How to Find the IP Address on a Printer

 

Table of Contents

 

 Why Find the Printer IP Address

 Locating Your Printer Model and Network Connection Type 

 Wired vs Wireless Printers

 Identifying Your Printer Model

 Finding the IP Address on a Wired Printer

 Using the Printer's Display Screen or Configuration Menu

 Checking the IP Address in Windows

 Using an IP Printer Scanner Utility

 Finding the Wireless IP Address on a WiFi Printer 

 Checking the Wireless Router Connection List

 Using the Printer Configuration Menu

 Scanning the Network from Your Computer

 What To Do If You Can't Find the IP Address

 Resetting or Changing the Printer's IP Address

 Making Use of the Printer IP Address  

 Conclusion

 Frequently Asked Questions

 

 How to Find the IP Address on a Printer

 

Knowing your printer's IP address allows you to access its web interface and change configurations remotely. It also aids in troubleshooting connectivity issues. 🖨️ Locating this key piece of information is easy on some printer models and more complex on others. This guide takes you through failproof methods to find a wired or wireless printer IP address in Windows and Mac operating systems.👣

 

 Why Find the Printer IP Address 🤔

 

Printers are complex gadgets with customized firmware and operating systems. While you can manage basic functions from your computer, changing default configurations or troubleshooting problems often requires logging into the printer's web interface via its IP address.

 

Here are some common scenarios when you'll need to know the printer's current IP address:

 

- Enabling security features like MAC filtering 🔒

- Assigning or changing a static IP address ⚙️ 

- Adjusting wireless parameters if connectivity issues arise 📶

- Updating firmware manually if auto updates fail 🆙

- Monitoring toner usage levels and system errors 🖨️

- Accessing diagnostic tools to troubleshoot issues 🛠️

 

Without the right IP address, you'd be locked out of these helpful web-based admin tools.

 

 Locating Your Printer Model and Network Connection Type

 

The first step is determining whether you have a wired or wireless printer and knowing the model number.

 

 Wired vs Wireless Printers

 

Wired printers connect directly to your router using an Ethernet cable. Wireless printers connect over WiFi without cables. You'll need to approach finding the IP address differently based on how it connects to the network.

 

Locate your model on the printed label or embossed text on the exterior. Search online for specs to check if it supports Ethernet, WiFi, or both.

 

If you're not sure if a printer is configured for wireless or wired access, check what cables are connected to it. The presence of an Ethernet cable in the printer's port indicates wired. No cables means it's wireless.

 

 Identifying Your Printer Model

 

The printer model offers clues about the default IP address range and web interface login details.

 

Search online for your printer model + "default IP address" or check the user manual.

 

Common default ranges are:

 

- 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.255  

- 10.10.10.1 to 10.10.10.255

- 172.16.1.1 to 172.16.1.255

 

Write down your model number and default IP range for easy access later.

 

 Finding the IP Address on a Wired Printer

 

For wired printers, you can retrieve the assigned IP address directly from:  

 

- The printer's display panel

- The computer OS and router DHCP list

- Scanning software utilities

 

Here are the detailed steps for each method:

 

 Using the Printer's Display Screen or Configuration Menu

 

Many printer models display the current IP address on the screen when operational.

 

Turn on your printer and check the main display for a sequence like `IP:192.168.1.10`. Make a note of this address for access later.

 

If you only see the model, version, or toner levels - consult the admin menu. Access this by pressing the Menu or Setup buttons on the printer interface.

 

Navigate to the TCP/IP, Wired, Ethernet or Network menu to find addresses.

 

Older printers may not have info screens - so move onto other options if you can't find IP details in the menu or displays.

 

 Checking the IP Address in Windows

 

For Windows users, firing up the Dynamically Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server list reveals all connected devices.

 

Follow these steps:

 

1. Go to the Windows Start Menu > Type cmd > Right-click Command Prompt > Run as Administrator

2. Type `ipconfig /all` and press Enter

3. Check the "Ethernet Adapter" sections for an "IPv4 Address" entry similar to `192.168.1.10`

 

This is your printer IP address!

 

Make a note of it.

 

 Using an IP Printer Scanner Utility

 

If the above methods fail, scanner utilities quickly probe network ports to identify printer IP addresses.

 

Popular free options include:

 

- Advanced IP Scanner

- Lizard Systems WiFi Scanner

- SoftPerfect Network Scanner

 

Here's how to use Advanced IP Scanner:

 

1. Download and install [Advanced IP Scanner](https://www.advanced-ip-scanner.com/)

2. Launch the app > Select your network adapter

3. Leave the IP range at default at first

4. Click Scan

5. Wait for the network sweep to complete

6. Sort by PORT NUMBER > look for entries with port 9100 open - this indicates printers!  🖨️

7. Note the IP address and manufacturer for these devices

 

Now try accessing the printer admin page at the found IP address to confirm accuracy.

