How to Find a Printer’s IP Address

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Printers are wonderfully convenient—until your computer suddenly loses track of them. Whether you are setting up a new device, troubleshooting a stubborn wireless connection, or adding a printer manually, knowing how to find a printer’s IP address can save a surprising amount of time. The good news is that the process is usually simple, and there are several ways to do it depending on your printer, computer, and network setup.

TLDR: A printer’s IP address is the network address your computer uses to locate and communicate with it. You can usually find it from the printer’s screen, by printing a network configuration page, through your computer’s printer settings, or from your router’s connected devices list. If the printer keeps changing addresses, setting a static IP or DHCP reservation can make future printing more reliable.

What Is a Printer IP Address?

A printer’s IP address is a unique number assigned to it on your local network. It often looks something like 192.168.1.45 or 10.0.0.23. Think of it as the printer’s “home address” on your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network. When your laptop, phone, or desktop sends a print job, that address helps the data reach the correct device.

Most home and office printers receive their IP addresses automatically from the router. This system is called DHCP, and it is convenient because it handles network addressing for you. However, if your printer’s address changes, your computer may no longer find it—especially if the printer was installed using a specific IP address.

Method 1: Check the Printer’s Built-In Screen

If your printer has a display panel, this is often the quickest method. Many modern inkjet and laser printers show network details directly in their settings menu.

  1. Go to the printer’s Menu, Settings, or Setup section.
  2. Look for Network, Wireless, Wi-Fi Settings, or TCP/IP.
  3. Select an option such as Network Status, Connection Information, or IPv4 Address.
  4. Write down the IP address shown on the screen.

The exact wording varies by brand, but the general path is usually similar. On some printers, you may need to tap a Wi-Fi icon or information symbol to see the current network details.

Method 2: Print a Network Configuration Page

If the printer has no screen, or if the menus are confusing, printing a network configuration page is a reliable alternative. This page lists key details about the printer’s connection, including the IP address, MAC address, Wi-Fi status, subnet mask, and gateway.

Look for a button combination or menu option called Network Configuration Page, Wireless Test Report, Printer Status Report, or Configuration Page. On many printers, holding the Wi-Fi, Information, or Resume button for several seconds will print this report.

Once the report prints, scan it for labels such as:

  • IP Address
  • IPv4 Address
  • TCP/IP Address
  • Wireless IP

If the report shows an address beginning with 169.254, the printer may not be properly connected to your network. That type of address usually means the printer failed to get a valid address from the router.

Method 3: Find the Printer IP Address in Windows

Windows can often reveal the IP address of an installed printer. This is useful if the printer already works on your computer but you need the address for another device or troubleshooting step.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Bluetooth & devices, then choose Printers & scanners.
  3. Select your printer from the list.
  4. Click Printer properties or Printer preferences.
  5. Open the Ports tab.
  6. Look for the checked port. If it is a Standard TCP/IP Port, the IP address may appear in the port name or configuration details.

If the address is not visible, click Configure Port. The IP address is often shown in the field labeled Printer Name or IP Address. Be careful not to change anything unless you know what it does; simply note the address and close the window.

Method 4: Find the Printer IP Address on a Mac

macOS also makes it fairly easy to inspect printer information. If your printer is installed on your Mac, follow these steps:

  1. Open System Settings.
  2. Select Printers & Scanners.
  3. Click the printer you want to check.
  4. Look for Options & Supplies, Printer Information, or similar details.

Depending on how the printer was installed, the IP address may appear under its location, device URI, or connection information. If the printer uses AirPrint, macOS may not always show the address clearly. In that case, use the router method or print a configuration page from the printer itself.

Method 5: Look in Your Router’s Device List

Your router keeps track of devices connected to your network, including printers. This is one of the best methods when you cannot access the printer’s screen or when it is not installed on your computer yet.

To check your router:

  1. Open a web browser and enter your router’s address, often 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1.
  2. Sign in using the router’s admin credentials.
  3. Find a section called Connected Devices, Device List, Clients, LAN Devices, or DHCP Table.
  4. Look for your printer’s name, brand, or MAC address.

Printers may appear with names such as “HP,” “Canon,” “Epson,” “Brother,” or a model number. If the list is crowded, compare the MAC address on the printer’s configuration page with the one shown in the router.

Method 6: Use a Network Scanner App

If you are comfortable using simple tools, a network scanner can help identify devices on your local network. These apps scan your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network and list connected devices with their IP addresses, names, and manufacturers.

This approach is especially helpful in offices, shared homes, or networks with multiple printers. Look for a device labeled with the printer brand or model. However, use reputable network tools only, and avoid scanning networks you do not own or manage.

How to Confirm You Found the Right IP Address

Once you have an IP address, you can test it. Open a browser and type the address into the address bar, such as http://192.168.1.45. Many network printers have a built-in web page where you can view status, ink or toner levels, and network settings.

You can also use the ping command from a computer. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ping 192.168.1.45. On Mac, use Terminal with the same command. If the printer responds, the address is active. Keep in mind that some printers block ping replies, so a failed ping does not always mean the address is wrong.

Should You Set a Static IP Address?

If your printer’s IP address changes often, consider giving it a permanent address. This can be done in two common ways:

  • Static IP on the printer: You manually enter an IP address in the printer’s network settings.
  • DHCP reservation on the router: Your router always gives the same IP address to the printer.

For most people, DHCP reservation is the cleaner option because the router remains in control of address assignments. It prevents conflicts and keeps network management in one place.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

  • The printer does not appear on the network: Make sure it is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network, not a guest network.
  • The IP address starts with 169.254: Restart the printer and router, then reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi.
  • The computer cannot print even with the IP address: Remove and re-add the printer using the correct TCP/IP address.
  • The printer disappears after restarting: Set a DHCP reservation in the router.

Final Thoughts

Finding a printer’s IP address may sound technical, but it is usually just a matter of knowing where to look. Start with the printer’s own screen or configuration page, then check your computer settings or router if needed. Once you have the address, you can add the printer manually, troubleshoot connection issues, or manage it through its web interface. A few minutes spent locating—and possibly reserving—the printer’s IP address can make printing far more dependable in the long run.