Finding a Printer’s IP Address: 5 Quick Methods

Just like each of the devices you use on a regular basis, your printer has a unique IP address. It isn’t difficult to find your printer’s IP address, but you do have to know where to look. 

There are several ways to find your printer’s IP address. The best strategy to choose is the one that seems easy and quick. There are four standard ways to find this information, but take note that a few of these options look different for Mac and PC users. 

The printer settings on your computer

When your printer is connected to a computer, you can always find the printer’s IP address on that computer. 

On a Windows device: 

Checking the printer’s properties on your computer will be a little different, depending on whether or not the printer is connected via WSD (Web Services for Devices) or a TCP/IP port. TCP/IP is more common. But you should be prepared for either option. 

1. Open the Control Panel
2. Select “Devices and Printers”
3. Right-click the correct printer 
4. Choose “Properties” from the drop-down menu
5. If the printer is connected via WSD technology, select the “Web Services” tab; the IP address will be in the IP address field
6. If there is no Web Services tab, then you will go back to the “Properties” tab
7. Select the “Ports” tab, where the IP address will be in the field labeled “Port”

What if I don’t see the IP address? At this point, you can select “Configure Port” to access the IP address. 

On a Mac device: 

A device that uses macOS may not have visible printer IP addresses for printers connected via Airprint. It is better to use one of the other methods in our list if you are using a Mac. 

The printer’s built-in menu

Most printers have a built-in display screen that serves as a control panel. This will often provide the printer’s network information, including the IP address. 

Alternatively, you may find the IP address in one of the following places on the printer’s menu screen: 

• Preferences
• Options
• Wireless settings
• In the Network Settings dialog box
• In a submenu such as View Wireless Details

Command prompts

You can use command prompts on your computer to find out the IP address of any connected printer. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide for using the Command Prompt in Windows:

1. In the start menu, enter “cmd”
2. When the Best Match menu pops up, choose “Command Prompt” 
3. Enter “netstat -r” and hit the enter key. 
4. Look for the IP address in the IPv4 Route Table, as any printer connected via TCP/IP will be displayed as an Active Route

Here’s what to do if you are using macOS: 

1. Open your preferred browser (Safari will work)
2. Enter: “localhost:631/printers”
3. If there are printers available, the IP addresses will appear in the Location column

Finally, this is what to do if you are connecting via AirPrint: 

The macOS method above may not work if you are using an AirPrint-connected printer. If that method fails, try these steps. 

1. Open “Applications”
2. Select “Utilities” 
3. Select “Terminal”
4. Apple Support gives the following example to look for: ipp://yourprinter.local.631/ipp/port1
5. Note that in this example, it won’t say “yourprinter,” but instead, will include an alphanumeric expression that identifies your specific printer
6. Using that alphanumeric expression, enter the ping for yourprinter.local, and the result will be the printer’s IP address

Network configuration page

Most printers will print out a network configuration page, and this page will include the device’s IP address. 

You can find specific instructions in your printer’s user manual. There are usually small variations from one printer model to the next. 

In general, most models have you send a network configuration page from the printer’s settings menu. Sometimes, you can access a shortcut by holding down a specific button until it issues the command. 

Here are some examples:

HP Laserjet Pro M1212n

1. Go to Set-up
2. Select Reports
3. Select Reports Demo Page
4. Select Config Report

Canon image RUNNER

1. Go to Main Menu
2. Select Settings
3. Select Preferences
4. Select Network 

Most Epson printers: 

1. Press an arrow button (up or down)
2. Select Setup
3. Press “OK”
4. Use the down arrow button to select Network Settings
5. Press “OK”
6. Use the down arrow button to select Network Status
7. Press “OK”
8. Use the down arrow button to select Print Status Sheet
9. Press “OK”
10. Press the up arrow button, which will print the network status sheet

Most printers that don’t have a display screen: 

1. Long-press the Power button, the Go button, or the Wi-Fi button for 5-10 seconds

Manufacturer’s documentation

Your printer’s manufacturer will provide instructions for how to find the printer’s IP address. 

You should be able to visit the manufacturer’s website or look in your printer model. The IP address won’t be provided in these locations, but you will find instructions for how to find or configure the IP address.

FAQs About Printer IP Addresses

If you are looking for your printer’s IP address, you may have some questions! Let’s answer the most frequently asked questions about printers and IP addresses. 

What is a printer IP address?

An IP address is a unique numerical label assigned to a device that accesses a network. Printers, computers, phones, and other devices are identified by their unique IP addresses. The printer’s IP address is what allows the network to communicate with the printer and send print jobs. 

Why would you need to know your printer’s IP address? 

There are a number of situations in which it is useful–or even essential–to know your printer’s IP address. 

• Configuring network printing
• Troubleshooting connection issues
• Adding a printer to multiple devices
• Configuring the print server or print management software
• Accessing a printer web interface
• Adjusting firewall or security configurations

What is the difference between a static IP address and a dynamic IP address?

There are two types of IP addresses: static and dynamic.

Most printers use a dynamic IP address by default. Their configuration means that the printer automatically obtains an IP address from a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. This may be a router or a standalone server.

When your IP address is provided by the DHCP server, it is like a lease. The leased IP address will expire after a certain amount of time, or after you reboot the printer. Depending on the printer’s configuration, the same IP address is leased to the printer again or the printer will get a new IP address.

A static IP address is manually assigned to the printer by a user. It remains constant unless it is intentionally changed again. Many IT professionals recommend using a static IP address for offices with many printers, because it can simplify troubleshooting and help with network organization. 

Can my printer have the same IP address as another device on my network? 

No, each device on a network must have its own unique IP address. Duplicate IP addresses can lead to communication issues and disrupt the functionality of your network.