Your printer has its own address on your network, just like your computer does
Every device connected to your home network — including your printer — has an IP address, a unique number that lets other devices find and talk to it. You need your printer's IP address when you want to change its settings, troubleshoot connection problems, or set up security rules that control which devices can reach it. The address looks like four numbers separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.105.
Finding it takes less than five minutes and requires no special tools. You have several ways to look it up, depending on what device you're using and whether your printer is already connected to your network.
Key Takeaways
- Your printer's IP address is a four-part number (like 192.168.1.100) that identifies it on your home network.
- The fastest way to find it is to print a network configuration page directly from the printer's control panel.
- You can also find the address through your router's settings or by checking your computer's list of connected devices.
- Once you have the address, you can type it into a web browser to access the printer's settings page and change security or network options.
- Write down the IP address or take a photo of it — it may change if your router restarts, though many home printers stay on the same address for months.
Print a network configuration page from the printer itself
This is the fastest method if your printer has a touchscreen or button panel. Most printers let you print a page that shows the IP address and other network details without needing a computer.
Look for a menu button on your printer's control panel — it might say "Menu," "Settings," "Network," or "Information." Navigate to a section labeled "Network Settings," "Network Status," or "Print Configuration Page." Select the option to print the network configuration or status page. The printer will produce a page that lists the IP address clearly, usually near the top.
If your printer has no touchscreen and only physical buttons, check the manual or the manufacturer's website for the button sequence. Some older printers require you to hold down a specific button for several seconds to trigger this print.
Check your router's connected devices list
Your router keeps track of every device on your network and assigns each one an IP address. You can log into your router and see the full list, which will show your printer's address.
Open a web browser on any computer or phone connected to your network. Type your router's address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's label or manual if neither works. Log in with your router's username and password (also on the label or in the manual if you haven't changed them).
Once you're logged in, look for a section called "Connected Devices," "Device List," "DHCP Clients," or "Network Map." Find your printer in the list — it will usually show the device name (like "HP-Printer" or "Canon-MG3600") next to the IP address. Write down the address or take a screenshot.
Find the IP address on your computer's network
If you're using Windows, you can see all devices on your network and their addresses through your computer's settings.
On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then Status. Scroll down and click "Advanced network options." Select "Network and Sharing Center," then click "Change adapter settings." Right-click your network connection and choose "Status," then "Details." This shows your computer's IP address and gateway, but not your printer's.
A faster approach on Windows is to open Command Prompt (search for "cmd" in the Start menu) and type arp -a, then press Enter. This shows all devices your computer has recently talked to, with their IP addresses. Look for your printer's name or a MAC address (a longer identifier) that matches your printer's label.
On Mac, open System Preferences, go to Network, and select your Wi-Fi connection. Click "Advanced," then the "TCP/IP" tab. You'll see your computer's IP address and the router's address (gateway). To see other devices, open Terminal and type arp -a to see the same device list as Windows.
Log into your printer's settings page using the IP address
Once you have the IP address, you can access your printer's web interface to change settings, check ink levels, or adjust security options. Open any web browser and type the IP address into the address bar — for example, http://192.168.1.105 — and press Enter.
The printer's login page will appear. Most home printers have a default username and password printed on the device or in the manual. Common defaults are "admin" for both username and password, or no password at all. If you've changed the password before, use the one you set.
Once logged in, you can see the printer's network status, change the Wi-Fi password it uses, update firmware, or adjust security settings. Be cautious about changing settings you don't recognize — if something goes wrong, you can usually reset the printer to factory defaults by holding a button for 10 to 30 seconds (check the manual for the exact method).
What to do if the IP address changes
Your router assigns IP addresses dynamically, meaning a device's address can change when the router restarts or after a certain amount of time passes. For most home printers, this happens rarely — many stay on the same address for months or years. But if you find that your printer's address has changed, you have two options.
The first is to assign a static IP address to your printer so it never changes. Log into your printer's settings page (using the method above) and look for a network settings section. Find the option to set a static IP address instead of using DHCP (dynamic assignment). Choose an address that's outside your router's DHCP range — your router's settings page will show you which addresses are reserved for dynamic assignment. A safe choice is usually something like 192.168.1.200 or higher, as long as it's not in the range your router uses.
The second option is to assign a DHCP reservation in your router. Log into your router, find the connected devices list, locate your printer, and look for an option to "reserve" or "assign a static address" to that device. This tells the router to always give your printer the same address, even though it's technically still using dynamic assignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't find the network configuration page option on my printer?
Check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's support website for your exact model. Some printers use different menu names or require a specific button combination. You can also call the manufacturer's support line — they can walk you through the steps for your model in a few minutes.
Can I find my printer's IP address if it's not connected to Wi-Fi yet?
If the printer is connected by USB cable to a computer, it won't have a network IP address. You need to connect it to your Wi-Fi first. Use the printer's control panel or the setup software that came with it to join your network, then follow the steps above to find the address.
Is it safe to change my printer's settings using the IP address?
Yes, as long as you're on your own home network. Anyone on your network can potentially access the printer's settings page if they know the IP address, so if you're concerned about security, you can change the default password in the printer's settings. This prevents other people on your network from making changes without permission.
Why does my printer's IP address keep changing?
Your router is reassigning addresses dynamically. This is normal but inconvenient if you need to access the printer regularly. Set a static IP address or DHCP reservation (see the section above) to keep it the same. Most home printers stay on one address for long periods once you do this.
What if the IP address I found doesn't work when I type it into my browser?
Make sure you're typing it correctly and that your computer is on the same network as the printer. Try pinging the address from Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac) by typing ping 192.168.1.105 (replace with your printer's address). If you get a response, the printer is reachable. If not, the address may be wrong or the printer may be offline.