Where to find your printer's IP address

Your printer's IP address is usually printed on a settings page that comes out of the machine itself, or you can find it through your router's connected devices list. The simplest method depends on what device you're using right now — Windows, Mac, or a phone — and whether your printer is already connected to your network.

If your printer has a touchscreen or control panel, you can often navigate directly to a network settings menu and read the address on the display. If it doesn't, the settings page method works on almost every network printer made in the last ten years.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to find your printer's IP address is to print a network settings page directly from the printer's control panel or menu.
  • On Windows, you can also find it by opening Settings, going to Devices, then Printers and Scanners, right-clicking your printer, and selecting Properties to view the IP address.
  • On Mac, System Settings shows connected printers and their IP addresses under Printers and Scanners.
  • Your router's admin page lists all connected devices by name and IP address, which works regardless of what computer you're using.
  • Once you have the address, you can type it into a web browser to access your printer's built-in settings page for configuration and troubleshooting.

Printing a network settings page from the printer itself

Most network printers have a menu button or touchscreen on the front. Look for a button labeled Menu, Settings, or a gear icon. Press it and navigate to Network Settings, Network Status, or TCP/IP — the exact wording varies by brand.

Once you're in that menu, look for an option that says Print Network Settings, Print Configuration Page, or Print Network Status. Select it and the printer will output a page with all its network information, including the IP address. This page usually shows the address in a line that reads "IP Address:" followed by four numbers separated by periods, like 192.168.1.50.

If your printer doesn't have a touchscreen and the buttons are confusing, check the physical manual or search the manufacturer's website for your exact model number — it's usually on the front or back of the machine. The manual will show you which buttons to press in which order.

Finding the IP address on Windows

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Click Devices in the left sidebar, then select Printers and Scanners.

Find your printer in the list and click on it. A panel will open on the right side. Click Properties or Printer Properties — the exact label depends on your Windows version. A new window will open showing details about the printer. Look for a line that says "Location" or "IP Address" — the address will be displayed there.

If you don't see the IP address in Properties, try a different approach: right-click your printer in the Printers and Scanners list and select Printer Properties instead. Some printers show the address in one location but not the other.

Finding the IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. In the sidebar, scroll down and click Printers and Scanners.

Find your printer in the list on the left. Click it once to select it. On the right side of the window, you'll see printer details. Look for a line that says "Location" or "IP Address" — the address will be shown there. If you don't see it when ready, scroll down in the details panel.

If the IP address isn't visible in System Settings, you can also find it by clicking the printer name and then clicking the "Supply Levels" or "Details" button, depending on your macOS version.

Finding the IP address through your router

Your router keeps a list of every device connected to your network, including your printer. Open a web browser on any computer or phone connected to your network and type your router's address into the address bar. Most home routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — if neither works, check the back or bottom of your router for a sticker that shows the correct address.

You'll be asked to log in. Use the username and password printed on your router's sticker, or the ones you set up when you first installed it. Once logged in, look for a section called Connected Devices, Attached Devices, Device List, or DHCP Clients. Your printer will be listed there by name, along with its IP address.

This method works from any device and doesn't require you to know anything about your printer's menu system. It's especially useful if your printer doesn't have a display or if the menu buttons are hard to navigate.

What to do once you have the IP address

Once you know your printer's IP address, you can type it directly into a web browser's address bar — for example, http://192.168.1.50 — and you'll reach your printer's built-in settings page. From there you can change network settings, update the printer's software, check ink or toner levels, and troubleshoot connection problems.

You can also use the IP address to add the printer to a new computer or phone. When you're setting up a printer on a device, you'll often have the option to enter the IP address manually instead of searching for the printer on the network. This is faster and more reliable than letting the device search automatically.

Keep the IP address written down or saved somewhere you can find it later. If your printer is set to get its address automatically from your router (which is the default for most home printers), the address can change if the printer is unplugged for a long time or if your router restarts. If you need a permanent address, you can usually set a static IP address in your printer's network settings, but that's a separate configuration step.

Troubleshooting if you can't find the address

If the settings page won't print, try restarting the printer by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for it to fully boot up — you'll usually see lights stop blinking — then try printing the settings page again.

If your printer isn't showing up in Windows or Mac settings, it may not be connected to your network yet. Check that the printer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. On the printer's menu, look for a Wi-Fi or Network option and confirm it shows a connected status. If it shows "Not Connected" or a list of available networks, you'll need to connect it to your network first before the address will appear in your computer's settings.

If you can access your router's device list but your printer isn't there, the printer isn't connected to your network. Check the printer's Wi-Fi menu again or try connecting it with an ethernet cable if your router has an available port. Some printers also have a WPS button that lets you connect by pressing a button on both the printer and router at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the printer's IP address change?

Yes, if your printer is set to get its address automatically from your router (the default setting), the address can change when the printer restarts or after a long time unplugged. If you need the address to stay the same, you can set a static IP address in the printer's network settings menu, though the exact steps vary by brand.

What if I see multiple IP addresses on the settings page?

Network printers sometimes show both an IPv4 address (four numbers like 192.168.1.50) and an IPv6 address (longer, with letters and colons). Use the IPv4 address — it's the standard one for home networks. The IPv6 address is for newer networks and rarely needed for home use.

Do I need the IP address to print normally?

No. The IP address is only needed if you want to access the printer's settings page, troubleshoot connection problems, or add the printer to a new device manually. For everyday printing, your computer finds the printer automatically on your network.

Is it safe to share my printer's IP address with someone?

It's generally safe to share with someone on your home network or someone you trust. If you're concerned about security, you can change the printer's admin password in its settings page, which prevents unauthorized changes to the printer's configuration.

What if my printer is connected by USB cable instead of Wi-Fi?

USB printers don't have IP addresses because they're not on your network — they're connected directly to one computer. The IP address only applies to network printers connected by Wi-Fi or ethernet cable.