Where to Find Your Printer’s IP Address

Finding a printer’s IP address is one of the most useful troubleshooting steps for setting up wireless printing, adding a network printer, or accessing printer settings through a browser. A printer IP address identifies the device on a local network, allowing computers, phones, and routers to communicate with it reliably.

Why a Printer IP Address Matters

A printer connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet is part of a local network, much like a laptop, smartphone, or smart TV. Its IP address acts as a network location, helping other devices send print jobs to the right destination. Without the correct address, a computer may show the printer as offline, fail to install it, or send documents to the wrong device.

Printer IP addresses are especially important in offices, shared homes, schools, and any environment with multiple printers. When a person adds a printer manually, the operating system may ask for the IP address. The same address may also be needed to check ink levels, update firmware, adjust security settings, or configure scanning destinations.

Method 1: Check the Printer’s Display Screen

The simplest place to find the IP address is often the printer itself. Many modern printers have a touchscreen or small control panel that displays network details. The wording varies by brand, but the address is commonly located under Network, Wireless, Wi-Fi Settings, TCP/IP, or Network Status.

On many printers, the user can open the settings menu, choose the wireless or network section, and look for a line labeled IP Address, IPv4 Address, or TCP/IP Address. It usually looks like 192.168.1.25 or 10.0.0.42. These numbers are typical private network addresses used inside homes and offices.

If the printer is connected with an Ethernet cable, the same menu may show wired network information. If it is connected by Wi-Fi, the wireless status page may display the network name along with the IP address. If the printer shows not connected or no IP address, it may need to reconnect to the network before the address can be found.

Method 2: Print a Network Configuration Page

Most network printers can print a status page that lists connection information. This page may be called a Network Configuration Page, Wireless Test Report, Printer Status Report, or Configuration Sheet. It typically includes the IP address, MAC address, connection type, signal strength, hostname, and sometimes the router gateway.

This method is helpful when a printer has no display screen or when its menu is difficult to navigate. On some models, pressing and holding a wireless button, information button, or cancel button will print the report. On others, the report is available through the printer’s settings menu.

• HP printers: The report may be printed from Wireless Settings, Network Setup, or by pressing the Information and Wireless buttons together on certain models.
• Canon printers: Network details may appear on a LAN settings printout or network configuration page.
• Epson printers: The control panel often includes a Network Status or Wi-Fi Status option that can print details.
• Brother printers: The Network Configuration report is commonly available from the Machine Info or Print Reports menu.

The exact button sequence depends on the model, so checking the printer’s manual or support page may be necessary. Once printed, the IP address is usually listed under IPv4, IP Address, or TCP/IP.

Method 3: Look in Router Settings

A router keeps a list of devices connected to the network. This list often includes printers, computers, phones, streaming devices, and smart home products. The printer may be listed by brand, model number, hostname, or MAC address. If the printer name is recognizable, the IP address can be found beside it.

To access the router interface, a person usually enters the router’s gateway address into a browser, such as 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1. After logging in, they can look for sections such as Connected Devices, Device List, LAN Clients, DHCP Clients, or Attached Devices.

This method is useful when several devices are on the network and the printer’s own screen is unavailable. If the device list shows multiple unknown entries, the printer’s MAC address can help identify it. The MAC address is often printed on a label on the printer or shown on the network configuration page.

Method 4: Find the Printer IP Address in Windows

Windows can display a printer’s IP address if the printer has already been added. The steps vary slightly between Windows versions, but the information is generally found in printer properties.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices and then Printers & scanners.
3. Select the printer from the list.
4. Open Printer properties or Manage.
5. Check the Ports tab for a port that shows an IP address.

If the printer uses a standard TCP/IP port, the IP address will often appear in the port name or port configuration. If the printer uses a WSD port, Windows may not show the address clearly. In that case, the router list or printer configuration page may be easier to use.

Method 5: Find the Printer IP Address on macOS

On macOS, printer details are available through System Settings. A network printer may show its address, location, or connection method depending on how it was added.

1. Open System Settings.
2. Select Printers & Scanners.
3. Choose the printer.
4. Click Options & Supplies or view printer details.
5. Look for a URL, address, or location field containing the printer’s IP address.

If the address is not visible, macOS users can sometimes open the printer queue and inspect settings from there. Another option is to use the built-in printer webpage by entering known printer hostnames, though this is less predictable than checking the router or printer status page.

Method 6: Use the Printer’s Mobile App

Major printer brands offer mobile apps that can display network information. These apps are commonly used for setup, scanning, supply checks, and maintenance. Once the printer is detected on the same network, the app may show the IP address under printer information, advanced settings, or network details.

This approach is convenient because it does not require logging into the router or navigating a small printer screen. However, it depends on the printer being discoverable and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the mobile device.

Using the IP Address in a Web Browser

After the IP address is found, it can often be entered into a browser address bar, such as http://192.168.1.25. Many printers have an embedded web server, which provides a settings page for supplies, network options, security, and maintenance. Some models may require an administrator password, especially in offices or managed environments.

If the page does not load, the printer may be offline, on a different network, blocked by security settings, or using a changed address. Confirming that the computer and printer are on the same network is a good first step.

Common Problems When Finding the IP Address

• The printer has no IP address: It may not be connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
• The address keeps changing: The router may be assigning a dynamic DHCP address.
• The printer appears offline: The computer may have stored an old IP address.
• Multiple printers look similar: The MAC address or model number can help identify the correct device.
• The browser page will not open: The printer may not support a web interface, or a firewall may be blocking access.

For a reliable setup, many networks use a DHCP reservation in the router. This keeps the printer on the same IP address without requiring manual configuration on the printer itself. In business environments, an IT administrator may assign a static address outside the automatic DHCP range.

FAQ

What does a printer IP address look like?

It usually looks like four groups of numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.0.45 or 10.0.0.18. This is commonly an IPv4 address used on a local network.

Can a USB printer have an IP address?

A printer connected only by USB usually does not have its own network IP address. If it is shared through a computer, the computer has the network address, not the printer itself.

Why did the printer IP address change?

Most home routers assign IP addresses automatically using DHCP. If the printer restarts or reconnects, it may receive a different address unless a reservation or static IP is configured.

Is the IP address the same as the MAC address?

No. The IP address is a network location that can change. The MAC address is a hardware identifier that is usually permanent for the printer’s network adapter.

What is the easiest way to find the IP address?

The easiest method is usually checking the printer’s display screen or printing a network configuration page. If those options are unavailable, the router’s connected devices list is often the next best place.