The quickest way to change a printer's IP address

Most printers let you change the IP address through the control panel on the machine itself or through the printer's web interface — a settings page you reach by typing the printer's current IP address into a web browser. The method depends on your printer model and whether you want a fixed address or one assigned automatically by your network.

If you do not know your printer's current IP address, you can find it by printing a network configuration page directly from the printer's menu, or by checking your router's connected devices list. Once you have that address, you can log in to the printer's web interface (usually at something like 192.168.1.100) and change the IP settings there in under five minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Your printer's current IP address is printed on a network configuration page from the printer's menu, or visible in your router's device list.
  • Most printers let you change the IP address through their web interface by typing the current address into a browser and logging in with the default password.
  • You can set a static IP address (one that never changes) or use DHCP to let your router assign one automatically.
  • After changing the IP address, update any saved printer connections on your computer or phone so they point to the new address.
  • If you cannot reach the web interface, restart both the printer and your router, then wait 30 seconds before trying again.

Finding your printer's current IP address

Before you can change the address, you need to know what it is now. The easiest method is to print a network configuration page directly from the printer. On most machines, this is in the Settings, Network, or Information menu on the control panel. Look for an option like "Print Network Configuration" or "Network Settings Report" and select it. The page will list the current IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.

If your printer does not have that option, check your router instead. Log in to your router's admin page (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and look for a section called "Connected Devices," "DHCP Clients," or "Device List." Find your printer by name or by looking for a device with a name like "HP-Printer" or "Canon-MF." The IP address will be listed next to it.

Accessing the printer's web interface

Once you have the current IP address, open a web browser on any computer or phone connected to the same network. Type the IP address into the address bar — for example, http://192.168.1.100 — and press Enter. You should see a login page or a home screen with network settings visible.

If a login is required, try the default username and password for your printer brand. Common defaults are admin and admin, or admin and a blank password. Check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website if those do not work. Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled Network, TCP/IP, or Network Settings.

Changing to a static IP address

A static IP address is one you set manually and that does not change. This is useful if you want the printer to always be at the same address so you do not have to update connections later. In the network settings, look for an option that says DHCP, Obtain IP Address Automatically, or IP Address Mode. Change it from "DHCP" or "Automatic" to Static or Manual.

You will then see fields for IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, and sometimes DNS. Use the same subnet mask and gateway that your router uses — you can find these in your router's settings or on the network configuration page you printed earlier. For the IP address itself, choose a number in the same range as your other devices but outside the range your router assigns automatically. For example, if your router assigns addresses from 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.254, set your printer to something like 192.168.1.50. Enter the settings and save.

Changing to automatic IP assignment

If you prefer to let your router assign the address automatically, make sure the network settings show DHCP or Obtain IP Address Automatically turned on. This means the printer will ask your router for an address each time it connects, and the router will give it one from its available pool. The downside is that the address can change if the printer is unplugged for a long time, so you may need to find the new address later.

If DHCP is already on and you want to force the printer to request a new address right away, restart the printer. Turn it off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Once it boots up, print a network configuration page again to see what address it was assigned.

Updating your computer and phone after the change

After you change the printer's IP address, any device that has saved the old address will not be able to find it. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, find your printer, and remove it. Then click "Add a printer or scanner," let it search for the printer on your network, and add it again. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, remove the printer, and add it again.

On a phone or tablet, open the printer's app (if it has one) or go to your device's printer settings and remove the old connection. Then add the printer again — the app or settings will search your network and find it at the new address. If the device cannot find it automatically, you may need to enter the new IP address manually.

Troubleshooting when you cannot reach the web interface

If you type the IP address into your browser and nothing loads, first make sure your computer is on the same network as the printer. Check that both are connected to the same Wi-Fi network or that the printer is plugged into the same router with an ethernet cable. If they are on different networks, you will not be able to reach the web interface.

If they are on the same network, restart both the printer and your router. Turn off the printer, unplug the router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. Then turn the printer back on and wait another 30 seconds. Try the IP address again. If it still does not work, print a network configuration page to confirm the IP address has not changed, and try again with the correct address.

When to call the printer manufacturer

If you have tried the web interface and cannot log in even with the default password, or if the printer will not save the new IP address, contact the manufacturer's support line. They can walk you through a factory reset if needed, though this will erase all your custom settings. For some older or specialized printers, the process may be different — the manual or support site will have the exact steps for your model.

A factory reset returns the printer to its original state and restores all default passwords and settings. This is useful if you are locked out, but it means you will need to reconfigure any custom network settings, print quality preferences, or security features you had set up before. Always check the manual first to see whether your printer model supports a reset from the control panel or whether you need to contact support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the IP address from my phone?

Yes, as long as your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. Open a web browser, type the printer's IP address, and log in the same way you would from a computer. The web interface works the same on any device.

What is the difference between a static and dynamic IP address?

A static IP address is one you set manually and stays the same until you change it again. A dynamic address (DHCP) is assigned by your router and can change if the printer is off for a while. Static is better if you want the printer always at the same address; dynamic is simpler if you do not mind looking up the address occasionally.

Will changing the IP address affect my printer's performance?

No. The IP address is just how your network finds the printer — changing it does not affect how fast it prints or how it works. You only need to update the address on your devices so they can find it at the new location.

What if I forgot the default password for the web interface?

Check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's support website for the default password. If you have changed it before and cannot remember it, you may need to do a factory reset through the printer's menu, which will erase all settings and restore the defaults.

Do I need to change the IP address if my printer works fine?

No. Change it only if you need the address to stay the same, if you are moving the printer to a different network, or if there is a conflict with another device using the same address. If everything is working, there is no reason to change it.