Why you need your printer's IP address

Your printer's IP address is a unique number that identifies it on your home network — similar to how your street address identifies your house. You need it to troubleshoot connection problems, change printer settings from your computer, set up security features, or access the printer's built-in web interface directly.

Most people never need this information because their printer "just works." But when something goes wrong — the printer stops responding, you need to change the WiFi password, or you want to see what's printing — knowing how to find this number saves you time and frustration.

Key Takeaways

  • Your printer's IP address appears in the printer's settings menu, accessible through its physical control panel or touchscreen.
  • You can also find it by checking your router's connected devices list, which shows every device on your network and its IP address.
  • On Windows, the Settings app shows connected printers and their network information without needing to touch the printer itself.
  • Once you have the IP address, you can type it into a web browser to access the printer's settings page directly.

Check the printer's control panel or touchscreen

Most printers display their IP address in the settings menu on the device itself. Look for a button labeled Menu, Settings, or a gear icon on the printer's physical panel or touchscreen. Navigate to Network Settings, Network Status, or TCP/IP — the exact wording varies by brand.

The IP address will appear as four numbers separated by periods, like 192.168.1.100. Write it down or take a photo. If you cannot find a settings menu on your printer, check the manual that came with it or search the manufacturer's website for your specific model number.

Find it through your router's admin panel

Your router keeps a list of every device connected to your network, including your printer. Log into your router by opening a web browser and typing the router's address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, though some routers use different numbers. Check the sticker on the back of your router for the exact address.

Once logged in, look for a section called Connected Devices, Device List, or DHCP Clients. Find your printer's name in the list — it may appear as "HP-Printer" or "Canon-MG3600" or whatever your printer model is. The IP address will be listed next to it. If you do not know your router's login password, check the sticker on the back of the router or the manual.

Use Windows Settings to locate network printers

On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings and go to Devices, then Printers & Scanners. Find your printer in the list and click on it. Select Printer Properties or Open Queue. In the window that opens, look for the Ports tab — the IP address appears there, usually labeled as something like "IP_192.168.1.100" or "WSD Port."

This method works only if the printer is already connected to your network and Windows recognizes it. If the printer does not appear in the list, it may not be connected to WiFi yet, or it may need drivers installed first.

Find it on Mac using System Preferences

On a Mac, open System Preferences and go to Printers & Scanners. Select your printer from the list on the left. Click the Options & Supplies button, then go to the General tab. The printer's IP address appears in the Location field or in a separate IP Address field, depending on your macOS version.

If you do not see the IP address in that location, right-click your printer in the list and select "Show Info" or "Get Info." The network details, including the IP address, will appear in the window that opens.

Access the printer's web interface with the IP address

Once you have the IP address, open any web browser and type it into the address bar — for example, http://192.168.1.100. Press Enter. The printer's settings page will load, showing you options to change WiFi passwords, view print history, check ink levels, update firmware, and adjust security settings.

Some printers require a username and password to access this page. The default is often "admin" for both username and password, but check your printer's manual to be sure. Changing the default password is a good security practice, especially if you followed the network security steps from the earlier guide.

What to do if you cannot find the IP address

If the printer does not appear in your router's device list, it is not connected to your network. Check that the printer is powered on and within range of your WiFi. On the printer itself, look for a WiFi symbol on the control panel — if it is not lit or shows an X, the printer has lost its connection.

Restart the printer by turning it off for 30 seconds, then turning it back on. If it still will not connect, you may need to re-enter the WiFi password. Check the printer's manual for how to do this — most printers have a Network or WiFi Setup option in the settings menu where you can select your network name and re-enter the password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the IP address change if I restart my printer?

Usually not. Most home routers assign the same IP address to the same printer each time it connects, a feature called DHCP reservation. However, if your router's settings change or the printer is offline for a long time, it may receive a different address. If this happens, straightforward check the printer's settings menu or router again to find the new address.

Can I set a permanent IP address so it never changes?

Yes. In your router's admin panel, look for DHCP Reservation, Static IP, or Address Reservation. Select your printer and assign it a fixed IP address. This prevents the address from changing and makes it easier to access the printer's settings page reliably. Your router's manual will explain the exact steps for your model.

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

Not recommended. The printer's settings page is designed for use on your local network only. Accessing it from outside your home network requires opening ports on your router, which creates a security risk. If you need to manage the printer remotely, use the manufacturer's app or cloud service instead, which adds a layer of security between you and the device.

What if my printer shows an IP address starting with 169?

An address like 169.254.x.x means the printer could not reach your router to get a proper IP address. This usually happens when the WiFi password is wrong or the printer is out of range. Go to the printer's network settings and re-enter your WiFi password, or move the printer closer to the router and try connecting again.