The quickest way to change your printer's IP address

The fastest method depends on your printer model and network setup. Most modern printers let you change the IP address through the printer's built-in web interface — you type the printer's current IP into your browser, log in, and update the network settings from there. Some printers also have a settings menu on the physical control panel where you can switch from automatic (DHCP) to a fixed IP address and enter the new one directly.

If you do not know your printer's current IP address, you can find it by printing a network configuration page from the printer's menu, checking your router's connected devices list, or using your computer's network tools. Once you have the current address, the web interface method usually takes 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.
  • The web interface method — typing the current IP into a browser and changing settings there — works on most printers made in the last ten years.
  • You can set a fixed IP address manually or let your router assign one automatically (DHCP), depending on your network needs.
  • After changing the IP address, you may need to update the printer connection on your computer or phone to use the new address.

Finding your printer's current IP address

Before you can change the address, you need to know what it is now. The easiest way is to print a network configuration page directly from the printer. On most printers, this is in the Settings or Network menu on the control panel — look for options like "Network Settings," "Print Configuration," or "Network Status." Select the option to print the network page, and the printer will output a page showing its current IP address, MAC address, and other network details.

If your printer does not have this option, check your router instead. Log into your router's admin panel (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a browser) and look for a "Connected Devices" or "DHCP Clients" section. Your printer should appear in that list with its current IP address next to it. Write down the address before you proceed.

Changing the IP address through the web interface

Once you have the current IP address, open a web browser on any computer connected to the same network. Type the printer's IP address into the address bar — for example, 192.168.1.100 — and press Enter. The printer's login page should load.

Log in using the printer's default username and password. For most brands, this is admin for both fields, but check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website if that does not work. Once logged in, look for a section called "Network Settings," "TCP/IP," or "Network Configuration." You will see the current IP address listed there.

To set a fixed IP address, select the option to disable DHCP (which stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol — the automatic system that assigns addresses). Then enter your new IP address in the field provided. Make sure the new address is in the same range as your network — if your router uses 192.168.1.x, your printer should too. Click Save or explore, and the printer will restart with the new address.

Changing the IP address from the printer's control panel

If you prefer not to use a web browser, most printers also let you change the IP address directly from the menu on the printer itself. Press the Menu or Settings button on the control panel, then navigate to Network Settings or Network Configuration. Look for an option like "IP Address," "TCP/IP," or "Manual IP."

Select the option to turn off DHCP, then use the arrow keys or number pad to enter your new IP address. The exact steps vary by brand — some printers let you type numbers directly, while others require you to scroll through digits one at a time. Once you have entered the new address, select Save or OK. The printer will restart and connect to the network using the new IP.

Updating your computer or phone after the change

After you change the printer's IP address, your computer and phone may not find it automatically. You will need to update the printer connection on each device that uses it. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, find your printer in the list, click it, and select Remove Device. Then click Add a Printer or Scanner, search for your printer by name, and add it again — Windows should detect it at the new IP address.

On a Mac, open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and click the minus button to remove it. Then click the plus button, search for your printer, and add it back. On phones and tablets, remove the printer from your printing app's settings and re-add it by searching for the printer name on your network.

When to use DHCP versus a fixed IP address

A fixed IP address (also called a static IP) stays the same every time the printer restarts. This is useful if you have set up port forwarding, remote printing, or scripts that depend on a specific address. It also prevents the printer from disappearing from your network if your router restarts and reassigns addresses.

A DHCP address is assigned automatically by your router and may change over time. This is simpler to set up and works fine for most home and small office networks where you just print from nearby computers. If you do not have a specific reason to use a fixed address, DHCP is usually the easier choice.

Troubleshooting if the printer does not respond

If you cannot reach the printer's web interface after entering the IP address, the printer may not be connected to the network, or the address may be wrong. Restart the printer and check that it shows a network connection on its control panel — most printers display a network icon or status message. Print a network configuration page again to confirm the current IP address.

If the printer is still not responding, try resetting the network settings to factory defaults. This option is usually in the printer's Settings menu under "Network Reset" or "Restore Network Settings." After a reset, the printer will go back to DHCP mode and assign itself a new address automatically. You can then find that address and change it again if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What IP address should I use for my printer?

Use an address in the same range as your network. If your router uses 192.168.1.x, pick a number between 192.168.1.2 and 192.168.1.254 that is not already in use by another device. Avoid .1 (usually the router) and .255 (broadcast address). Check your router's DHCP settings to see which range it uses.

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

No. Changing the IP address is a normal network configuration and does not void the warranty. You are not modifying the printer's hardware or firmware, just its network settings.

Can I change the IP address on a wireless printer the same way?

Yes. Wireless printers use the same web interface and control panel methods as wired printers. The only difference is that the printer connects to your network over Wi-Fi instead of an Ethernet cable, but the IP address change process is identical.

What if I forget the new IP address I set?

Print a network configuration page from the printer's menu to see the current IP address. You can also check your router's connected devices list. If you still cannot find it, reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults and start over.

Do I need to change the IP address on my printer?

Only if you have a specific reason — such as setting up remote printing, port forwarding, or preventing the address from changing. For most home and office use, leaving the printer on DHCP (automatic) is simpler and works just as well.