When your router, Wi-Fi name, or Wi-Fi password changes, the printer still remembers the old network. It cannot automatically guess the new details. You need to run wireless setup on the printer first, then refresh the printer entry on your computers and phones.
Does this affect you?
Use this after switching internet providers, replacing a router, renaming Wi-Fi, or changing the Wi-Fi password. If the printer only drops offline on the same network, troubleshoot offline status instead.
Reconnect the printer to the new network
Do this on the printer before changing computer settings.
- Open the printer Wi-Fi, Wireless, or Network Settings menu.
- Choose Wireless Setup Wizard, Network Setup, or Wi-Fi Setup.
- Select the new network name, or use manual entry for a hidden network.
- Enter the new password exactly.
- Wait for the connection confirmation and note the new IP address if the printer prints a network page.
Update computers and phones
After the printer joins the new Wi-Fi, old saved printer entries may still point to the previous connection.
- On Windows, remove the old printer entry from Printers & scanners, then add the printer again.
- On Mac, remove the old printer from Printers & Scanners and add it again with the plus button.
- In phone apps such as HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson Smart Panel, or Brother apps, remove the old saved printer if needed and let the app search again.
More control
Clear old network settings
If the printer keeps trying the previous network, use Network Reset, not full factory reset, then run setup again.
Same name and password may reconnect automatically
If the new router uses the exact same SSID and password as the old one, the printer may reconnect without setup. Check before resetting anything.
Choose the right band
Many printers only support 2.4GHz. If the new router separates 2.4GHz, 5GHz, guest, and IoT networks, choose the main 2.4GHz network.
Move closer for setup
Weak signal during the initial handshake can stop setup. Put the printer near the router temporarily, then move it back afterward.
Sources
- HP Support – Reconnect Your Printer to a New or Changed Wireless Network (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Install a Printer in Windows (2025)
- Apple Support – Add and Manage Printers on Mac (2025)