 

Got it right? Make a note to access its helpful settings anytime! 💯

 

 Finding the Wireless IP Address on a WiFi Printer  

 

For wireless printers, start by checking these foolproof locations for the active IP address:

 

- The router admin interface

- Printer configuration menus

- Network scanners

 

Here are the step-by-step instructions for each method:

 

 Checking the Wireless Router Connection List 

 

All modern wireless routers list connected devices in the admin interface.

 

Log into your WiFi router dashboard by pointing your browser to the router IP. Common default routes are:

 

- 192.168.0.1

- 192.168.1.1

- 10.0.0.1

 

Consult your router make and model for customized defaults.

 

Navigate to DHCP client lists under Network Maps, LAN settings or Connection Status. Scan for your printer model in the device names. Matching the name and MAC address confirms the identification.

 

Note the IP address listed here for your printer.

 

Use this to access the printer web interface directly for changes.

 

 

 Using the Printer Configuration Menu

 

If your wireless printer has an LCD menu or display - check here for network status and IP details.

 

Access printer setup options using the displayed buttons or touch menus. Look for:

 

- TCP/IP

- WiFi

- Wireless

- Network

- Ethernet settings

 

Drill down to find the currently assigned IP address under these.

 

Note this down else access gets lost after restart!

 

 Scanning the Network from Your Computer

 

You can install IP scanner tools like Advanced IP Scanner detailed above on both Windows and Mac.

 

The steps are:

 

1. Download and install the [free scanner tool](https://www.advanced-ip-scanner.com/)

2. Set your network IP range

3. Hit scan

4. Check for printer ports like 9100

5. Note down the device IP addresses

 

 

This allows quick detection of wired and wireless printers from your laptop or computer.

 

 What To Do If You Can't Find the IP Address

 

Some older printers lack display info and don't appear on router or scanner listings.

 

If you have the model name but see no IP address in sight, try these resets:

 

1. Reboot the printer - Cycle power, wait 2 minutes for reconfiguration

2. Reset the router - Power cycle the WiFi router and modem

3. Renew DHCP Lease - Generate a new device IP address 

 

Retrace previous steps after resets to check assigned addresses.

 

Still not having luck? The next option is manually setting a static IP address.

 

 Resetting or Changing the Printer's IP Address 

 

If you need to set a new static IP or factory reset the device - first find access details:

 

1. Check router admin > Locate printer MAC address

2. Trace MAC Manufacturer to Identify Model 

3. Google printer model + factory reset steps

 

Common methods are:

 

- Press hardware/software reset buttons 

- Set static IP to access admin interface

- Reset to default via config menus 

 

Follow official instructions based on your printer manufacturer and model number for reliable resets.

 

Once restored, look to assign a fixed IP for consistent access. See the next section for help.

 

 Making Use of the Printer IP Address 

 

Locating those elusive dot-separated digits opens up many beneficial uses:

 

- Web Access - Enter into browsers for config screens 

- Quick Troubleshooting - Scan device status for errors  

- Firmware Updates - Manual patching of programs

- Security Changes - Modify network visibility

 

Having the URL-like IP handy saves you time and gives more control!

 

Most importantly, it eliminates the common "printer not responding" issues that plague many connections. 🖨️

 

Instead of blind rebooting tools, you have insight to test links remotely.

 

Now wrap additional devices like scanners and copiers into existing printer workflows for fully integrated functionality right from your computer.

 

 Conclusion

 

Like any digital gadget, printers rely on static IP addresses for optimal access and controls.

 

Hunting down these dotted decimals can get confusing fast across models and connections.

 

Hopefully, this guide served as a primer for failproof discovery using built-in tools in Windows, Mac and the printers themselves.

 

The key is matching models to default address ranges before scanning for live values.

 

Patience and the right utilities always lead you to printer IP address glory! 🙌

 

So flip those clumsy toggles and reboot buttons goodbye - now you can manage printing devices seamlessly from any desktop or smartphone browser. 💻📱

 

The power is at your fingertips with our comprehensive IP address playbook. Print on in confidence! ✨

 

 Frequently Asked Questions

 

Still have some lingering questions on locating printer IP addresses?

 

Here are additional answers to common queries:

 

 FAQ 1: Does every network printer have an IP address?

