Where to find your printer's IP address

Your printer's IP address is printed on a configuration page that comes out of the printer itself — that's the fastest way to find it. On most printers, you hold down the Menu or Settings button for three to five seconds, then navigate to "Network Settings" or "Device Information" and select "Print Configuration Page" or "Print Network Settings". A page will print with the IP address listed near the top, usually labeled as "IP Address" or "IPv4 Address".

If your printer doesn't have a display screen or menu buttons, check the manual or the manufacturer's website for your exact model. Some older or simpler printers don't have a configuration page option at all — in those cases, you'll need to find the address through your computer or phone instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The easiest method is to print a configuration page directly from the printer using its menu button, which displays the IP address on paper.
  • On Windows, you can find your printer's IP address through Settings > Devices > Printers and Scanners, then opening the printer's properties.
  • Mac users can locate the IP address in System Settings > Printers and Scanners by selecting the printer and clicking Details.
  • Your phone or tablet can show the printer's IP address if you open the printer's app or check your router's connected devices list.
  • The IP address is a series of four numbers separated by periods, like 192.168.1.100, and stays the same unless you change your network settings.

Finding the IP address on Windows

Open Settings and go to Devices, then select Printers and Scanners from the left menu. Find your printer in the list and click on it. A menu will appear with options — click "Open queue" or "Printer properties". In the window that opens, look for a tab labeled "Ports" or "Device Settings". The IP address should be listed there, usually shown as a series of four numbers separated by periods, like 192.168.1.100.

If you don't see the IP address in those locations, right-click on the printer name in the Printers and Scanners list and select "Printer properties" instead of just clicking it. Some printer models display the address under a "Details" or "About" section within the properties window.

Finding the IP address on Mac

Go to System Settings and select Printers and Scanners from the sidebar. Click your printer's name in the list on the left. A details panel will appear on the right side — look for a section that says "Location" or scroll down to find "IP Address" or "Device URI". The address will be shown in the same four-number format.

If the details panel doesn't show the IP address directly, click the "Details" or "Show Details" button if one appears. Some Mac systems also let you right-click the printer name and select "Show Details" from the menu.

Finding the IP address through your router

Your router keeps a list of every device connected to your network, including your printer. Open a web browser and type your router's address into the address bar — this is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but check your router's label or manual if those don't work. Log in with your router's username and password (also on the label or in your manual).

Once you're logged in, look for a section called "Connected Devices", "Device List", "DHCP Clients", or "Network Map". Your printer should appear in this list with its IP address next to it. This method works on any device — computer, phone, or tablet — as long as it's connected to the same network as your printer.

Finding the IP address on your phone or tablet

If your printer has its own app, read it from the App Store or Google Play and open it. Many printer apps show the IP address on the home screen or in a "Device Information" or "Settings" section. You may need to add your printer to the app first by selecting it from a list of nearby devices.

Without the app, you can check your phone's Wi-Fi settings to see connected devices. On iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the network name, and look for your printer in the list of connected devices — though not all phones display IP addresses this way. On Android, open Settings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi, select your network, and look for a "Connected Devices" or "Device List" option.

What to do once you have the IP address

Write down the IP address or take a photo of it and save it somewhere you can find it later. You'll use this address to add the printer to new devices, troubleshoot connection problems, or access the printer's web interface by typing the address into a browser. The address usually stays the same, but if you change your network settings or restart your router, it may change — so it's worth checking again if the printer stops responding.

If you're setting up the printer on a new device, you can often just select it from the list of available printers instead of typing the IP address manually. But having the address on hand makes the process faster and helps you troubleshoot if the printer doesn't appear in the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my printer's IP address ever change?

It can change if your router restarts, if you change your network settings, or if your router's DHCP settings are configured to reassign addresses. Most home networks keep the same address for the same printer, but it's not may provide. If your printer stops responding, check the configuration page again to see if the address has changed.

What if I can't find my printer in the Printers and Scanners list?

The printer may not be connected to your network yet, or it may not be turned on. Make sure the printer is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. If it's a wired printer connected by Ethernet cable, it should appear automatically. If it's wireless, check that the printer successfully joined your network — most printers have a light or display that shows connection status.

Can I use the IP address to print from anywhere?

The IP address only works on your home network. You can print to the printer from any device on that network using the IP address, but you cannot print from outside your home using just the IP address. Some printers have cloud printing features that let you print remotely, but that requires a separate setup through the printer manufacturer's app or service.

Is the IP address the same as the printer's MAC address?

No. The IP address is a temporary identifier that your router assigns, while the MAC address is a permanent hardware identifier built into the printer. The MAC address looks similar — six pairs of letters and numbers separated by colons, like AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF — but it never changes. You'll usually need the IP address for printing, not the MAC address.