Quick answer
Connect the printer to the same WiFi network as your computer or phone, install the driver or add the device via IP address, and enable WiFi Direct if needed. Check that the devices are on the same network and that the router allows communication between clients.
How to recognize the problem
- The printer does not appear in the list of available devices
- The printer is connected to WiFi but the computer cannot print
- It prints only from the phone, not from the computer
- The WiFi light on the printer is blinking or off
- The printer occasionally disappears from the network
Most common causes
The printer is not connected to the network
The printer is still using USB or the WiFi connection has dropped. Check that the WiFi light is on and that the correct network is selected.
Different networks or VLAN
The computer and printer are on different networks or VLANs (e.g. guest network), or 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz are split into different networks. Make sure they are on the same network.
Missing driver or wrong port
Windows added the printer as a USB device or via a WSD port that does not work. You need the driver for the network model and a standard TCP/IP port.
Client isolation on the router
An option such as AP isolation or Client isolation prevents devices from communicating. If it is safe, disable it for the network where the printer and computer are; on a business or public network, do this only with administrator approval.
Poor signal or outdated firmware
The printer is too far from the router or has firmware that does not support the security mode the router uses (e.g. WPA3). Update the firmware and move the printer closer to the router.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Check if the printer supports WiFi
Check the label or manual: the model must have WiFi or WiFi Direct. If it only has USB, wireless printing will not be possible without an additional network adapter. In that case, use USB or sharing via a computer.
- 2
Connect the printer to the WiFi network
On the printer, open the network menu (often
NetworkorWireless) and selectWireless Setup Wizard. Select your WiFi network and enter the password. Wait for confirmation and for the WiFi light to stop blinking. If the printer and router support WPS and WPS is enabled, press WPS on the printer, then on the router within two minutes. - 3
Note the printer's IP address
In the printer menu, find
Network>Print Network Configurationor similar and print the network information page. Write down the IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.50). On a Windows computer, you can also find the IP address in the properties of the added printer's port underSettings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. - 4
Add the printer on Windows
Open
Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scannersand clickAdd device. If the printer does not appear, clickAdd manuallyand choose the option to add a printer using an IP address or hostname. Enter the IP address, select the driver (if not offered, download it from the manufacturer's website) and finish the wizard. - 5
Add the printer on macOS
Open
System Settings > Printers & Scannersand clickAdd Printer, Scanner, or Fax. Select the printer from the list (Bonjour) or go to theIPtab and enter the IP address. Select the appropriate driver (AirPrint or manufacturer) and clickAdd. - 6
Print from a phone or tablet
On Android, open
Settings > Connected devices > Printing(menu name depends on the manufacturer and Android version) and enableDefault Print Serviceor install the manufacturer's app. On iPhone, use AirPrint: in the app, tap the Share icon, thenPrintand select the printer. Devices must be on the same WiFi network. - 7
Enable WiFi Direct if needed
If the router does not allow communication or you are on a guest network, and the printer and device support it, enable
WiFi Directon the printer. Connect to the network the printer broadcasts (name and password are on the screen or label) and print directly. Note that this disconnects you from the existing network. This is a temporary solution; disable it when done. - 8
Check the connection and troubleshoot
If it still does not print, on the computer open
Command Promptand typepingfollowed by the printer's IP address (e.g.ping 192.168.1.50). If there is no response (some printers do not respond to ping), check that they are on the same network and, if safe, disable client isolation on the router. Restart the router and printer.
If nothing helps: advanced checks
Check if the router uses only WPA3; older printers often support only WPA2, so switch to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode (or temporarily to WPA2) and then restore the stronger setting. Update the printer firmware via the menu or manufacturer app. In Windows, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, then Print server properties and the Ports tab. Before making changes, note the existing port settings and delete only ports that are no longer used, not the port used by the current printer; then add a new TCP/IP port. If it is a business network, check if the firewall or VLAN rules block port 9100 or 631. For stability, assign the printer a static IP address or a DHCP reservation on the router so the address does not change.
How to prevent it
- Place the printer in a visible spot with good WiFi signal, not behind metal or in a cabinet.
- Use DHCP reservation on the router so the printer always has the same address.
- Regularly update the printer firmware and drivers on computers.
- Remember that all devices must be on the same network; avoid guest networks for printing.
When to call a professional
If you have tried all the steps and the printer is still not available on the network, or if you have a business network with VLANs and firewall rules, contact IT support to check the network configuration and security settings.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
Why doesn't my printer appear in the list of available devices?
Most often because the printer is not connected to the same WiFi network as the computer or client isolation is enabled on the router. Check the WiFi light on the printer and reconnect it via the wireless setup wizard.
Can I print from my phone without installing an app?
On iPhone and newer Android devices, you can use the built-in printing option (AirPrint or Default Print Service) if the printer is on the same network. For advanced options, the manufacturer's app is recommended.
Is WiFi Direct safe for business use?
WiFi Direct is convenient for quick printing, but it creates a temporary network that others can see. In a business environment, it is better to print over the existing secured network and disable WiFi Direct when not needed.