Wi-Fi printer not found

Easy≈ 5–10 min

Quick answer

Your device can’t find the printer on the wireless network because the two are not talking on the same network segment. Most cases are a band mismatch (the printer is 2.4 GHz only), a guest network, or a stale connection. Putting both on the same 2.4 GHz network and re-running discovery fixes it in a few minutes.

Basic checks first

  • The printer is powered on and its Wi-Fi light is steady, not blinking.
  • The printer joined your home Wi-Fi (print a network/Wi-Fi status page from the panel to confirm its IP).
  • Your phone or computer is on the same network, not a guest or work VPN network.
  • Most home routers broadcast 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under one name; many printers only join 2.4 GHz.

Step-by-step by operating system

01Add the printerSettings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners › Add device. Wait for Windows to scan; if it appears, select it and let it install.
02Turn on network discoveryIf nothing is found, enable Network discovery and File and printer sharing in Advanced network settings, then scan again.
03Add by IP as a fallbackChoose “The printer that I want isn’t listed” › “Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname” and enter the IP from the printer’s Wi-Fi status page.

Fixes by connection type

USB

Plug in via USB to confirm the printer works and to finish Wi-Fi setup from the maker’s app if wireless discovery keeps failing.

Wi-Fi

Keep the printer near the router during setup and join the 2.4 GHz band; many printers do not support 5 GHz-only networks.

Ethernet

If the printer has a LAN port, a cable to the router avoids all radio issues; check the link light and that it pulled an IP.

Differences by brand

HPRun setup from the HP Smart app; it rejoins Wi-Fi and updates firmware. HP notes many printers connect on 2.4 GHz only.
CanonUse Canon PRINT or the panel’s Wireless LAN Setup (Standard Setup); PIXMA/MAXIFY models do not support 5 GHz networks.
EpsonFor panel-less models, run Epson Smart Panel’s guided Wi-Fi setup, or use Wi-Fi Setup from the printer menu.

Decision tree

Is the printer actually on your Wi-Fi?Print a network/Wi-Fi status page. No IP or a blinking Wi-Fi light means it never joined. Re-run Wi-Fi setup first.
Are both devices on the same 2.4 GHz network?Guest networks and 5 GHz-only bands block discovery. Join both to the same standard 2.4 GHz network.
On Wi-Fi but still not found?Restart printer and router, re-run discovery, and if it still hides, add it manually by its IP address.

Frequently asked questions

Why can my computer not find my Wi-Fi printer?

Almost always a network mismatch: the printer is on 2.4 GHz or a guest/VPN network while your device is elsewhere. Put both on the same standard network and re-scan.

Does my printer need to be on 2.4 GHz?

Many home printers, including several HP and Canon PIXMA/MAXIFY models, connect only on 2.4 GHz. If your router hides the 2.4 GHz band or is 5 GHz-only, the printer cannot be found.

It worked before and now it is gone. Why?

A router reboot or IP change can drop the printer off the network. Reserve a static IP for it on the router, or re-run Wi-Fi setup, to keep it discoverable.

PrinterErrors editorial team

Last updated · Content is independent and not sponsored by any manufacturer.

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Related error codes

HP 79Error 79 is an internal firmware error: the printer ch