You need your printer's IP address to add it manually, troubleshoot a connection, or access its web admin page. Most printers don't advertise the IP unless you go looking for it. Here are the four ways to find it.
Pick whichever method matches your printer model and what equipment you have available.
Print a network configuration page
Almost every networked printer has a built-in option to print its own settings, including IP address. The button or menu path varies by brand:
- HP – Press the Wireless button on the printer. Some models need a hold to print the config page
- Canon – Press Setup, then Device Settings, then Print LAN Details
- Epson – Press Home, navigate to Setup > Network Settings > Print Status Sheet
- Brother – Menu > Print Reports > Network Configuration
The printed page shows your printer's IP address (something like 192.168.1.x), MAC address, and other network details.
Check from the printer's control panel
Most printers with a touchscreen show the IP somewhere in their network settings menu.
Look for paths like Settings > Network > Wi-Fi Status or Settings > Network > TCP/IP. Each brand uses slightly different terminology but the IP is usually one or two menu levels deep.
If the printer is older without a screen, the printed config page is your only path.
Find it through your router
Your router knows every device connected to it. Log into your router's admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Look for a section called Connected Devices, Attached Devices, or DHCP Clients.
You see a list of every device on your network with their IPs. Find your printer by name or MAC address (printers usually show as "HP", "Canon", "Epson", or their model number).
Find via Windows or Mac
If you've already installed the printer on a computer, the IP is stored there.
Windows 11: Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Click your printer, then Printer properties. The Ports tab shows the IP address in the port description.
Mac: Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners. Click your printer. Click Options & Supplies. The General tab shows the location which includes the IP for networked printers.
Use the printer's mobile app
HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson iPrint, and Brother iPrint all show the printer's IP after they connect.
Open the app. Tap your printer. Look in the printer's details, settings, or status page. The IP is usually visible without diving deep. This is the easiest way if you're away from the printer itself.
Quick reference for common IP ranges
| Router brand | Typical IP range |
|---|---|
| TP-Link, Linksys | 192.168.0.x |
| Netgear, Apple AirPort | 192.168.1.x |
| Xfinity, Comcast | 10.0.0.x |
| ASUS | 192.168.50.x |
| Verizon Fios | 192.168.1.x |
Your printer's IP will start with whatever your network uses. Look for an IP in the same range as your computer's IP.
Why the IP keeps changing
Routers assign IPs through DHCP which can change them when the lease expires. If your printer's IP changes daily, set a static IP either in the router or on the printer itself.
Router method – find DHCP reservation settings, add your printer's MAC address with a specific IP you want it to keep. Printer method – access its network settings and switch from DHCP to manual IP entry.
Access the printer's admin page
Once you have the IP, type it into a browser. The printer's built-in admin page loads. From here you can:
- Check ink/toner levels remotely
- View print queue and cancel jobs
- Change network settings
- Update firmware
- Set up email-to-print or fax forwarding
The admin page is more powerful than the printer's screen menu usually. Worth bookmarking once you find the IP.
What's your printer brand and model? Tell me and I'll mention the exact button sequence for finding its IP.