Printer Connected to WiFi but Not Printing? How to Fix It

A printer connected to wifi but not printing can be frustrating, especially when the printer appears online and your computer shows no obvious connection problem. In most cases, the issue does not mean the WiFi connection itself has failed. Instead, a stuck print queue, incorrect printer selection, outdated driver, changed IP address, offline printer status, or network communication problem may be preventing your document from reaching the printer.

If your printer is connected to wifi but not printing, start with the simple fixes below before resetting the printer or changing advanced network settings.

Why Is My Printer Connected to WiFi but Not Printing?

A wireless printer can successfully connect to your router while still being unable to receive print jobs from your computer or mobile device.

Some of the most common reasons include:

• Printer and computer connected to different WiFi networks

• Printer showing as offline or paused

• Stuck documents in the print queue

• Incorrect default printer selected

• Outdated or corrupted printer drivers

• Printer IP address changed

• VPN or firewall blocking local communication

• Paper jam, low ink, toner or cartridge error

Therefore, when a printer connected to wifi but not printing, troubleshooting both the network and the printer settings is important.

1. Restart Your Printer, Computer and Router

The easiest solution is often a complete restart.

Turn your printer off and disconnect it from power for approximately 30 seconds. Restart your computer or mobile device before turning the printer back on.

If the problem continues, restart your WiFi router as well.

A restart refreshes the printer's network connection and may fix temporary communication problems between your router, computer and wireless printer.

After restarting everything, try printing a simple test document.

If the printer connected to wifi but not printing problem disappears, the issue was likely caused by a temporary network or printer communication error.

2. Make Sure the Printer and Computer Use the Same WiFi Network

One of the most overlooked causes of a wireless printer connected but not printing is that the printer and computer are connected to different networks.

Check the WiFi network name, also known as the SSID, on your printer's display or network settings.

Then check the WiFi network connected to your:

• Windows computer

• Mac

• Smartphone

• Tablet

Both devices should normally be connected to the same local network.

Avoid connecting the printer to a guest network because guest WiFi networks may prevent connected devices from communicating with each other.

If your printer connected to wifi but not printing, reconnect both devices to the same main WiFi network and test again.

3. Check Printer Status and Set the Correct Default Printer

Sometimes the printer is connected correctly but your computer is sending the document to another printer.

On Windows, open:

Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners

Select your printer and check its current status.

Make sure it is not showing:

• Offline

• Paused

• Error

• Attention required

You should also check whether the correct printer has been selected as your default printer.

Old or duplicate printer installations can sometimes cause print jobs to be sent to the wrong device.

Removing unused printer entries can help when your printer connected to wifi but not printing even though the wireless connection appears normal.

4. Clear the Print Queue

A stuck or corrupted document can prevent every document behind it from printing.

If your printer online but not printing, check the print queue.

On Windows

Go to:

Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners

Select your printer and open the print queue.

Cancel any documents showing errors, pending status or unusually long processing times.

Then try printing your document again.

On Mac

Open:

System Settings > Printers & Scanners

Select your printer and open the print queue.

Remove stalled print jobs before trying again.

Clearing the queue is particularly useful when a printer connected to wifi but not printing suddenly stops working after successfully printing earlier documents.

5. Restart the Print Spooler on Windows

The Print Spooler is a Windows service responsible for managing documents sent to printers.

If the service stops working correctly, your printer may appear connected but refuse to print.

Press:

Windows + R

Enter:

services.msc

Find Print Spooler, right-click it and select Restart.

Once the service restarts, try printing again.

This is a useful solution for users searching for fixes for a printer not printing Windows 11, especially when documents remain stuck in the printing queue.

6. Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver

A printer driver allows your computer to communicate correctly with your printer.

Outdated, corrupted or incompatible drivers can cause situations where the printer connected to wifi but not printing, despite appearing online.

Visit your printer manufacturer's official support website and locate the latest driver for your specific printer model and operating system.

Popular manufacturers include:

• HP

• Canon

• Epson

• Brother

Install the latest recommended printer software and restart your computer.

If updating does not help, remove the existing printer driver and reinstall the printer.

Driver problems are especially common after major Windows or macOS updates.

7. Check the Printer's IP Address

Your printer receives an IP address from your router so devices on the network can locate it.

However, routers can sometimes assign the printer a different IP address.

Your computer may continue sending print jobs to the previous address, creating a printer connected but not responding problem.

Open your printer's network settings or print a network configuration page to find its current IP address.

If the address has changed, remove the printer from your computer and add it again.

For business environments where printers are used frequently, assigning a reserved or static IP address may also reduce future connection problems.

Checking the IP address can be particularly helpful when a printer connected to wifi but not printing starts immediately after replacing or restarting a router.

8. Check VPN and Firewall Settings

VPN software and strict firewall settings can occasionally prevent your computer from communicating with local network devices.

If you use a VPN, temporarily disconnect it and test the printer again.

If printing suddenly works, check your VPN settings for options that allow access to local network devices.

You should not permanently disable your firewall or security software.

Instead, make sure your printer software and local network communication are permitted.

Check the Printer for Physical Problems

Network troubleshooting will not solve the issue if the printer itself cannot complete the print job.

Check the printer for:

• Paper jams

• Empty paper tray

• Low ink

• Empty toner

• Incorrectly installed cartridges

• Open printer cover

• Flashing warning lights

• Printer error messages

A printer can still remain connected to WiFi while one of these physical problems prevents it from printing.

Therefore, if your printer connected to wifi but not printing, always inspect the printer display and warning lights before performing more complicated network troubleshooting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my printer connected to WiFi but not printing?

If your printer connected to wifi but not printing, the most common causes are a stuck print queue, offline printer status, incorrect default printer, outdated driver, different WiFi networks or an incorrect printer IP address.

Why does my wireless printer say connected but not respond?

A wireless connection only confirms that the printer has joined the network. Your computer still needs to communicate with the printer correctly. Driver problems, firewall restrictions or an outdated IP address can cause the printer to stop responding.

Why is my HP printer connected to WiFi but not printing?

Check whether your HP printer and computer are connected to the same network. Then clear the print queue, check the printer status, restart the printer and update the HP printer software or driver.

Why does my printer work from my phone but not my computer?

If the printer works from your phone, the printer and WiFi connection are probably functioning correctly. The problem is more likely related to your computer's printer driver, print queue, default printer selection or network settings.

Should I remove and reconnect my wireless printer?

Yes. If other troubleshooting methods fail, removing and adding the printer again can refresh its network configuration and update the connection between your computer and printer.

Final Thoughts

When a printer is connected to wifi but not printing, start with the simplest solutions: restart your devices, confirm they are on the same WiFi network, and clear the print queue. Then check the default printer, Print Spooler, drivers and printer IP address.

Most wireless printing problems are caused by communication or configuration issues rather than a completely failed WiFi connection. By following these steps in order, you can usually identify the cause and get your wireless printer working again without performing a full factory reset.