Wireless Printer Won't Connect
A wireless printer won't connect to Wi-Fi during initial setup, or after a router or password change, despite following the setup steps.
Quick answer: Most wireless printer setup failures come down to being on the wrong Wi-Fi network, an incorrect password entered on the printer's own small screen, or the printer's Wi-Fi mode not being properly enabled. Double-check the network name and password directly on the printer before troubleshooting further.
Likely causes
- The wrong Wi-Fi network selected on the printer, particularly with routers broadcasting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks (many printers only support 2.4GHz)
- An incorrectly entered Wi-Fi password, which is easy to mistype on a printer's small screen or buttons
- The printer's Wi-Fi mode not fully enabled, or stuck from a previous connection attempt
- Router settings blocking new device connections, such as MAC address filtering
What you can safely check yourself
- Check whether your router broadcasts a 5GHz network separately — many printers can only join the 2.4GHz one
- Re-enter the Wi-Fi password carefully directly on the printer, checking capitalisation
- Restart the printer and attempt the wireless setup process again from scratch
- Try the printer's manufacturer app, which often simplifies the connection process compared to the printer's own screen
When it needs a proper look
If the network name and password are confirmed correct and the printer still won't join, that's worth a proper look at both the printer and router settings together.