Finding a printer’s IP address is one of the most common steps in setting up, troubleshooting, or sharing a network printer. The IP address identifies the printer on a wired or wireless network, allowing computers, phones, and IT tools to communicate with it. Whether the printer is in a home office, school, or workplace, the address can usually be found from the printer screen, a printed network report, a computer, or the router.
TLDR: A printer’s IP address can usually be found on the printer’s display under Network, Wireless, or TCP/IP settings. If the printer has no screen, a network configuration page can often be printed using the printer’s buttons. The IP address may also be visible in Windows, macOS, the router’s device list, or the printer manufacturer’s mobile app. In most cases, the address looks like 192.168.1.25 or a similar set of four number groups.
What Is a Printer IP Address?
A printer IP address is a numerical label assigned to a printer when it connects to a network. It works much like a street address, helping other devices locate the printer and send documents to it. Most home and small office printers use a private IPv4 address, commonly beginning with 192.168, 10, or 172.
The IP address is especially useful when a printer is not appearing automatically, when a computer needs to add the printer manually, or when a user wants to open the printer’s web management page in a browser. For example, entering the printer’s IP address into a web browser may open a settings page showing ink levels, Wi Fi status, firmware details, and network options.
Check the Printer’s Built In Screen
For many modern printers, the easiest place to find the IP address is directly on the printer’s control panel. Touchscreen models often include a network information area that displays the current connection status and IP address.
- Open the printer’s Settings, Setup, or Menu option.
- Look for Network, Wireless, Wi Fi, Ethernet, or Connectivity.
- Select Network Status, TCP/IP, IP Address, or View Network Details.
- Write down the number listed as the IPv4 Address or simply IP Address.
Different brands use slightly different menu names, but the information is usually located in the network or wireless section. If both Wi Fi and Ethernet are available, the active connection is the one that matters.
Print a Network Configuration Page
If the printer does not have a large display, a network configuration page is often the best option. This printed report usually includes the IP address, MAC address, wireless network name, signal strength, and connection status.
The exact method depends on the printer model. Some printers have a dedicated Information button, while others require holding the Wi Fi, Cancel, Resume, or Go button for several seconds. Laser printers may offer a menu item called Reports, Print Network Configuration, or Print Status Page.
Once the report prints, the user should look for labels such as IP Address, IPv4 Address, TCP/IP, or Network Address. If the address is listed as 0.0.0.0 or blank, the printer is probably not connected to the network yet.
Find the Printer IP Address in Windows
Windows can display the IP address for many installed network printers. This is useful when the printer is already set up on a computer but the physical printer menu is difficult to access.
- Open Settings.
- Select Bluetooth & devices, then Printers & scanners.
- Choose the printer from the list.
- Open Printer properties or Manage, depending on the Windows version.
- Check the Ports tab for a port that may show the IP address.
In some cases, the port name itself is the printer’s IP address. In other cases, selecting the port and choosing Configure Port will reveal the address. The address may also appear under a hostname, especially in managed office networks.
Find the Printer IP Address on macOS
On a Mac, printer information is available through the system printer settings. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of macOS, but the process is generally simple.
- Open System Settings or System Preferences.
- Select Printers & Scanners.
- Choose the printer from the list.
- Click Options & Supplies or similar printer details.
- Look for the printer’s Location, URL, or Address.
Some Macs display a printer URL that includes the IP address. For example, it may appear as ipp://192.168.1.45. In that case, the numbers after the double slash are the printer’s IP address.
Check the Router or Wi Fi Admin Page
The router keeps a list of devices connected to the network. This list usually includes computers, phones, smart TVs, and printers. Checking the router is helpful when the printer has no screen or when its printed report is unavailable.
An administrator can log in to the router’s web interface or mobile app and look for sections such as Connected Devices, Attached Devices, Clients, LAN Devices, or DHCP Table. The printer may appear by brand name, model number, hostname, or MAC address.
Once the printer is identified, the router should show its assigned IP address. If several unknown devices are listed, comparing the printer’s MAC address from a network report with the router’s device list can confirm the correct entry.
Use the Printer Manufacturer’s App
Many printer brands provide mobile or desktop apps that show network information. These apps are designed to help with setup, printer status, scanning, ink ordering, and troubleshooting. When the printer and phone are on the same network, the app may detect the printer and display its details.
Within the app, the IP address is usually found under Printer Information, Network Information, Advanced Settings, or Device Details. Some apps also provide a shortcut to open the printer’s embedded web server, which uses the same IP address.
Open the Printer’s Web Page
After the IP address is found, it can often be entered into a browser address bar. This may open the printer’s internal web page, also called an embedded web server. The page can show useful information, including connection status, toner or ink levels, paper settings, and security options.
For example, if the printer’s IP address is 192.168.1.60, entering http://192.168.1.60 into a browser on the same network may open the printer management page. Some printers require https instead of http, and some may ask for an administrator password.
Static vs Dynamic Printer IP Addresses
Many printers receive their IP address automatically from the router. This is called a dynamic IP address. It works well in most homes, but the address can change after a router restart, printer reset, or network update.
A static IP address or a router DHCP reservation keeps the printer at the same address. This is often preferred in offices because it reduces printing problems caused by address changes. In many cases, setting a DHCP reservation in the router is safer than manually entering a static address on the printer, because it helps avoid address conflicts.
Common Problems When Looking for the IP Address
- The printer shows 0.0.0.0: The printer is not properly connected to the network.
- The printer is offline: It may be on a different Wi Fi network, disconnected, or turned off.
- Windows shows a WSD port: The IP address may not be obvious, so the router or printer report may be easier.
- The IP address changed: A router reboot or DHCP lease renewal may have assigned a new address.
- There are two addresses: The printer may show both IPv4 and IPv6; IPv4 is usually easier for manual setup.
FAQ
Where is the IP address on a printer?
It is usually found in the printer’s Network, Wireless, or TCP/IP settings. It may also appear on a printed network configuration page.
Can a printer have an IP address without Wi Fi?
Yes. A printer connected by Ethernet can have an IP address. A USB only printer usually does not have its own network IP address unless it is shared through another device.
What does a printer IP address look like?
Most printer IP addresses look like four groups of numbers, such as 192.168.1.25 or 10.0.0.42.
Why does the printer IP address keep changing?
The router may be assigning the printer a dynamic address. A DHCP reservation or static IP setup can help keep the address consistent.
Can the IP address be found from a phone?
Yes. Many printer apps and router apps show connected printer details, including the current IP address, when the phone is on the same network.