Why you need your printer's IP address

Your HP printer's IP address is a number that identifies it on your home network — like a phone number for your printer. You need it to configure security settings, troubleshoot connection problems, or access the printer's built-in web page where you can change passwords and check ink levels. Without it, you are working blind when something goes wrong.

The address looks like four numbers separated by dots: 192.168.1.100 or similar. Every device on your network has one. Finding your printer's takes less than five minutes and requires no technical knowledge.

Key Takeaways

  • Your HP printer displays its IP address on the network settings page, which prints directly from the printer's control panel in under a minute.
  • The printer's built-in web page address bar shows the IP address once you type it in, so you can write it down for future use.
  • If the printer is not connected to your network, it will not have an IP address — check that it is on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer first.
  • Once you have the address, you can access the printer's settings page to change the admin password and check security options.

Method 1: Print the network settings page from the printer itself

This is the fastest way and works on nearly all HP printers. On the printer's control panel (the screen or buttons on the front), look for a menu button or settings icon. The exact name varies — it might say Menu, Settings, or have a gear icon.

Once you open the menu, navigate to Network Settings or Information. You should see an option to print a network configuration page or network status page. Select it. The printer will print a page that lists the IP address, Wi-Fi network name, and other connection details. Write down the IP address — it is the four-number sequence you need.

If your printer has no screen, look for a button labeled Information or Status. Holding it for three seconds often triggers a status page to print automatically.

Method 2: Check your router's connected devices list

Your router keeps a list of every device connected to your network, including the printer. Log into your router's settings page by opening a web browser and typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the address bar. (Your router's manual or the sticker on the back will tell you which one.)

Enter your router's username and password — usually admin and admin, or printed on the router itself. Once you are logged in, look for a section called Connected Devices, Device List, or DHCP Clients. Find your HP printer in the list by name. The IP address will be displayed next to it.

This method works even if your printer is offline, because the router remembers the last address it assigned. However, if the printer has been unplugged for a long time, the address may have changed.

Method 3: Use the HP Smart app on your phone or computer

If you have already installed the HP Smart app (available free from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or HP's website), open it and select your printer from the list. The app displays the IP address on the printer's information page. This method requires the printer to be powered on and connected to your network.

The HP Smart app also lets you print, scan, and manage ink from your phone, so it is worth keeping even after you find the address.

Method 4: Use your computer's network tools

On Windows, open Command Prompt (search for cmd in the Start menu) and type arp -a, then press Enter. You will see a list of all devices on your network with their IP addresses. Look for an entry that says HP or matches your printer's name.

On Mac, open Terminal (in Applications > Utilities) and type arp -a. The output is the same. This method requires some familiarity with command-line tools and works best if you know your printer's name or can recognize it from the list.

What to do once you have the IP address

Open a web browser and type the IP address into the address bar — for example, http://192.168.1.100. The printer's built-in settings page will load. This page is where you change the admin password, check ink levels, view print history, and configure network security options.

Write down the IP address and keep it somewhere safe — a notes app, a document, or a sticky note on your printer. You will need it if you ever need to troubleshoot the printer or change its settings remotely.

If the page does not load, the printer may not be connected to your network. Power it off, wait 30 seconds, power it back on, and try again. If it still does not work, the printer may need to be reconnected to Wi-Fi — check your printer's manual for the pairing steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my printer have a different IP address than last week?

Your router assigns IP addresses automatically, and they can change when a device is unplugged or reconnects. If you need the address to stay the same, you can assign a static IP address in your router's settings — look for DHCP Reservation or Static IP in the router's menu and follow the instructions for your printer's MAC address.

What if I cannot find the IP address on the network settings page?

The printer may not be connected to your network. Check that it is on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer — the network name should appear on the printer's screen or settings menu. If it shows "Not Connected" or a different network, reconnect it to your home Wi-Fi and print the settings page again.

Can I access the printer's settings page from my phone?

Yes. Type the IP address into your phone's web browser the same way you would on a computer. The printer's settings page will load and work the same way. The HP Smart app is usually easier on a phone, but the web page method works if you prefer not to install an app.

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

The IP address alone is not sensitive information — it is visible to anyone on your network. However, do not share the admin password that protects the printer's settings page. If someone has both the address and the password, they can change settings or access print history.