Where to find your printer's IP address

Your printer's IP address is printed on a settings page that comes directly from the printer itself — you do not need a computer to see it. The fastest way is to press the Menu or Settings button on your printer's physical control panel, navigate to Network Settings or Device Information, and look for a line that says IP Address or IPv4 Address. Write down the four numbers separated by dots — something like 192.168.1.105.

If your printer has a small screen but no menu buttons, look for a button labeled Home, OK, or a circular arrow symbol. Press it until you see a settings menu, then scroll to find network or device information. Some printers also have a physical reset button on the back; do not press it unless you want to erase all settings.

If you cannot find the IP address on the printer itself, you can print a network configuration page directly from the printer. This page lists the IP address along with other network details. The steps vary by brand — for HP printers, hold down the Resume button for three seconds; for Canon, press Menu then navigate to Device Information and select Print Settings. Check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact button combination for your model.

Key Takeaways

  • Your printer's IP address appears in the Network Settings or Device Information menu on the printer's control panel.
  • The IP address is four numbers separated by dots, like 192.168.1.105, and you should write it down when you find it.
  • You can print a network configuration page directly from the printer to see the IP address on paper if the screen is hard to read.
  • Once you have the IP address, you can enter it into your web browser to access the printer's settings page for configuration and security updates.

Finding the IP address through your computer or phone

If the printer's control panel is broken or unclear, you can find the IP address from any device on the same network. On Windows, open the Settings app, go to Devices, then Printers & Scanners, click on your printer's name, and select Printer Properties. Look for a line that says Location or Port — if it shows something like "IP_192.168.1.105", that is your address.

On Mac, open System Preferences, go to Printers & Scanners, select your printer from the list on the left, and click the Supply Levels or Details button. The IP address may appear in the URL field or under device information.

On a phone or tablet, open your router's app (most routers have one you can read from the App Store or Google Play). Log in with your router's password, then look for a section called Connected Devices or Device List. Find your printer by name and the IP address will be listed next to it.

What to do once you have the IP address

Once you have the IP address, type it into the address bar of any web browser on the same network — for example, type 192.168.1.105 and press Enter. This opens your printer's built-in settings page, where you can change the password, update firmware, check ink or toner levels, and configure security settings like WPA2 encryption for the wireless connection.

The first time you visit this page, the printer will ask for a username and password. The default is usually admin for both, but some brands use different defaults — check the printer's manual or the sticker on the back of the device. Change this password when ready to something only you know, because anyone on your network who knows the IP address can otherwise access your printer's settings.

Why your printer needs an IP address

An IP address is how your printer identifies itself on your home network, the same way your phone or laptop does. Without one, your computer and phone would not know where to send print jobs. Your printer gets this address automatically from your router when it connects to the network — you do not have to set it manually in most cases.

The IP address can change over time if your router restarts or if the printer is offline for a while. If you find that print jobs are not reaching your printer, the first troubleshooting step is to check whether the IP address has changed. You can also set a static IP address in the printer's network settings so it stays the same, which prevents this problem but requires a few extra steps in the settings menu.

Common places people miss the IP address

Many printers hide the network settings menu several levels deep. If you press Menu and see options like Print Quality or Paper Size, you are in the wrong menu — go back and look for a separate Settings or Network button. Some printers require you to hold down a button for several seconds rather than just pressing it once.

If your printer is connected by USB cable only and not to your network, it will not have an IP address at all. The printer must be connected to your Wi-Fi or plugged into your router with an ethernet cable to appear on your network and receive an IP address. If you just set up the printer and have not connected it to the network yet, that is the first step.

Older printers sometimes show the IP address only on a printed page, not on the screen. If you have a printer from more than five years ago and the screen is blank or shows only basic information, try printing the network configuration page as described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the IP address starts with 169.254?

This means your printer did not receive an address from your router. Restart both the printer and the router, wait two minutes, and check again. If it still shows 169.254, the printer may not be connecting to your network properly — try forgetting the Wi-Fi network on the printer and reconnecting with your password.

Can I use the printer's name instead of the IP address?

Yes, on most networks you can type the printer's name (something like "HP-LaserJet-4050") into your browser instead of the IP address. This is easier to remember, but it only works if your router supports mDNS, which most modern routers do. If it does not work, fall back to using the IP address.

Is it safe to access my printer's settings page from outside my home?

No, not without extra security steps. The IP address only works on your home network. If you try to use it from your phone on cellular data or from a different Wi-Fi network, it will not connect. Some printers offer cloud-based management through the manufacturer's app, which is safer for remote access.

What if I forget the printer's password?

You can reset the printer to factory settings by holding the physical reset button on the back for ten to fifteen seconds. This erases all settings including the password, so you will need to set up the network connection again. Check your printer's manual for the exact location and duration of the reset button.