Printer Connected to WiFi But Not Printing: How to Fix It

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.

1. On the printer itself, print a network configuration page (usually by holding the WiFi or info button — check your printer manual).
2. Look for the IP address on the printout.
3. Make sure it starts with the same numbers as your router’s address (usually 192.168.1.x or 192.168.0.x).
4. Also check your PC’s IP — press Windows key + R, type cmd, then type ipconfig. 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:

1. Open Command Prompt (press Windows key + R, type cmd).
2. Type ping followed by the printer’s IP address, e.g.:

ping 192.168.1.45

If 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:

1. Switch off the printer.
2. Restart your router (switch off, wait 30 seconds, switch back on).
3. Wait for the router to fully come back up.
4. Switch the printer back on and let it reconnect to WiFi.
5. Restart your PC.
6. Try printing again.

Fix 2: Remove and Re-add the Printer in Windows

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click your printer and select Remove.
3. Click Add a printer or scanner and let Windows find it again.
4. 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.

1. Print a configuration page from the printer to get its current IP address.
2. Go to Settings > Printers & scanners and click your printer.
3. Select Printer properties.
4. Click the Ports tab.
5. Select the port your printer is using and click Configure Port.
6. Update the Printer Name or IP Address field with the new IP address.
7. 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.

1. Go to Settings > Printers & scanners, click your printer and select Remove.
2. Visit your printer manufacturer’s website (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother) and download the latest full driver package.
3. 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.

1. Temporarily disable Windows Firewall: go to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection.
2. Click your active network and toggle the firewall off.
3. 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

1. Press Windows key + R, type control printers and press Enter.
2. Right-click your printer and select See what’s printing.
3. 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