Your printer is showing as connected to WiFi, the light is on, but nothing prints. It’s a frustrating problem because everything looks like it should be working. Here’s how to diagnose it and fix it quickly.
Step 1: Confirm the Printer Is Actually on the Network
Just because the printer has a WiFi light doesn’t mean it’s connected to the right network.
- On the printer itself, print a network configuration page (usually by holding the WiFi or info button — check your printer manual).
- Look for the IP address on the printout.
- Make sure it starts with the same numbers as your router’s address (usually
192.168.1.xor192.168.0.x). - Also check your PC’s IP — press Windows key + R, type
cmd, then typeipconfig. The first three numbers of your IPv4 address and the printer’s IP should match.
If the IP addresses don’t match, the printer is on a different network (perhaps a guest network) and needs reconnecting to the correct one.
Step 2: Try Pinging the Printer
This confirms whether Windows can actually reach the printer:
- Open Command Prompt (press Windows key + R, type
cmd). - Type
pingfollowed by the printer’s IP address, e.g.:
ping 192.168.1.45If you get replies, Windows can reach the printer and the problem is likely driver or software related. If you get “Request timed out”, there’s a network connectivity issue.
Fix 1: Restart Everything
A full restart cycle often resolves WiFi printer issues caused by stale connections:
- Switch off the printer.
- Restart your router (switch off, wait 30 seconds, switch back on).
- Wait for the router to fully come back up.
- Switch the printer back on and let it reconnect to WiFi.
- Restart your PC.
- Try printing again.
Fix 2: Remove and Re-add the Printer in Windows
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Click your printer and select Remove.
- Click Add a printer or scanner and let Windows find it again.
- This forces Windows to rediscover the printer’s current IP address.
Fix 3: Update the Printer’s IP Address in Windows
If your printer’s IP address has changed (this happens after a router restart), Windows may be trying to connect to the old address.
- Print a configuration page from the printer to get its current IP address.
- Go to Settings > Printers & scanners and click your printer.
- Select Printer properties.
- Click the Ports tab.
- Select the port your printer is using and click Configure Port.
- Update the Printer Name or IP Address field with the new IP address.
- Click OK and try printing.
Tip: To stop this happening again, assign your printer a static IP. In your router settings, find DHCP reservation and set the printer’s MAC address (shown on the config page) to always get the same IP.
Fix 4: Reinstall the Printer Driver
A corrupted driver can prevent jobs from reaching the printer even when the network connection looks fine.
- Go to Settings > Printers & scanners, click your printer and select Remove.
- Visit your printer manufacturer’s website (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother) and download the latest full driver package.
- Run the installer — it will usually rediscover the printer on your network automatically.
Fix 5: Check Windows Firewall
Windows Firewall or a third-party security tool can silently block printer traffic.
- Temporarily disable Windows Firewall: go to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection.
- Click your active network and toggle the firewall off.
- Try printing. If it works, re-enable the firewall and add an exception for your printer’s IP address.
Fix 6: Check the Printer Isn’t Set to Offline Mode
- Press Windows key + R, type
control printersand press Enter. - Right-click your printer and select See what’s printing.
- Click Printer in the menu bar and check if Use Printer Offline is ticked. If it is, click it to untick it.
Related Guides
- Printer Showing Offline — How to Fix It
- How to Add a Printer in Windows 11
- Printer Spooler Error: How to Fix It
