status sheet or use the manufacturer’s app.

Using Control Panel

Open Control Panel.
Select Devices and Printers.
Right-click the printer.
Select Printer properties.
Open the Ports tab.
Check the selected port and its details.

Be careful not to confuse Printer properties with the general Properties option.

Using Command Prompt

If you already know the printer’s hostname:

Press Windows + R.
Enter cmd and press Enter.
Type the following command, replacing printername with the hostname:

ping printername

Windows may display the IP address associated with that hostname.

You can also enter:

arp -a

This displays IP and MAC addresses recently detected on the network. You will need to compare the results with your printer’s MAC address, which may appear on its label or network report.

This method is more suitable for experienced users because the list can contain numerous devices.

Method 4: Find the Printer’s IP Address on a Mac

On current versions of macOS:

Open the Apple menu.
Select System Settings.
Open Printers & Scanners.
Select your printer.
Check its displayed information or open Options & Supplies.

On older macOS versions, this section is called System Preferences rather than System Settings.

The IP address may appear in the printer’s location, general information or URL. A printer URL might look similar to:

ipp://192.168.1.105/

In this example, 192.168.1.105 is the IP address.

If macOS shows only a printer name or hostname, use the printer’s network report or your router’s connected-device list.

Method 5: Check Your Router’s Connected Devices

Your router maintains a list of devices connected to your home or office network. This method can be especially helpful for a screenless printer.

Open a web browser on a device connected to the same network.
Enter your router’s management address.
Sign in using the router’s administrator details.
Open Connected Devices, Attached Devices, DHCP Clients or Network Map.
Look for the printer’s name, manufacturer or MAC address.
Note the corresponding IP address.

Common router addresses include 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.1.1, but your router may use a different address. Check its label, manual or internet provider’s app.

Do not confuse your Wi-Fi password with the router’s administrator password. Change network settings only if you understand what they control.

Method 6: Use the Printer Manufacturer’s App

Many printer manufacturers provide an app that displays the printer’s network information.

Epson

Open the Epson Smart Panel or Epson iPrint app, select the printer and look under printer or network information.

HP

Open the HP app, select your printer and check Printer Information, Network Information or Advanced Settings.

Canon

Open the Canon PRINT app, select the printer and check its device or network information.

Brother

Brother Mobile Connect and Brother’s network-management utilities may display the printer’s connection information. Brother also provides BRAdmin tools for managing supported printers on a local network.

The precise menu name depends on the app version and printer model.

How to Open Your Printer’s Web Page

Many network printers include an embedded web server—a settings page that you can open through a browser.

Once you have found the printer’s IP address:

Connect your computer to the same network as the printer.
Open a web browser.
Enter the printer’s IP address in the address bar, for example:

http://192.168.1.105

Press Enter.

Depending on the model, the page may allow you to check:

Network status
Ink or toner levels
Printer information
Wi-Fi and TCP/IP settings
Firmware details
Maintenance options
Security settings

Some settings may require an administrator password. Avoid changing network or security settings unless you know what they do.

What If the Printer Does Not Show an IP Address?

If the printer has no IP address, it is probably not properly connected to your network.

Try these checks:

Confirm that Wi-Fi or Ethernet is enabled.
Check that the printer has joined the correct Wi-Fi network.
Move the printer closer to the router during setup.
Restart the printer and router.
Run the printer’s Wireless Setup Wizard again.
Re-enter the Wi-Fi password carefully.
Check whether the printer supports your router’s Wi-Fi frequency and security settings.
Make sure the printer is not connected to Wi-Fi Direct instead of your normal home network.

Many printers support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, while support for 5GHz or 6GHz varies. A modern dual-band router may still work, but older printers sometimes have difficulty during setup when network bands or names are configured in particular ways.

What Does a 169.254 IP Address Mean?

An address beginning with 169.254, such as 169.254.20.15, normally means the printer could not obtain a valid address from your router.

This is a self-assigned address and often indicates that:

The printer is not properly connected to Wi-Fi.
The Ethernet cable or connection has failed.
The router’s DHCP service did not assign an address.
The printer’s saved network settings are incorrect.

Reconnect the printer to the network and restart both the printer and router. If the problem continues, reset only the printer’s network settings and repeat the wireless setup.

Static vs Dynamic Printer IP Addresses

A printer can use either a dynamic or fixed network address.

