Setting up a printer to Wi-Fi is simple, but when it all goes wrong, it becomes one of the major sources of frustration. A common issue would be printer Wi-Fi not connecting; thus, people are unable to print from their devices.
When you have connectivity issues, this guide will make sure you have your printer up and running quickly.
Why is my printer’s Wi-Fi not connecting?
Several reasons can explain why your printer’s Wi-Fi connection is not being established, and these include:
- Incorrect Wi-Fi credentials input in the setup.
- Weak and unstable Wi-Fi signals.
- Obsolete printer firmware or drivers.
- The presence of neighboring devices that employ the same frequency in the vicinity.
- Mismatched printer configurations with network specifications
Knowing the source of the potential problem is one step closer to eliminating connectivity problems.
Fixing Printer Wi-Fi Not Connecting: Step by Step
1. Inspect your Wi-Fi:
- Ensure your Wi-Fi connection is working as it should be. Connect some other device to test it: a laptop or a smartphone.
- Be sure that the printer and the printer are connected over the same Wi-Fi network.
- Weak or poor signals are probably the most common cause of printer Wi-Fi not connecting. Try putting the printer close to the router.
2. Restart your printer and router:
- Turn off your printer by unplugging it from the power supply.
- To restart your Wi-Fi router, turn off the power for 30 seconds and then turn it back on.
- Reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi network once it is online.
Simple rebooting clears temporary glitches often responsible for the printer Wi-Fi not connecting and resolves many instances.
3. Printer Network Settings:
- Go to the control panel of the printer and select either of the options under Network Settings and Wi-Fi Setup.
- Ensure that the password is correct and that the network name, also known as the SSID, is selected appropriately.
- Use the diagnostic tools of the printer to check if it connects to the Wi-Fi.
- Poor network details could be a reason for the failure of the printer’s Wi-Fi to connect, so check everything when setting up.
4. Upgrade the drivers and firmware of the printer:
Fetch the latest version of firmware and drivers for the printer model on the website of the manufacturer.
- Compatibility problems come into the scenario if the old software is applied in the computer system.
- Reboot your printer and then see the Wi-Fi connection after the upgrade.
5. Disable and Reconfigure Firewall Settings:
A firewall or some antivirus software sometimes blocks the printer connection with the computer.
Method
- Disable the firewall of your system and try reconnecting your printer to the Wi-Fi.
- Add an exception for your printer in the firewall settings, and it will prevent future problems.
6. Re-establish Printer Network Default Configuration:
If the above steps don’t work, then restore your printer to its default network settings.
- Reestablish the connection by reinputting your Wi-Fi credentials from scratch.
- Use the manual of your printer for specific reset instructions for that particular printer
Some of the most stubborn causes of printer Wi-Fi not connecting issues are solved by resetting your network configuration.
Preventive Tips About Connectivity Issues
- Firmware Upgrades: Upgrade your firmware frequently to avoid compatibility issues, which often conflict.
- Use a Stable Network: Avoid public Wi-Fi or networks with signals that fluctuate.
- Reduce Interference: Keep your router and printer away from appliances like microwaves or cordless phones.
- Assign a Static IP Address: So your printer is not moved between different networks and remains connected.
It may ruin your workflow dealing with printer Wi-Fi not connecting issues, but the solutions that are going to be mentioned can solve most problems and get your printer up and running again. Whether it’s a simple reboot or a firmware update, the steps provided will help you troubleshoot effectively.