Your printer has its own IP address, just like your computer

Every device on your home network — including your printer — has an IP address, a unique number that identifies it so other devices can find and communicate with it. You need this address to configure your printer's security settings, troubleshoot connection problems, or access its built-in web interface. The address looks like four numbers separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.105.

The fastest way to find it depends on what device you're using right now. If you have the printer itself nearby, the simplest route is usually the printer's control panel or a printed network status page. If you're working from your computer, you can check your router's list of connected devices or use your printer's manufacturer app.

Key Takeaways

  • Most printers display their IP address on the control panel screen or can print a network status page by holding a button for a few seconds.
  • Your router keeps a list of every device connected to it, including your printer, and you can view this list by logging into the router's web interface.
  • Windows, Mac, and Linux all have built-in tools to scan your network and show you every device's IP address without installing anything.
  • Your printer's manufacturer often provides a free app or web tool that finds the printer automatically and shows its IP address.
  • Once you have the IP address, you can type it into a web browser to access your printer's settings page and configure security features.

Check the printer's control panel or print a network status page

Most modern printers have a small screen on the front or top. Look for a menu button or settings icon — usually a gear or wrench symbol — and navigate to Network Settings or Network Status. The IP address should appear on the screen. Write it down or take a photo.

If your printer has no screen, or the address isn't visible in the menu, look for a button labeled "Information," "Status," or sometimes just "i" inside a circle. Hold it down for three to five seconds. The printer will print a page showing its network details, including the IP address. This page is called a network status page or configuration page.

If you can't find these buttons, check the printer's physical manual or search the manufacturer's website for your exact model number. The model number is usually on the back or bottom of the printer.

Log into your router and look at the connected devices list

Your router keeps track of every device connected to your network. To see this list, open a web browser on any computer or phone connected to your home Wi-Fi and type your router's address into the address bar. For most home routers, this is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Your router's manual or the sticker on the back will tell you the exact address.

The router will ask for a username and password. This is not your Wi-Fi password — it's the login for the router itself. The default is often "admin" for both username and password, but check your router's manual or the sticker on the back. Once you're logged in, look for a section called "Connected Devices," "Device List," "DHCP Clients," or "Attached Devices." Your printer should appear in this list with its IP address next to it.

If you've changed your router password and can't remember it, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase your Wi-Fi password and all settings, so only do this if you're prepared to set up your router again from scratch.

Use your operating system's network scanning tools

On Windows: Open Command Prompt by pressing Windows key + R, typing "cmd," and pressing Enter. Type "arp -a" and press Enter. This shows every device on your network with its IP address. Look for your printer's name or MAC address (a longer identifier you can find on the printer's sticker). Alternatively, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then Status, and click "View your network properties" to see connected devices.

On Mac: Open System Preferences, go to Network, and click Advanced. Select the TCP/IP tab to see your Mac's IP address. To find your printer, open System Preferences, go to Printers & Scanners, click your printer in the list on the left, and look for the IP address in the printer information panel. You can also use Terminal: press Command + Space, type "Terminal," and run "arp -a" to see all devices on your network.

On Linux: Open a terminal and type "arp -a" or "ip neigh" to see all devices on your network with their IP addresses. If your printer is listed, note its address. If not, you may need to install a network scanning tool like "nmap" using your package manager.

Use your printer manufacturer's app or web tool

Most printer makers — HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Xerox — offer free software or web-based tools that find your printer automatically on your network. Search for "[Your Printer Brand] printer utility" or "[Your Printer Brand] printer setup tool" and read it from the manufacturer's official website.

Run the tool on any computer connected to your home Wi-Fi. It will scan your network, find your printer, and display its IP address. Some tools also let you change the printer's settings directly without needing to know the IP address. This is often the easiest method if you have the manufacturer's software already installed.

What to do once you have the IP address

Once you have your printer's IP address, you can type it directly into a web browser's address bar — for example, "192.168.1.105" — and press Enter. This opens your printer's built-in web interface, sometimes called the printer's control panel or dashboard. Here you can change security settings, update the printer's firmware, configure Wi-Fi, and troubleshoot connection problems.

The printer will ask for a login. The default username and password are usually "admin" and "admin," or sometimes "admin" and a blank password. Check your printer's manual if these don't work. Once logged in, look for sections labeled "Security," "Network," "Wi-Fi," or "Settings" to adjust the features you need.

Keep your printer's IP address written down or saved somewhere safe. You may need it again for troubleshooting, firmware updates, or security configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my printer's IP address keep changing?

Your router assigns IP addresses automatically using a system called DHCP. Most printers get a new address each time they restart or reconnect to the network. To prevent this, you can assign your printer a static IP address through your router's settings, or configure the printer itself to use a fixed address. Check your printer's network settings menu or your router's DHCP settings to do this.

My printer isn't showing up in my router's device list. What's wrong?

The printer may not be connected to your network yet, or it may be on a different network (like a guest network). Check that the printer is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. If it's a wired printer, make sure the ethernet cable is plugged in. Restart both the printer and router, wait 30 seconds, and check the device list again.

Can I find my printer's IP address from my phone?

Yes. If you have the printer manufacturer's app installed, open it and it should show your printer's IP address. Alternatively, log into your router using your phone's web browser (same process as on a computer) and view the connected devices list. Some routers also have their own mobile app that shows connected devices.

What if I forgot my router's login password?

You can reset your router to factory settings by holding the reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your settings and Wi-Fi password, so you'll need to set up your router again from scratch. Alternatively, contact your internet service provider — they can sometimes reset it remotely or send you a replacement router with the default password.

Is it safe to access my printer's web interface?

Yes, as long as you're on your own home network. Change the default password when ready after you first log in. Use a strong password (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers, and symbols) and avoid using the same password as your Wi-Fi or router login. This prevents someone else on your network from accessing your printer's settings.