Why Won’t My Printer Connect to My Wi-Fi?

Updated: August 2024

If you have a Wi-Fi-enabled printer at home, you may occasionally experience problems getting it to connect to your network. For some people, they may be at a loss when it comes to fixing this problem.

The good news is a finicky Wi-Fi printer is usually caused by one of a few simple issues. Here are five common reasons you might be having trouble getting your Wi-Fi printer to connect to your network.

1. Incorrect Password

One of the most common reasons for Wi-Fi printer connection issues results from entering the incorrect network password. This can happen when you’re typing the password in on the printer’s touch screen or numeric keypad. All it takes is a single missed character and your printer won’t be able to connect.

If your equipment is new, this is the first thing to check. Otherwise, if you have not experienced connection issues previously, try reentering the password just in case the settings have been updated or erased.

2. Wireless Router Issues

Occasionally, wireless routers will experience problems that prevent them from allowing new devices to join their network. This can happen even when all the other wireless devices in your home seem to work fine. Typically, a simple restart of your wireless router will correct the problem. If you own your router, try doing that and see if your printer will connect after your wireless router comes back online. If you are renting your router from your internet service provider, be sure to contact them before restarting or resetting it.

3. A Signal Strength Issue

Another common reason for connectivity issues with Wi-Fi printers is that they can’t pick up Wi-Fi signals. Everything from what’s in the walls of your home to nearby appliances can play havoc with your Wi-Fi signal. So if your printer won’t connect or stay connected to your network, you might try moving it closer to your Wi-Fi router. This could provide enough of a signal boost to resolve connectivity issues.

Another possible solution for a weak Wi-Fi signal could be employing a mesh network solution like GVEC’s Home Wi-Fi Optimization. This technique utilizes pods that communicate with your router and retransmit your wireless signal to areas with a low or no coverage.

4. Network Type Mismatch

Over the years, the Wi-Fi communication standard has undergone a variety of revisions. That’s why you’ll notice wireless devices that specify the types of networks with which they can work. If you have recently upgraded your wireless router, your printer may not support the network type the router offers.

To check, look at the user manual for your router and find its compatibility list. Alternatively, check the manual for your printer to view its supported network type list. If there’s a mismatch, you may need to get a new printer that supports the protocols offered by your router.