Address type	How it works	Best suited to
Dynamic IP	The router automatically assigns an address through DHCP	Most home users
DHCP reservation	The router repeatedly assigns the same address to the printer	Homes and small offices needing a stable connection
Manually configured static IP	Network details are entered directly into the printer	Managed office networks and experienced users

Most home users should leave DHCP enabled. If the printer’s address keeps changing and causing connection problems, create a DHCP reservation in the router rather than manually choosing an address.

A DHCP reservation links the printer’s MAC address to a specific IP address and reduces the risk of assigning an address already used by another device.

Why Does My Printer’s IP Address Keep Changing?

Most routers assign addresses dynamically. After the router or printer restarts—or after the DHCP lease changes—the printer may receive a different address.

Computers often rediscover the printer automatically, but a manually configured printer port may continue trying to reach the old address.

A DHCP reservation can keep the address consistent without disabling automatic network configuration on the printer.

Troubleshooting Common IP Address Problems

Problem	Likely cause	Recommended action
Printer does not appear on the network	Printer is disconnected or joined to another Wi-Fi network	Reconnect it using the wireless setup process
Network report shows no IP address	Network connection has not completed	Check Wi-Fi credentials or Ethernet connection
Address begins with `169.254`	Router did not provide a valid address	Restart and reconnect the printer
Windows shows a WSD port	Windows discovered the printer automatically	Use the router or network report to find the current IP
Printer works by USB but not Wi-Fi	Network setup is incomplete	Run the printer’s Wi-Fi setup again
Mobile app cannot find the printer	Devices may be on different or isolated networks	Connect both to the same normal Wi-Fi network
IP address changes repeatedly	Router is using dynamic allocation	Create a DHCP reservation
Browser cannot open the printer page	Incorrect address, different network or web access unavailable	Confirm the address and connection; try `http://` and `https://`

Tips for Maintaining a Reliable Printer Connection

Keep the printer reasonably close to the Wi-Fi router.
Avoid placing it behind thick walls or metal cabinets.
Use Ethernet for compatible office printers where maximum stability is required.
Keep the printer’s firmware and manufacturer app updated.
Use a DHCP reservation if a changing address causes repeated problems.
Record the printer model, IP address and MAC address in a secure place.
Avoid manually changing DNS, subnet or gateway settings without a clear reason.
Keep computers and printers on the same trusted network.

Remember that the IP address can change unless it has been reserved by the router.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to find a printer’s IP address?

Printing a network configuration page or checking the printer’s control panel is usually the easiest method. For a printer without a screen, check your router’s connected-device list or use the manufacturer’s app.

Can I find my printer’s IP address from my computer?

Yes. In Windows, check the selected printer port under Printer Properties. On a Mac, inspect the printer information or printer URL under Printers & Scanners.

Can I connect to a printer without knowing its IP address?

Yes. Windows, macOS and manufacturer apps can often discover a printer automatically. USB printing also does not require you to enter a network IP address.

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

You may see its previous address in your computer, router or an old network report. However, if the printer is disconnected, that address may no longer be current or reachable.

Is a printer’s IP address the same as its MAC address?

No. An IP address identifies the printer’s current location on the network and may change. A MAC address identifies the printer’s network interface and is normally fixed.

Why can’t my computer find my printer even though it has an IP address?

The computer and printer may be on different networks, the saved printer port may contain an old address, guest-network isolation may be enabled or security software may be blocking discovery. Confirm that both devices are connected to the same local network.

Can I type the printer’s IP address into a browser?

Many network printers allow this. Enter the address into your browser to open the printer’s embedded web page. Available features vary by manufacturer and model.

Should I give my printer a static IP address?

Most home users do not need to configure a manual static address. A DHCP reservation in the router is generally easier and less likely to create an address conflict.

Why does my printer have more than one IP address?

The printer may display both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, or separate addresses for its normal Wi-Fi connection, Ethernet connection and Wi-Fi Direct network. For most local setup tasks, use the IPv4 address assigned by your main router.

Is it safe to share my printer’s IP address?

A private local address such as 192.168.x.x is normally usable only inside your network, but there is rarely a reason to publish it. Do not share router passwords, public IP addresses or printer administrator credentials.

Final Thoughts

Finding your printer’s IP address is straightforward once you know where to look. You can print a network status report, check the printer’s display, inspect its settings in Windows or macOS, view connected devices through your router or use the manufacturer’s app.

If the printer has no valid address—or shows an address beginning with 169.254—focus first on reconnecting it to the correct Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.

For repeated connection problems caused by a changing IP address, reserving an address through your router can provide a more reliable solution.

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How to Easily Find Your Printers IP Address