Finding a printer’s IP address is a common troubleshooting step when a computer cannot connect, a print job is stuck, or a printer needs to be added manually. The exact method depends on whether the person is using Windows, macOS, or the printer’s own display panel. In most cases, the address is easy to locate once the printer is connected to the same network as the computer.
TLDR: A printer’s IP address can usually be found in the computer’s printer settings or directly on the printer display. On Windows, it is often listed under Printer Properties or device information. On macOS, it can be found in Printers & Scanners or through the printer’s options page. If the printer has a screen, the IP address is commonly shown under Network, Wireless, or TCP/IP settings.
What Is a Printer IP Address?
A printer IP address is a unique network address assigned to a printer so that computers, phones, and other devices can communicate with it. It usually looks like a set of numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.45. This address works like a location marker on the local network, helping devices send print jobs to the correct printer.
Knowing the IP address is especially useful when a printer does not appear automatically, when installing a network printer, or when accessing the printer’s web management page. It can also help confirm whether the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network as the computer.
How to Find a Printer IP Address on Windows
On Windows, the printer’s IP address can be found through the Settings app, Control Panel, or printer properties. The exact labels may vary slightly depending on the Windows version and printer driver, but the process is generally similar.
Method 1: Use Windows Settings
- Open the Start menu and select Settings.
- Go to Bluetooth & devices, then choose Printers & scanners.
- Select the printer from the list.
- Open Printer properties or Printer preferences, depending on what is shown.
- Look for a tab such as Ports, Web Services, or Device Information.
- The IP address may appear next to a standard TCP/IP port, hostname, or network location.
If the printer uses a TCP/IP port, the address may be visible in the Ports tab. The selected port often contains the IP address or a device name that points to the printer.
Method 2: Use Control Panel
- Open Control Panel.
- Select Devices and Printers or View devices and printers.
- Right-click the printer and choose Printer Properties.
- Select the Ports tab.
- Find the checked port for the printer.
- If needed, click Configure Port to view the IP address.
This method is often the most reliable on Windows because many network printers use a Standard TCP/IP Port. If the address is not immediately visible, the Configure Port button usually reveals it.
Method 3: Print a Test or Configuration Page
Some Windows printer drivers include an option to print a network configuration page. This page may list the printer’s IPv4 address, MAC address, wireless status, and gateway. The option may appear under Printer Properties, Maintenance, or Device Settings.
How to Find a Printer IP Address on macOS
On macOS, the printer IP address can usually be found in System Settings or System Preferences, depending on the macOS version. Apple may display a printer’s address as an IP address, hostname, or device URL.
Method 1: Use Printers & Scanners
- Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
- Select Printers & Scanners.
- Choose the printer from the list.
- Click Options & Supplies or a similar information button.
- Look for the printer’s Location, URL, or IP address.
If the printer was added using an IP address, macOS may show it clearly in the printer details. If it was added through Bonjour or AirPrint, macOS may show a hostname instead, such as a printer name ending in .local.
Method 2: Open the Printer Web Page
Some printer entries on macOS include a button such as Show Printer Webpage or Open Print Queue. If a web page opens in the browser, the address bar may show the printer’s IP address. This page is also useful for checking ink levels, network settings, firmware information, and device status.
Method 3: Use Terminal
For advanced users, macOS Terminal can reveal printer connection details. The person can open Terminal and run a command such as lpstat -v. This command lists installed printers and their device paths. If the printer was installed by IP address, the output may include a line with an address such as socket://192.168.1.45 or ipp://192.168.1.45.
How to Find the IP Address on the Printer Display
Many modern printers have a built-in display that shows network details. This is often the fastest method because it does not rely on a computer. The names of the menus vary by manufacturer, but the IP address is usually found in one of the network-related sections.
A typical path may look like this:
- Settings > Network > TCP/IP
- Setup > Wireless Settings > Network Summary
- Menu > Reports > Network Configuration
- Information > Connectivity > IPv4 Address
On touchscreen printers, the IP address may appear under a Wi-Fi icon, Ethernet icon, or Network Status page. On printers with physical buttons, the user may need to navigate using arrow keys and an OK button.
If the printer does not have a large display, it may still be able to print a network configuration page. This is often done by holding a wireless, information, or cancel button for several seconds. The printed page usually includes the IPv4 address, IPv6 address, SSID, signal strength, and connection status.
What If the Printer IP Address Is Not Shown?
If the IP address is missing, the printer may not be connected to the network. The person should first check whether the printer is connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet. For wireless printers, the Wi-Fi network name should match the network used by the computer. For wired printers, the Ethernet cable should be firmly connected to both the printer and router or network switch.
Restarting the printer and router can also help. After rebooting, the printer may receive a new address from the router. If this happens often, it may be helpful to reserve a fixed address for the printer in the router settings. This is commonly called a DHCP reservation and prevents the printer IP address from changing unexpectedly.
Helpful Tips for Using a Printer IP Address
- Use the IPv4 address first: Most home and office networks use IPv4 addresses, which look like 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x.
- Confirm the network: The computer and printer should usually be on the same local network.
- Check for changes: If printing suddenly stops, the printer may have received a new IP address.
- Try the browser: Entering the printer IP address into a web browser may open the printer’s management page.
- Record the address: Keeping the address in a safe place can make future troubleshooting faster.
FAQ
Why does a printer need an IP address?
A network printer needs an IP address so computers and mobile devices can find it and send print jobs to it over Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Is the printer IP address the same as the computer IP address?
No. Each device on a network has its own IP address. The printer and computer should have different addresses, although they may share the same network range.
Can a printer IP address change?
Yes. If the printer receives its address automatically from the router, the address can change after a restart or network update. A DHCP reservation can help keep it consistent.
What does a printer IP address look like?
Most printer IP addresses look like 192.168.1.25, 192.168.0.50, or 10.0.0.15. These are common private network addresses.
Can the IP address be used to add a printer manually?
Yes. Windows and macOS both allow a printer to be added manually by entering its IP address, especially when automatic discovery does not work.
What should be done if the IP address does not work in a browser?
The printer may be offline, on a different network, or using a blocked web interface. The person should confirm the address, check the network connection, and restart the printer if needed.
