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Hidden SSID or Mesh Wi-Fi Causes Printer Discovery Problems
Printer IssuesIntermediate15-30 minutes

Hidden SSID or Mesh Wi-Fi Causes Printer Discovery Problems

Difficulty
Intermediate
Time
15-30 minutes
Category
Printer Issues

Using hidden network or mesh Wi-Fi and can't connect printer? These advanced setups need special configuration. Here's how to make it work.

💡What's Happening

You've hidden your network name for security, or you're using a mesh Wi-Fi system like Eero, Google Nest, or Orbi. Now your printer can't find the network during setup, or it keeps disconnecting. These modern network configurations don't always play nicely with printers.

✓Quick Checks (Do These First)

  • Is your SSID (network name) hidden? Printers can't scan for hidden networks.
  • Do you have a mesh system? Which brand/model?
  • Does the mesh have band steering? This can confuse printers.
  • Is there a separate IoT network option?

🔧Step-by-Step Fixes

Fix 1: Temporarily Unhide the SSID

  1. Log into your router settings
  2. Find Wireless settings and disable "Hide SSID" or enable "Broadcast SSID"
  3. Run the printer's Wi-Fi setup - it should now see the network
  4. Complete the setup and confirm the printer is connected
  5. You can re-hide the SSID afterward - the printer remembers the connection

Fix 2: Manually Enter Network Details

  1. Most printers allow manual Wi-Fi entry
  2. During setup, look for "Enter network manually" or similar
  3. Type your SSID exactly (case-sensitive)
  4. Select the correct security type (WPA2-Personal, etc.)
  5. Enter your Wi-Fi password

Fix 3: Configure Mesh System for IoT Devices

For mesh systems:

  1. Open your mesh app (Eero, Google Home, Netgear, etc.)
  2. Look for settings like:
    • "Compatible devices" or "IoT devices" mode
    • Disable "Band Steering" or "Smart Connect"
    • Create a separate 2.4GHz-only network
  3. Connect the printer to any IoT-friendly network

Fix 4: Use WPS Setup

  1. WPS can bypass network discovery issues
  2. Press the WPS button on your router/mesh node
  3. Initiate WPS on the printer within 2 minutes
  4. They should connect automatically

⚠️If Nothing Worked

Consider using Ethernet if your printer has a port - it bypasses all Wi-Fi complications. Some mesh systems also have an Ethernet port on satellite nodes that you can use.

📞When to Call a Pro

Mesh systems and hidden networks add complexity. If you've tried these steps without success, a network specialist can configure your setup properly for all your devices.

Need Professional Help?

If you're in the Tampa Bay area and need hands-on assistance, Geeks in Sneaks provides friendly, on-site tech support in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and Dunedin.

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Related Topics

wifimeshnetworkhidden-ssidconnectivity

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