 

Yes! Any printer model that connects to your home or office network via Ethernet cables or WiFi gets assigned an identifying IP address by routers. This allows two-way communication and control.

 

Older standalone USB printers lacked network IPs but still had serial numbers. So if your device connects directly to a computer, it likely doesn't have an accessible IP address to find or use.

 

 FAQ 2: How do I find my printer IP address from my phone?

 

Smartphones and tablets offer quick shortcuts to uncover connected printer IPs without software:

 

On Android

 

1. Launch Chrome and type `192.168.1.1` -replace last digit to scan your LAN IP range

2. Enter your router admin username and password

3. Check router web interface for attached device IPs

 

On iPhone/iOS

 

1. Get your router's IP address - usually on a sticker or the owner's manual

2. Type it directly into Safari - eg. `http://192.16.0.1`

3. Find and view DHCP client lists under Network or LAN tabs

4. Identify your printer's IP address here

 

You can also use the methods outlined for Windows and Mac using IP scanner apps.

 

 FAQ 3: What's the default password for my printer's web interface?

 

Printers don't have universal default logins. But common combos include:

 

- Username: `admin` / Password: `admin`

- Username: `root` / Password: `root`

 

Google your printer brand and model followed by "default password" for the answer. Still no luck? Try resetting the device safely to factory specs.

 

 FAQ 4: Why can't my computer detect the printer IP address automatically? 

 

Windows, Mac and Linux distributions should display any locally connected printer models automatically under devices.

 

However, computers assign them generic names that don't reveal IPs.

 

If your OS can't detect the printer altogether - try these fixes:

 

- Update printer drivers from manufacturer

- Assign a static IP instead of dynamic 

- Print a network config report for troubleshooting

- Factory reset both printer and router firmware

 

This forces rediscovery and resets any stale connections.

 

 FAQ 5: How do I set a static IP address on my printer?

 

To manually configure a static IP that never changes:

 

1. Access printer web interface using current IP

2. Find network settings

3. Select static IP assignment 

4. Enter a free fixed IP address just for this device

5. Set matching gateway and subnet mask

6. Save settings

7. Confirm new address works

 

Now your printer IP won't randomly switch, eliminating access headaches!

 

 FAQ 6: Does turning off my printer affect its IP address? 

 

Power cycling printers typically triggers Dynamic Host IP renewals from the router upon reboot.

 

So you may get assigned a different IP after turning printers off and on again. 

 

That's why recording active IPs before shutdowns is useful to track any changes.

 

To keep things static, disable DHCP reservations and set permanent IPs manually instead. Now device outages don't interrupt address access.

 

 FAQ 7: Can I check the IP address on a printer I'm buying used/refurbished?

 

Certainly! When testing pre-owned, borrowed or refurbished printers, follow these IP check belts and braces:

 

1. Inspect ports - Note Ethernet or USB connections

2. Power on the device, check model details

3. Connect locally via WiFi or cables

4. Find IP address using the software and router methods outlined earlier

5. Attempt access by typing IP into browser

 

If successful - you can remotely review page counts, configs, and errors before purchase.

 

 FAQ 8: My printers shows an IPv6 address instead of IPv4 - what now?

 

Home and office networks utilize both IPv4 (e.g. `192.168.1.100`) and IPv6 formatting for assigned addresses.

 

IPv6 combos are longer with more digits and letters - like `2001:db8:5b96:0aaa:7c18:66cf:23b7:8a0a`

 

You can still use these values to find and access printers. Just enter the longer string carefully without typos!

 

Many settings panels let you toggle between IPv4 and IPv6 views. Stick to IPv4 formats for easier usability.

 

 FAQ 9: Does a printer IP address change if I get a new router? 

 

Yes - installing new WiFi routers triggers fresh device address assignments by the DHCP server.

 

So don't panic if your functioning printer IPs suddenly stop working after a router upgrade!

 

Just rediscover the new values assigned to printers using the finder tips in this article. Update any access bookmarks accordingly.

 

Consider assigning permanent static IPs on printers to prevent routing related changes.

 

 FAQ 10: Can I reserve/bind a DHCP IP address on my printer?

 

Yes! Router DHCP servers can permanently bind IP leases to printer MAC addresses. This ensures one IP persists across restarts and renewals.

 

To reserve printer IPs manually:

 

1. Log into router admin interface

2. Find LAN settings, DHCP Reservations or Static DHCP Leases

3. Select Add/Create Binding

4. Enter your printer name and MAC address

5. Assign and bind a free static IP

 

Now that custom address stays bound as long as the printer stays connected to the network! 💡