How to Connect a Printer to a New Wi-Fi Network

If you recently changed your router, internet provider, Wi-Fi name, or password, you may need to connect printer to new wifi before you can start printing again. Most wireless printers save the old network information, so they do not automatically switch when your Wi-Fi details change.

Fortunately, reconnecting a wireless printer is usually simple. You can use the printer’s touchscreen, Wireless Setup Wizard, WPS button, or manufacturer app.

In this guide, you will learn how to connect printer to new wifi, update wireless settings, reconnect a printer after changing routers, and fix common Wi-Fi connection problems.

Why Do You Need to Reconnect a Printer After Changing Wi-Fi?

Wireless printers store network information such as the Wi-Fi network name, also known as the SSID, and the network password.

If you replace your router or change the Wi-Fi password, the printer may still try to connect using the old information. As a result, it can appear offline even when your computer and internet connection are working normally.

You may need to connect printer to new wifi after:

• Installing a new router

• Changing internet providers

• Changing the Wi-Fi password

• Changing the network name

• Resetting your router

• Moving the printer to another home or office

• Restoring the printer to factory settings

Updating the printer Wi-Fi settings allows it to communicate with computers, phones, and other devices on the new network.

What You Need Before Connecting Your Printer

Before you connect printer to new wifi, prepare a few details.

You will usually need:

• Your new Wi-Fi network name

• Your Wi-Fi password

• The printer turned on

• The wireless router turned on

• A computer or phone connected to the new network

• The printer placed within good range of the router

Make sure you know the exact Wi-Fi password before starting.

You should also check whether your printer supports the Wi-Fi band being used by your router. Some older wireless printers may work only with 2.4 GHz networks, while newer devices may support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

How to Connect Printer to New WiFi Using the Printer Screen

For printers with a touchscreen or display panel, the Wireless Setup Wizard is usually the easiest method.

The exact menu names can vary depending on your printer model, but the basic process is similar.

Step 1: Open Wireless or Network Settings

Turn on your printer and open its Settings, Network, or Wireless menu.

Look for an option such as:

• Wireless Settings

• Network Setup

• Wi-Fi Setup

• Wireless LAN Setup

Step 2: Open the Wireless Setup Wizard

Select Wireless Setup Wizard or a similar option.

The printer will begin searching for available Wi-Fi networks nearby.

Step 3: Select Your New Wi-Fi Network

Find your new network name in the list.

Make sure you select the correct SSID, especially if several Wi-Fi networks are visible.

Step 4: Enter the New Wi-Fi Password

Enter your Wi-Fi password using the printer touchscreen or control panel.

Passwords are case-sensitive, so type uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters carefully.

Step 5: Confirm the Connection

Select Connect, OK, or Apply.

Wait while the printer connects to the router.

A wireless icon, confirmation message, or network status page may show when setup is complete.

You should now be able to connect printer to new wifi and use it from devices on the same network.

How to Connect a Printer to New Wi-Fi Using WPS

If your printer and router support WPS, you may be able to connect them without manually entering a Wi-Fi password.

WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup.

First, put your printer into WPS connection mode. Depending on the model, this may involve pressing and holding a wireless button or selecting WPS from the network settings menu.

Then press the WPS button on your router.

The printer and router should automatically detect each other and establish a connection.

Wait until the printer’s wireless light becomes steady or the printer displays a successful connection message.

WPS is a convenient way to connect printer to new wifi, especially on printers without full touchscreens.

How to Connect a Printer Without a Touchscreen

Many compact or older printers do not have a touchscreen. You can still complete a wireless printer setup using other methods.

The easiest option is often the printer manufacturer’s mobile or desktop application.

Depending on your printer brand, you may use an app from manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Epson, or Brother.

Install the official app on your phone or computer and follow the wireless setup instructions.

The software may ask you to place the printer into Wi-Fi setup mode. It can then detect the printer and transfer your new wireless network information.

Some printer models also support:

• WPS setup

• USB-assisted wireless setup

• Temporary Wi-Fi Direct connections

• Network reset followed by app-based setup

These options are useful when you need to connect printer to new wifi but cannot enter the network details directly on the printer.

