How to Reconnect Your Wireless Printer to a New Wi-Fi Network

Switching to a new Wi-Fi network at home or in the office can be exciting, especially if you’ve upgraded to faster speeds or a more reliable router. However, one challenge that often comes with this change is reconnecting your wireless printer to the new network. Since most wireless printers are configured to work with a specific Wi-Fi connection, moving them over requires updating their network settings. The process may sound technical, but it is actually straightforward once you know the steps.

Why Does My Printer Lose Connection After Changing Wi-Fi?

When you change your Wi-Fi network, whether by upgrading your router, altering your SSID (network name), or updating your password, your wireless printer no longer recognizes the connection. Printers save your previous network details, so without updating them, the device cannot establish communication with your computer or mobile devices.

Reconnecting ensures the printer is once again discoverable and able to handle print jobs from devices linked to the same network.

General Steps to Reconnect a Wireless Printer

Although each printer brand may have slightly different menus, the basic process remains consistent:

1. Locate the Printer’s Control Panel

Most modern printers have either a touchscreen or button-based control panel. Navigate to the “Network” or “Wi-Fi Settings” option.

2. Select Wireless Setup Wizard

Look for an option such as “Wireless Setup Wizard,” “Wi-Fi Setup,” or “Network Settings.” This launches the process to search for available Wi-Fi networks.

3. Choose the New Network

From the list of detected networks, select your new Wi-Fi SSID.

4. Enter the Password

Type in the Wi-Fi password exactly as it is set on your router. Wireless connections are case-sensitive, so double-check accuracy.

5. Confirm Connection

Once the printer connects, you may see a confirmation message. Many printers will print a network status report showing the new connection details.

Reconnecting Specific Printer Brands

HP Printers

• On HP touchscreen printers, tap the Wireless icon, then navigate to Wireless Setup Wizard.

• For non-touchscreen models, use the HP Smart App or install drivers from the HP support website to reconnect.

• If the printer supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), press the WPS button on your router, then on the printer within two minutes to auto-connect.

Brother Printers

• Access the Menu button on the control panel.

• Go to Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard.

• Choose the correct SSID and enter your Wi-Fi password.

• Print a network configuration page to confirm success.

Canon Printers

• Press the Wi-Fi button until the power lamp flashes.

• Use the arrow keys or touch display to select Wireless LAN Setup.

• Choose your new Wi-Fi and enter the password.

• Canon’s IJ Network Tool can also help with reconnection via computer.

Epson Printers

• Navigate to the Setup or Network Settings on the control panel.

• Select Wi-Fi Setup Wizard and choose your network.

• Input the Wi-Fi password and confirm.

• The Epson Connect software can also reconnect your printer through your PC.

Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

If your router supports WPS, reconnecting becomes even simpler:

1. Press the WPS button on your router.

2. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on your printer or select WPS Setup from its control panel.

3. The printer connects automatically without needing to enter a password.

   
   

Reconnecting Through a Computer or App

If your printer doesn’t have a display, you can still reconnect using manufacturer software or mobile apps:

• HP Smart App (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)

• Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY App

• Epson Connect Utility

• Brother iPrint&Scan App

These apps walk you through reconnecting by temporarily linking your printer via USB or Bluetooth, then pushing the new Wi-Fi credentials to it.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Even after following the steps, you may face difficulties reconnecting your printer. Here are some common problems and solutions:

1. Incorrect Password or SSID

Ensure you are entering the exact Wi-Fi details. Even a small typo can prevent connection.

2. Router Compatibility Issues

Some older printers may not support newer Wi-Fi bands like 5GHz. In such cases, connect your printer to the 2.4GHz network.

3. Printer Offline

If the printer shows offline, restart both your router and printer. Then, re-run the wireless setup wizard.

4. Firewall or Security Settings

Occasionally, firewall settings may block printer communication. Adjust these temporarily to see if they are causing issues.

5. Outdated Firmware or Drivers

Updating your printer’s firmware and drivers can resolve hidden compatibility issues.

Best Practices for a Smooth Connection

• Keep printer close to the router during setup to ensure strong signal strength.

• Update router settings if needed, ensuring that SSID broadcasting is enabled.

• Write down your Wi-Fi credentials to avoid repeated setup frustration.

• Use static IP address assignment if your printer frequently loses connection.

Final Thoughts

Reconnecting your wireless printer to a new Wi-Fi network might seem daunting, but by following the right steps, it becomes a quick process. Whether you’re using HP, Brother, Canon, or Epson, the methods are fairly similar—navigate to the Wi-Fi settings, choose the new network, and confirm with the correct password.