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Printer Works via USB But Not Over Wi-Fi
Printer IssuesIntermediate15-30 minutes

Printer Works via USB But Not Over Wi-Fi

Difficulty
Intermediate
Time
15-30 minutes
Category
Printer Issues

Your printer prints fine when connected by USB cable, but wireless printing just won't work? Here's how to troubleshoot Wi-Fi printer problems.

💡What's Happening

You've tested it: plug in a USB cable and the printer works perfectly. Unplug the cable and try to print over Wi-Fi, and... nothing. This tells us the printer hardware is fine - the problem is specifically with the wireless connection. Wi-Fi printing adds extra complexity, but once you get it set up correctly, it's very reliable.

✓Quick Checks (Do These First)

  • Is the printer connected to Wi-Fi? Check the printer's display for a Wi-Fi icon or connection status.
  • Is it on the same network as your computer? Your 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks might have different names.
  • Can you print the printer's network configuration page? This shows its IP address and connection status.
  • Is airplane mode off on your computer? Sounds obvious, but it happens.
  • Has your Wi-Fi password changed recently? The printer would need the new password.

🔧Step-by-Step Fixes

Fix 1: Reconnect the Printer to Wi-Fi

  1. On your printer, go to the wireless or network settings menu
  2. Select your Wi-Fi network name
  3. Enter your Wi-Fi password carefully (case-sensitive!)
  4. Wait for the connection to establish
  5. Print a network configuration page to confirm

Fix 2: Make Sure Printer Is on 2.4GHz Network

Most printers only work with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, not 5GHz:

  1. Check if your router broadcasts separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks
  2. Connect the printer to the 2.4GHz network specifically
  3. Make sure your computer can reach devices on that network

Fix 3: Add Printer by IP Address

  1. Print a network configuration page from the printer to find its IP address
  2. On your computer, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
  3. Click Add device, then Add manually
  4. Select Add a printer using TCP/IP address
  5. Enter the printer's IP address
  6. Complete the setup

Fix 4: Reserve an IP Address for the Printer

Printers can lose connection when their IP address changes. Fix this permanently:

  1. Log into your router (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
  2. Find DHCP reservation or static IP settings
  3. Add a reservation for your printer's MAC address
  4. This ensures the printer always gets the same IP

⚠️If Nothing Worked

Try resetting the printer's network settings to factory defaults and setting up Wi-Fi from scratch. Also check if your router has AP isolation enabled - this security feature can prevent devices from communicating with each other.

📞When to Call a Pro

If Wi-Fi printing continues to fail after reconnecting, or if it works sometimes but randomly drops, there might be interference issues or router configuration problems. A tech can analyze your network and find the best solution.

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

wifinetworkdrivershomewirelessconnectivity

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