How to Locate Your Printer's IP Address (Every Method Explained)

Every printer connected to a network has an IP address — a unique numerical label that lets your computer, router, and other devices identify and communicate with it. Whether you're troubleshooting a connection, setting up a static address, or configuring print servers, knowing how to find that address is a fundamental networking skill.

The method you'll use depends on your printer model, operating system, and how the printer is connected. There's no single universal path, but there are several reliable ones.

Why Your Printer Has an IP Address

When a printer connects to a network — either via Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet cable — your router assigns it an IP address using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). This address is how print jobs get routed from your device to the printer across the network.

Locally connected printers (plugged directly into your computer via USB) typically don't have a network IP address in the traditional sense. The methods below apply to network-connected printers.

Method 1: Print a Network Configuration Page from the Printer Itself 🖨️

This is often the fastest and most reliable method, and it works without touching your computer at all.

Most printers have a built-in option to print a configuration page or network status sheet that lists all network details, including the IP address.

How to access it:

• On printers with a touchscreen or LCD panel: Navigate to Settings → Network → Network Configuration (or similar wording) and look for a "Print Report" or "Print Network Info" option.
• On button-only printers: Many models print a configuration page by holding down a specific button (often the Wi-Fi or power button) for several seconds. Check your printer's manual for the exact combination.

The printed page will display your IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and MAC address — everything you need.

Method 2: Check the Printer's Control Panel Display

If your printer has an LCD screen or touchscreen, you may not need to print anything.

Navigate through the on-screen menu:

• Settings or Setup
• Network or Wireless
• Network Status or TCP/IP Settings

The current IP address is typically shown directly on this screen.

Method 3: Find It Through Your Windows PC

Windows gives you multiple paths to locate a networked printer's IP address.

Via Printer Properties

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners
2. Select your printer → click Printer properties
3. Go to the Ports tab
4. The IP address is listed next to the active port (usually formatted as something like 192.168.1.x)

Via the Control Panel (older Windows versions)

1. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers
2. Right-click your printer → Printer properties
3. Check the Ports tab for the IP address

Via Command Prompt

If you know the printer name, you can run:

netstat -r 

or use:

ping [printer-name] 

This can return the IP address if the printer is actively responding on the network.

Method 4: Find It Through macOS

On a Mac, the process routes through System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS):

1. Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners
2. Select your printer from the list
3. Click Options & Supplies
4. The IP address is usually visible under the General tab or in the location/address field

Alternatively, open the Print dialog from any application, select your printer, and click the dropdown to view connection details.

Method 5: Check Your Router's Admin Interface 🌐

Your router maintains a list of every device connected to your network, including printers.

1. Enter your router's admin IP (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a browser
2. Log in with your admin credentials
3. Look for a section labeled Connected Devices, DHCP Client List, or Device Table
4. Find your printer by its device name or MAC address — the IP address will be listed alongside it

This method is especially useful when you can't access the printer directly or are managing multiple devices.

Method 6: Use the Printer's Software or App

Most major printer manufacturers provide desktop software or mobile apps that display network information:

• HP printers: HP Smart app shows IP address and network status
• Epson printers: Epson iPrint or the built-in Epson Status Monitor
• Canon printers: Canon PRINT app or IJ Network Device Setup Utility
• Brother printers: BRAdmin Light or the Brother iPrint&Scan app

These tools typically surface the IP address on the printer's status or settings screen within the app.

Understanding Static vs. Dynamic IP Addresses

One variable that significantly affects how you manage this information is whether your printer uses a dynamic or static IP address.

If your printer's IP address keeps changing and causing connection drops, assigning a static IP — either through the printer's network settings or through your router's DHCP reservation feature — is worth considering.

Variables That Affect Which Method Works for You

Not every method works in every situation. The right path depends on:

• Printer type: Consumer inkjets, laser printers, and enterprise-grade devices all have different menu structures
• Connection type: Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet vs. USB (USB printers typically don't have a network IP)
• Operating system: Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS Ventura, and older versions each have slightly different navigation paths
• Whether manufacturer software is installed: Some methods only work if the printer driver or companion app is present
• Router access: Not all users have admin credentials for their router, especially in managed office environments

The printed network configuration page tends to be the most universally accessible method — it bypasses the computer entirely and works regardless of OS or software setup. But if you're managing printers across a network or troubleshooting remotely, the router's device list or manufacturer software will give you more context about the printer's connection status alongside the address itself.

Your specific setup — the printer model, how it's connected, and what system you're working from — will determine which of these paths is actually the most practical for your situation.