A network printer that can't be found is usually caused by an IP address change, sharing settings, or a firewall blocking discovery.

Quick Answer

Confirm the printer's current IP address from its own menu, then add it manually if automatic network search fails.

On This Page
  1. Common Reasons This Happens
  2. Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting
  3. 1. Check the Printer's Current IP
  4. 2. Add the Printer by IP Address
  5. 3. Assign a Static IP
  6. 4. Check Firewall Settings
  7. 5. Enable Printer Sharing
  8. What If It's Still Not Fixed?
  9. Frequently Asked Questions

Common Reasons my network printer not found

A changed IP address

Without a static IP, a router can reassign the printer a new address that your computer no longer recognizes.

Printer sharing disabled

On the host computer, printer sharing may have been turned off after an update.

A firewall blocking discovery

Security software can block the network broadcast traffic printers use to announce themselves.

Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting

Before you start:
  • Check the printer's current IP address from its network settings menu.
  • Confirm printer sharing is enabled if using a shared printer from another computer.

1. Check the Printer's Current IP

1

View this directly from the printer's network settings screen.

2. Add the Printer by IP Address

2

Use the manual "add printer by IP or hostname" option instead of automatic search.

3. Assign a Static IP

3

Reserve a fixed address for the printer in your router's DHCP settings to prevent future mismatches.

4. Check Firewall Settings

4

Temporarily disable third-party firewall software to see if it's blocking discovery traffic.

5. Enable Printer Sharing

5

On the host computer, confirm printer sharing is turned on if other devices connect through it.

What If It's Still Not Fixed?

If you've worked through every step above and the problem continues, it's worth checking a nearby cause rather than repeating the same steps. The guides below cover the most common related issues.

Still stuck? Try describing the problem in your own words using the search bar — different symptoms of the same root cause are often covered on a related page.

Frequently Asked Questions

A static IP is a fixed address reserved for one device, preventing your router from reassigning the printer a different address over time.

People Also Ask

  • Open Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and turn off "Use Printer Offline" if it appears. Read the full guide →
  • Fan the paper stack before loading to reduce static, and check the separator pad for wear if the problem continues. Read the full guide →
  • Confirm the printer and computer share the same network, enable network discovery, and restart both devices before searching again. Read the full guide →
  • Restart the printer and computer, check the print queue, confirm the correct printer is selected, and verify the connection before reinstalling the driver. Read the full guide →

Related Guides

Why Can't My Computer Find My Printer? Why Is My Printer Not Connecting to WiFi? Why Does My Printer Keep Disconnecting?