How to Check Printer IP Address: 7 Quick Methods (2026)

Ever tried adding a printer to a new device only to be asked for its IP address? I’ve been there, staring at the setup screen with no idea where to find those mysterious numbers.

A printer’s IP address is a unique numerical identifier that allows devices on your network to communicate with it. Think of it as your printer’s home address on your local network.

After helping dozens of colleagues set up network printers, I’ve found that checking a printer’s IP address takes less than 2 minutes once you know where to look.

In this guide, I’ll show you 7 proven methods to find your printer’s IP address, whether you’re using Windows, Mac, or prefer checking directly from the printer itself.

Finding Printer IP Address on Windows

Windows offers three reliable methods to check your printer’s IP address. I use the Control Panel method most often because it works on every Windows version from 7 through 11.

Method 1: Using Control Panel

The Control Panel remains the quickest way to find printer details in Windows.

1. Open Control Panel: Press Windows + R, type “control” and press Enter
2. Navigate to Devices: Click “View devices and printers” under Hardware and Sound
3. Access Properties: Right-click your printer and select “Properties”
4. Find the IP: Click the “Ports” tab and look for the IP address next to the checked port
5. Note the Address: The IP appears as four numbers separated by dots (like 192.168.1.100)

This method takes about 30 seconds and works even with older printer models.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt provides detailed network information about all connected printers.

1. Open Command Prompt: Press Windows + R, type “cmd” and press Enter
2. Run the command: Type netstat -r and press Enter
3. Alternative command: Type ping printername (replace with your printer’s name)
4. View results: The IP address appears in the response

For a complete list of network printers, use: wmic printer get name, portname, drivername

This command shows all printers with their network ports, making it easy to spot IP addresses.

Method 3: Using Windows Settings

Windows 10 and 11 users can check printer IPs through the modern Settings app.

1. Open Settings: Press Windows + I
2. Navigate: Go to Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners
3. Select printer: Click on your printer name
4. View properties: Click “Printer properties” or “Hardware properties”
5. Check Web Services: Look for the IP address under “Web Services” or “Location”

Windows 11 displays the IP directly in the printer’s main settings page, saving you an extra click.

Finding Printer IP Address on Mac

Mac systems offer two straightforward methods to discover printer IP addresses. I’ve tested both on systems from Big Sur through Sonoma.

Using System Settings

macOS makes printer information easily accessible through System Settings.

1. Open System Settings: Click the Apple menu → System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions)
2. Select Printers: Click “Printers & Scanners” in the sidebar
3. Choose your printer: Select it from the list on the left
4. View details: Click “Options & Supplies”
5. Check the address: The IP appears under “Location” or in the URL field

On macOS Ventura and later, you might need to click the information (i) button next to the printer name.

Using CUPS Web Interface

CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) provides detailed printer information through a web interface.

1. Open Safari or Chrome: Launch your preferred browser
2. Access CUPS: Type http://localhost:631 in the address bar
3. View printers: Click “Printers” in the navigation menu
4. Select your printer: Click on its name
5. Find the connection: The IP address appears in the “Connection” field

CUPS also shows print job history and allows advanced printer management.

Checking IP Address from Printer Control Panel

Most network printers display their IP address directly on the device. This method works offline and doesn’t require computer access.

For Printers with Touchscreen

Modern printers with touchscreens make finding the IP address simple.

1. Wake the printer: Touch the screen or press the Home button
2. Find network settings: Look for a Wi-Fi icon, Settings gear, or Network option
3. Select network info: Tap “Network Summary” or “TCP/IP”
4. View the IP: The IPv4 address displays on screen

HP printers often show the IP by tapping the wireless icon directly from the home screen.

Canon models typically place this under Menu → Network Settings → View Network Status.

For Printers with Buttons Only

Older printers without touchscreens use button combinations to display network information.

1. Press Menu or Setup: Navigate using arrow buttons
2. Find Network: Look for Network, TCP/IP, or Wireless options
3. Select View Settings: Choose “View Network Configuration” or similar
4. Scroll to IP: Use arrows to find IPv4 Address

Brother printers often require: Menu → Network → WLAN → TCP/IP → IP Address.

Printing a Network Configuration Page

Every network printer can print its complete network settings.

1. Access Reports: Press Menu or Setup on the printer
2. Find Reports section: Navigate to Reports, Information, or Print Reports
3. Select Network Config: Choose “Network Configuration” or “Network Summary”
4. Print the page: Press OK or Print

The configuration page includes IP address, MAC address, and subnet details.

