Finding Your Printer's IP Address in Four Steps

Why you need your printer's IP address

Your printer's IP address is a set of numbers that identifies it on your home network — the same way your street address identifies your house. You need it to configure security settings, troubleshoot connection problems, or access the printer's built-in web interface where you can change passwords and update firmware. Without it, you are working blind.

The address looks like four numbers separated by dots: 192.168.1.105, for example. Every device on your network has one. Finding your printer's takes less than five minutes using tools already on your computer.

Key Takeaways

Your printer's IP address appears in the network settings menu on the printer's touchscreen or control panel, usually under "Network" or "Wi-Fi Settings".
On Windows, you can find it by opening Settings, going to Devices, then Printers and Scanners, right-clicking your printer, and selecting Properties to view the network address.
On Mac, System Settings shows your printer's IP address in the Printers and Scanners section when you select your printer from the list.
If your printer has no touchscreen, check the printed network configuration page by holding the Wi-Fi or Settings button for three seconds until a page prints.
Once you have the address, type it into your web browser's address bar to reach the printer's settings page, where you can change the admin password and check for security updates.

Check the printer's control panel first

Most printers display their IP address directly on the device. Look for a small touchscreen or button panel on the front or top of the printer. Press the button labeled "Settings," "Menu," "Wi-Fi," or a gear icon — the exact label depends on your brand.

Once in the menu, navigate to "Network," "Network Settings," "Wi-Fi Settings," or "TCP/IP." The IP address will be listed there, usually labeled as "IP Address" or "IPv4 Address." Write it down exactly as it appears, including all the dots and numbers. If your printer has no touchscreen, move to the next section.

Print a network configuration page if the printer has no screen

Printers without touchscreens can still tell you their IP address. Look for a small button on the printer labeled "Wi-Fi," "Settings," "Info," or with a gear symbol. Hold this button down for three to five seconds until the printer beeps or a light flashes. Within a minute, a page will print out.

This page lists network information including the IP address, usually near the top under "Network Configuration," "TCP/IP," or "Wi-Fi Settings." The address will be four numbers separated by dots. If nothing prints, check your printer's manual or search the manufacturer's website for your specific model number — it will tell you which button to hold and how long.

Find it through Windows Settings

If the printer itself does not show the address, your computer knows it. On Windows, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Click "Devices" in the left menu, then "Printers and Scanners."

Find your printer in the list and click on it. Click "Printer properties" or "Open queue." A window will open. Look for a tab or section labeled "Ports" or "Device settings." The IP address may appear here, often in brackets like [192.168.1.105]. If you see it, write it down. If not, try the Mac method below — it is more reliable across printer brands.

Find it through Mac System Settings

On Mac, click the Apple menu in the top left and select "System Settings." Click "Printers and Scanners" in the left sidebar. Find your printer in the list on the right and click it once to select it.

Look for a line that says "Location" or "URI." The IP address often appears here in the format ipp://192.168.1.105 or similar. The numbers between the slashes are your IP address. Copy just the numbers and dots, leaving out "ipp://" and any text after. If you do not see the address here, your printer may be using a different connection method — check the printer's control panel instead.

Use the address to access printer settings

Once you have the IP address, open any web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge — and type the address into the address bar at the top, exactly as it appeared. Press Enter. The printer's settings page should load within a few seconds.

You will likely see a login screen asking for a username and password. The default is usually "admin" for both, though some brands use "admin" and "admin," or "admin" and a blank password. Check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's support website if the defaults do not work. Once logged in, you can change the admin password, check for firmware updates, and adjust security settings — all the tasks that require knowing the IP address in the first place.

What to do if you cannot find the address

If the printer has no screen, the network page did not print, and the address does not appear in Windows or Mac settings, try restarting both the printer and your router. Turn off the printer completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Do the same with your router. Then check the printer's control panel or print a network page again — sometimes the address only appears after a fresh restart.

If that does not work, search online for "[Your printer brand and model] default IP address." Many manufacturers publish this information. You can also check your router's connected devices list — most routers have a web interface where you can see every device on the network and its address. Log into your router (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a browser) and look for a section called "Connected Devices" or "DHCP Clients."

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the IP address change?

It may. By default, most home routers assign a new address each time the printer restarts. If you plan to access the printer regularly through its web interface, ask your router to assign a static IP address — one that never changes. This is done in your router's settings under "DHCP" or "Reserved IP." Your router's manual will show you how.

Is it safe to type the IP address into my browser?

Yes, as long as you are on your own home network. You are connecting to your own printer, not the internet. Change the default admin password when ready after logging in for the first time — this prevents anyone else on your network from accessing printer settings.

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

Printers sometimes list both an IPv4 address (four numbers like 192.168.1.105) and an IPv6 address (longer, with letters and colons). Use the IPv4 address — it is the standard one for home networks. The IPv6 address is for future networks and usually does not work in a browser on a home setup.

Can I find the IP address on my phone?

Yes, if your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. On iPhone, go to Settings, Wi-Fi, tap the network name, and look for the router's IP address listed there — but this shows the router's address, not the printer's. To find the printer itself, use a network scanner app like "Angry IP Scanner" (Android) or check your printer's control panel instead.

What if the printer is connected by USB cable, not Wi-Fi?

USB printers do not have IP addresses on your network — they are connected directly to one computer. If you need to access the printer's settings page, it will be through that computer's control panel, not through a web browser. Check your printer's manual for how to open its settings on Windows or Mac.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.