Why you need your printer's IP address
Your printer has its own IP address on your home network, just like your phone or laptop. You need this address when you want to troubleshoot connection problems, change printer settings without using the control panel, or access the printer's web interface from your computer. If your printer keeps dropping off the network or won't print from a specific device, knowing the IP address is often the first step to fixing it.
The address looks like four numbers separated by dots — something like 192.168.1.105. Your router assigns this address automatically when the printer connects, so it can change over time. Finding it takes less than five minutes using one of the methods below.
Key Takeaways
- Your printer's IP address appears on the network settings page printed directly from the printer's control panel — the fastest method if your printer has a screen or buttons.
- You can find the address through your router's admin page by logging in and checking the list of connected devices, which also shows you every device on your network.
- On Windows, the Settings app under Devices and Printers shows connected printers and their network details without needing to touch the printer itself.
- On Mac, System Settings under Printers and Scanners displays the printer's IP address when you click on the printer name.
- If your printer is offline or not responding, check that it is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
Print the network settings page directly from your printer
Most printers with a touchscreen or physical buttons can print a network settings page that includes the IP address. This is the fastest method if your printer has a display. Look for a menu button on the printer itself — it is usually labeled Menu, Settings, or has a gear icon.
Navigate to Network Settings or Information, then select Print Network Settings or Print Configuration Page. The printer will output a page showing the IP address, Wi-Fi network name, and other connection details. Write down the IP address (it will be labeled as IPv4 Address or just IP Address) and you are done.
If your printer has no screen — some older or very basic models do not — skip to the next method.
Check your router's admin page for all connected devices
Your router keeps a list of every device connected to your network, including the printer. To access this list, open a web browser on any computer or phone connected to your Wi-Fi and type your router's IP address into the address bar. Most home routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — if neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router.
You will be asked to log in. Use the username and password printed on your router (often admin and admin, or admin and the router's serial number). Once logged in, look for a section called Connected Devices, Device List, DHCP Clients, or Attached Devices. Find your printer's name in the list — it usually includes the brand and model number — and the IP address will be shown next to it.
This method also shows you everything else on your network, which is useful for spotting unexpected devices or troubleshooting why a device cannot connect.
Find the printer through Windows Settings
On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings and go to Devices, then Printers and Scanners. Find your printer in the list and click on it. A details panel will open on the right side showing the printer's status and network information. Click on "Printer properties" or "Open queue" to see more details, including the IP address under the Ports tab.
If the IP address does not appear in the main panel, right-click the printer name and select Printer Properties. Go to the Ports tab and look for a port name that starts with IP_ followed by numbers — that is your printer's IP address.
If your printer does not appear in the list at all, it may not be connected to the network. Power it off and back on, make sure it is on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer, and wait 30 seconds for it to reconnect before checking again.
Find the printer through Mac System Settings
On macOS, open System Settings and navigate to Printers and Scanners (or Printers and Scanners under General in older versions). Find your printer in the list on the left and click it. The IP address appears in the information panel on the right, usually labeled as Location or IP Address.
If you do not see the IP address in the main view, click the printer name and look for an "Information" or "Details" button. Some printers also show the address when you hover over the printer name.
If your printer is not listed, click the + button to add it, and your Mac will search for printers on the network. Select your printer from the results and it will be added to the list.
Use a network scanning tool if other methods do not work
If your printer is connected to the network but does not appear in your computer's printer list, or if you cannot access your router's admin page, you can scan your network for all connected devices. On Windows, read and run Advanced IP Scanner (free, from the official Famatech website). On Mac, use Angry IP Scanner (also free). These tools show every device on your network and their IP addresses.
Open the tool and run a scan of your network range — it will usually auto-detect the correct range. Look through the results for your printer's name or brand. The IP address will be listed next to it. This method takes a few minutes but works even if your printer is not showing up in the normal places.
What to do once you have the IP address
Once you have the IP address, you can type it into a web browser to access the printer's web interface. This lets you change settings, check ink or toner levels, update the printer's firmware, and troubleshoot connection problems without walking to the printer itself.
Write the IP address down or take a screenshot and save it somewhere you can find it later. If your printer is set to get a new address automatically (which is the default), the address may change if the printer is unplugged for a long time or if your router restarts. If you need the address to stay the same, you can set a static IP address through your router's admin page — look for a section called DHCP Reservations or Static IP Assignment and assign your printer a fixed address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my printer's IP address?
Your router assigns the address automatically, but you can reserve a specific address for your printer so it does not change. Log into your router's admin page, find the DHCP Reservations or Static IP section, and assign your printer a fixed address. This keeps the address the same even after power cycles.
What if my printer is not showing up on the network?
Make sure the printer is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. Check the printer's screen or lights to confirm it is connected — most printers show a Wi-Fi icon when connected. If it is still not appearing, restart both the printer and your router, wait 30 seconds, and try again.
Is it safe to access my printer's web interface?
Yes, as long as you are on your own home network. The web interface is only accessible from devices on the same network, not from the internet. If you are concerned about security, you can change the default password for the printer's admin account through the web interface — most printers come with a default password that should be changed.
Why does my printer's IP address keep changing?
Your router assigns addresses dynamically by default, so the address can change when the printer restarts or reconnects. If this is causing problems, set a static IP address through your router's DHCP Reservations feature to lock the address in place.
Do I need the IP address to print normally?
No. The IP address is only needed for troubleshooting, accessing the printer's settings page, or fixing connection problems. Normal printing works fine without knowing the address — your computer finds the printer automatically on the network.