Printers are much easier to use when every computer in the home or office can find them reliably. While many people connect printers through automatic discovery, that method can fail if the device does not appear in the list, the network is busy, or the printer keeps changing names. Connecting a printer using its IP address gives you a more direct, stable way to print over a network.
TLDR: To connect a printer using an IP address, first find the printer’s address from its control panel, network report, router, or computer settings. Then add the printer manually on Windows or macOS by entering that IP address and choosing the correct driver. For best results, assign the printer a static IP address so it does not change later. This method is especially useful in offices, shared homes, and networks with several printers.
What an IP Address Does for a Printer
An IP address is a unique number that identifies a device on a network. Your laptop, phone, router, smart TV, and printer can each have one. A typical local printer IP address might look like 192.168.1.45 or 10.0.0.22.
When you print over Wi-Fi or Ethernet, your computer sends the print job across the network to the printer’s IP address. If the computer knows exactly where the printer is, it does not need to rely on automatic discovery services, which can sometimes be unreliable. This is why IT teams often prefer IP-based printer setup: it is simple, predictable, and easier to troubleshoot.
Before You Start
Before adding the printer, make sure the basics are in place. A printer connected by IP must be on the same network as the computer unless your organization has special routing rules in place.
- Confirm the printer is powered on. It should not be in deep sleep or offline mode.
- Connect it to the network. Use Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable, depending on the printer model.
- Install drivers if needed. Many systems include basic drivers, but manufacturer drivers often provide better features.
- Have administrator access. Some computers require admin permission to add printers.
How to Find the Printer’s IP Address
The most important step is finding the correct IP address. There are several ways to do this, and the best method depends on your printer and network.
1. Check the Printer’s Display
If your printer has a touchscreen or menu screen, look for sections named Network, Wireless, TCP/IP, Wi-Fi Status, or Network Settings. The IP address is often listed there. On many office printers, you can also print a network configuration page from the settings menu.
2. Print a Network Report
Many printers can print a report showing their network details. This report usually includes the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, wireless status, and MAC address. Look for a button combination or menu option called Print Network Configuration, Network Summary, or Wireless Test Report.
3. Check Your Router
You can also log in to your router and view connected devices. The printer may appear by brand name, model number, or a generic name. Once found, note its IPv4 address. This method is helpful if the printer has no screen.
4. Use an Existing Computer
If the printer is already installed on another computer, open that computer’s printer settings and check the port details. The printer port may show the IP address directly.
Adding a Printer by IP Address on Windows
Windows can usually add a network printer automatically, but entering the IP address gives you more control. The exact names of menus may vary slightly between Windows 10 and Windows 11, but the process is similar.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Bluetooth & devices, then choose Printers & scanners.
- Select Add device.
- If the printer does not appear, choose Add manually.
- Select Add a printer using an IP address or hostname.
- For device type, choose TCP/IP Device.
- Enter the printer’s IP address in the hostname or IP field.
- Keep the option to query the printer selected if available, then click Next.
- Choose the correct driver, or select Have Disk if you downloaded one from the manufacturer.
- Name the printer and print a test page.
If Windows asks for a port type, Standard TCP/IP Port is usually the right choice. If printing fails, check whether the printer supports RAW printing on port 9100 or LPR printing, which are common network printing protocols.
Adding a Printer by IP Address on macOS
Mac users can also add a printer manually with an IP address. This is often the cleanest solution when a printer does not appear through AirPrint or Bonjour.
- Open System Settings.
- Go to Printers & Scanners.
- Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.
- Choose the IP tab.
- Enter the printer’s IP address in the Address field.
- Select a protocol, such as AirPrint, IPP, LPD, or HP Jetdirect Socket.
- Wait for macOS to identify the printer, then choose the correct driver under Use.
- Click Add and print a test page.
For many modern printers, AirPrint or IPP works well. For some business printers, HP Jetdirect Socket may produce faster, more dependable results, even if the printer is not made by HP.
Why a Static IP Address Matters
One common problem with IP-based printing is that the printer’s address can change. Most home and office networks use DHCP, which automatically assigns IP addresses. If the printer restarts or the router refreshes its assignments, the printer might receive a new address. Your computer will still try to print to the old one, causing the printer to appear offline.
To prevent this, assign a static IP address or create a DHCP reservation in your router. A DHCP reservation is often easier and safer because the router always gives the printer the same IP address based on its MAC address. For example, you might reserve 192.168.1.50 for the printer so it never moves.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If the printer does not connect or print correctly, do not assume the printer is broken. Most issues are caused by network settings, incorrect drivers, or an outdated IP address.
- Ping the printer. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ping 192.168.1.45, replacing the address with yours. On macOS, use Terminal. A reply means the computer can reach the printer.
- Check the IP address again. If it changed, update the printer port on your computer or set a reservation.
- Confirm Wi-Fi network names. A computer on a guest network may not be able to see devices on the main network.
- Restart both devices. Restart the printer, router, and computer to refresh connections.
- Use the right driver. A generic driver may print basic documents but fail with color, duplexing, trays, or scanning features.
- Check firewall rules. Security software can block printer discovery or print traffic.
Security Tips for Network Printers
Network printers are often overlooked, but they are still connected devices. Change default administrator passwords, update printer firmware, and disable features you do not use. If possible, avoid exposing the printer directly to the internet. In offices, place printers on a managed network and limit access to users who actually need them.
It is also wise to clear stored documents on shared printers and use secure print release features when printing confidential files. A reliable connection is useful, but a secure one is even better.
Final Thoughts
Connecting a printer using an IP address is a practical skill that can save time and frustration. It gives your computer a direct path to the printer, reduces dependence on automatic discovery, and makes troubleshooting much clearer. Once you find the printer’s IP address, add it manually, choose the correct driver, and reserve the address so it stays consistent. With those steps in place, your printer should be easier to find, easier to share, and far less likely to “mysteriously” disappear when you need it most.