How to Connect Printer After Changing Router

Installing a new router is one of the most common reasons a wireless printer stops working.

Your printer may still have the previous router’s network information stored.

First, open the printer network settings and search for your new Wi-Fi network.

If the new network does not appear, reset the printer’s wireless or network settings.

After the reset, run the Wireless Setup Wizard and enter the new network password.

Once the printer connects successfully, your computer may automatically rediscover it.

If not, you may need to add the printer again.

Add the Printer Back to Your Windows Computer

After you connect printer to new wifi, Windows may need to find the printer again.

On Windows 11, go to:

Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners

Click Add device.

Windows will search for available printers on your network.

When your printer appears, select it and complete the setup.

Make sure the computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.

If Windows cannot detect the printer, restart both devices and try again.

Printer Not Connecting to New Wi-Fi? Try These Fixes

If your printer is not connecting to new wifi, several simple troubleshooting steps may help.

Check the Wi-Fi Password

One incorrect character can prevent the printer from connecting.

Re-enter the password carefully and remember that Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive.

Move the Printer Closer to the Router

A weak wireless signal can interrupt setup.

Temporarily place the printer closer to your router and try connecting again.

Check the Wi-Fi Band

Some older printers may support only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.

If your router is using only 5 GHz or another unsupported wireless configuration, the printer may not see the network.

Restart the Printer and Router

Turn off the printer and restart the router.

Wait until your internet connection is fully restored, then turn the printer back on and try again.

Reset Printer Network Settings

If your printer is still trying to connect to the previous network, reset its wireless settings.

The exact reset process varies by printer model.

After the reset, start the wireless setup again and select your new network.

Avoid Guest Wi-Fi Networks

Some guest networks isolate connected devices from each other.

This can prevent your computer or phone from communicating with the printer even if both appear connected to Wi-Fi.

Use your main home or office network whenever possible.

Common Mistakes When Changing Printer Wi-Fi

When users try to connect printer to new wifi, a few common mistakes can make the process more difficult.

One of the most common problems is selecting the old network name instead of the new one.

Other mistakes include:

• Entering the wrong Wi-Fi password

• Placing the printer too far from the router

• Connecting the computer to a different Wi-Fi network

• Confusing Wi-Fi Direct with the home network

• Forgetting to remove old wireless settings

• Using an unsupported Wi-Fi band

• Assuming the printer automatically changes networks

Checking these details can solve many wireless printer setup problems without advanced troubleshooting.

FAQs About Connecting a Printer to New Wi-Fi

How do I connect my printer to a new Wi-Fi network?

Open the printer’s network or wireless settings, select the new Wi-Fi network, enter the password, and confirm the connection. You can also use WPS or the manufacturer’s printer app.

Why is my printer still connected to my old Wi-Fi?

The printer probably still has the old network name and password saved. Reset the printer network settings or run the Wireless Setup Wizard again.

How do I connect a printer after changing the Wi-Fi password?

Open the printer’s wireless settings, select your existing Wi-Fi network, and enter the new password. If the connection does not update, reset the printer network settings first.

Do I need to reinstall my printer after changing routers?

Not always. However, after you connect printer to new wifi, your computer may need to rediscover or re-add the printer.

Can I connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a screen?

Yes. You can usually use WPS, a manufacturer app, desktop setup software, or USB-assisted wireless setup.

Why can't my printer find my new Wi-Fi network?

Possible reasons include weak signal, an unsupported Wi-Fi band, incorrect router settings, a hidden network name, or old network information stored on the printer.

Final Thoughts

If you need to connect printer to new wifi, start by checking your new network name and password. Use the printer’s Wireless Setup Wizard whenever possible, or try WPS or the manufacturer’s setup app if your printer does not have a touchscreen.

If the connection fails, check the Wi-Fi band, move the printer closer to the router, restart your devices, and reset old network settings.

Once you successfully connect printer to new wifi, make sure your computer and mobile devices are using the same network so they can find the printer and start printing normally again.