For HP printers, press and hold the Information button (i) for 5 seconds to print this automatically.

Finding Printer IP Through Your Router

Your router maintains a list of all connected devices, including printers. This method works when other options fail.

Accessing Router Settings

Router access requires knowing your router’s IP address, typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.

1. Open a browser: Use any web browser on a connected device
2. Enter router IP: Type 192.168.1.1 in the address bar
3. Login: Enter your router username and password
4. Find device list: Look for “Connected Devices,” “DHCP Clients,” or “Device List”

Can’t remember your router password? Check the sticker on your router’s bottom or back panel.

Locating Connected Devices

Once logged in, navigate to the device list section.

• Netgear routers: Advanced → Setup → Connected Devices
• Linksys routers: Smart Wi-Fi Tools → Priority → Device List
• TP-Link routers: Advanced → Network → DHCP Server → DHCP Client List
• Asus routers: Network Map → Clients

The list shows all active devices with their IP addresses and connection status.

Identifying Your Printer

Printers appear in the device list with recognizable names or manufacturer identifiers.

Look for entries containing:

• Your printer model number (like “HP-LaserJet-M255”)
• Manufacturer name (Canon, Epson, Brother)
• Generic terms (PRINTER, PRN, or LPR)
• MAC address matching your printer’s label

If multiple printers exist, disconnect one temporarily to identify which IP disappears from the list.

Troubleshooting Common IP Address Issues in 2026

After setting up hundreds of network printers, I’ve encountered every IP-related issue imaginable. Here’s how to solve the most common problems.

Why Printer IP Addresses Change

Your printer’s IP address changes because most routers use DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) by default.

DHCP automatically assigns available IP addresses to devices when they connect. Your printer gets a new IP when:

• Router restarts: Power outages or manual reboots trigger reassignment
• Lease expires: DHCP leases typically last 24-72 hours
• Network changes: Adding new devices can shuffle IP assignments
• Printer reconnects: Turning the printer off for extended periods

I once spent an hour troubleshooting print failures, only to discover the printer’s IP had changed overnight after a router update.

Setting a Static IP Address

A static IP prevents your printer from changing addresses, eliminating connection issues.

Method 1: Through Printer Settings

1. Access printer network settings via control panel
2. Select TCP/IP or IPv4 Configuration
3. Change from “Automatic” to “Manual”
4. Enter an IP outside your router’s DHCP range (like 192.168.1.200)
5. Set subnet mask to 255.255.255.0
6. Enter your router’s IP as the gateway
7. Save and restart the printer

Method 2: Through Router Settings

1. Log into your router’s admin panel
2. Find DHCP Reservation or Static IP settings
3. Add your printer’s MAC address
4. Assign a permanent IP address
5. Save and restart both router and printer

Router-based reservation works better because the printer still uses DHCP but always receives the same IP.

When You Can’t Find the IP Address

Sometimes standard methods fail. Here’s my troubleshooting checklist:

Network Scanner Tools

Free network scanning apps quickly identify all devices on your network:

• Windows: Advanced IP Scanner or Angry IP Scanner
• Mac: LanScan or IP Scanner Pro
• Mobile: Fing (iOS/Android) or Network Analyzer

These tools scan your entire network in seconds, displaying device names, IPs, and manufacturers.

Alternative Discovery Methods

1. Print a test page: Many test pages include network information
2. Check print queue properties: Recent print jobs may show the IP
3. Use manufacturer software: HP Smart, Canon PRINT, or Epson Connect apps display IPs
4. Try mDNS name: Ping “printername.local” often reveals the IP
5. Check Windows Event Viewer: Print service logs contain IP addresses

Last Resort Options

If nothing works, these methods always succeed:

• Reset printer network settings and reconfigure from scratch
• Connect via USB temporarily to check network configuration
• Use WPS push-button setup to reconnect, then check router for new IP

Network resets take 5-10 minutes but guarantee a fresh connection with visible IP assignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Finding your printer’s IP address becomes second nature once you know where to look. The Control Panel method on Windows and System Settings on Mac work for 90% of situations.

I recommend saving your printer’s IP address along with your Wi-Fi password and other network details. This saves time during future device setups or troubleshooting sessions.

If your printer’s IP keeps changing and causing connection issues, take 10 minutes to set up a static IP through your router. It’s a one-time fix that prevents countless future headaches.

Remember, every method I’ve shared takes less than 2 minutes once you know the steps. Pick the approach that matches your system and printer type for the quickest results.