Adding a printer by IP address is one of the most reliable ways to connect to a network printer, especially in offices, shared workspaces, schools, and homes with multiple devices. Instead of relying on automatic discovery, your computer connects directly to the printer’s network address. This can reduce connection failures, avoid duplicate printer entries, and make printing more predictable.
TLDR: To add a printer by IP address, first find the printer’s current IP address from its display panel, configuration page, router, or printer software. Then open your computer’s printer settings, choose to add a printer manually, and enter the IP address using a standard protocol such as TCP/IP, IPP, or LPR. Install the correct driver when prompted, print a test page, and consider assigning a static IP address so the connection does not break later.
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Why Add a Printer by IP Address?
Most modern printers support automatic discovery through Wi-Fi, Ethernet, AirPrint, Mopria, or manufacturer utilities. However, automatic discovery is not always dependable. Firewalls, network segmentation, outdated drivers, and Wi-Fi changes can prevent a computer from finding a printer.
Adding a printer by IP address gives you a more direct connection. This is especially useful when the printer is already connected to the network but does not appear in the available printer list. It is also helpful for shared network printers, business printers, and printers without reliable discovery support.
Before You Begin
Before adding the printer, confirm that both your computer and printer are connected to the same network. If the printer is on a wired Ethernet connection and your laptop is on Wi-Fi, they can still communicate as long as both networks are part of the same local network.
You will need the following information:
- Printer IP address, such as 192.168.1.45
- Printer model, for example HP LaserJet Pro M404 or Canon imageCLASS MF455dw
- Administrator access on your computer, in some cases
- Correct printer driver, preferably from the printer manufacturer’s official support page
How to Find the Printer’s IP Address
The most important step is identifying the correct IP address. Printers can receive addresses automatically from the router, so the address may not be printed on a label or included in the manual.
Common ways to find the IP address include:
- Printer display panel: On printers with a screen, open Settings, Network, Wi-Fi, or TCP/IP. The IP address is often listed under network status.
- Print a network configuration page: Many printers can print a status report showing the IP address, MAC address, and connection type.
- Router admin page: Log in to your router and look for connected devices. The printer may appear by brand name, model number, or host name.
- Manufacturer software: Printer management tools may display network details, including the IP address.
- Command line tools: Advanced users can use commands such as arp -a or network scanning tools to identify devices on the local network.
Once you find the address, test it by entering it into a web browser. Many network printers have a built-in web interface. If a printer management page opens, you have likely found the correct IP address.
How to Add a Printer by IP Address in Windows
Windows supports adding printers by TCP/IP address through the Settings app or Control Panel. The exact wording may vary slightly between Windows 10 and Windows 11, but the process is similar.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Bluetooth & devices, then select Printers & scanners.
- Click Add device.
- If the printer does not appear, choose Add manually.
- Select Add a printer using an IP address or hostname.
- For device type, choose TCP/IP Device.
- Enter the printer’s IP address in the Hostname or IP address field.
- Leave Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use enabled if available.
- Choose or install the correct printer driver when prompted.
- Name the printer clearly, then print a test page.
If Windows cannot automatically find a driver, download the driver from the manufacturer’s official website. Avoid using unknown third-party driver sources, as printer drivers operate at a system level and should be treated carefully.
How to Add a Printer by IP Address on macOS
macOS also allows direct printer setup by IP address. This is useful when AirPrint discovery does not show the printer or when you need to use a specific driver.
- Open System Settings.
- Select Printers & Scanners.
- Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.
- Choose the IP tab.
- Enter the printer’s IP address in the Address field.
- Select a protocol. Common options include AirPrint, IPP, Line Printer Daemon LPD, or HP Jetdirect Socket.
- Wait for macOS to detect the printer information.
- Choose the correct driver under Use.
- Click Add.
For many modern printers, IPP or AirPrint works well. Some enterprise printers may require HP Jetdirect Socket or LPD. If you are unsure which protocol to use, consult the printer’s documentation or your IT administrator.
Choosing the Right Printing Protocol
When adding a printer by IP address, the protocol determines how your computer communicates with the printer. The most common options are:
- TCP/IP or Standard TCP/IP Port: Common on Windows and suitable for most network printers.
- IPP: Internet Printing Protocol, widely supported and often recommended for modern network printing.
- LPD or LPR: Older but still used in many business environments.
- Jetdirect or Socket: Frequently used with HP and compatible enterprise printers, often on port 9100.
For home and small office printers, the default option selected by your operating system is usually sufficient. In managed business networks, the correct protocol may be defined by IT policy.
Assigning a Static IP Address
If your printer uses DHCP, your router may assign it a new IP address later. When that happens, your computer may continue trying to print to the old address, causing failed jobs or an offline printer status.
To prevent this, consider assigning a static IP address or creating a DHCP reservation in the router. A DHCP reservation is often safer because the router continues managing addresses while guaranteeing the printer receives the same one each time.
When selecting an address, make sure it does not conflict with another device. For example, if your router uses addresses from 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.200, assign the printer an address outside that range only if your router allows it, or reserve the existing printer address directly in the router.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If the printer does not work after adding it by IP address, use a structured troubleshooting approach:
- Ping the printer: On Windows or macOS, use a ping command to check whether the printer responds on the network.
- Check the IP address: Confirm the printer has not received a new address from the router.
- Restart devices: Restart the printer, router, and computer to clear temporary network issues.
- Verify the driver: Incorrect drivers may allow the printer to appear but prevent successful printing.
- Check firewall rules: Security software may block printer communication, especially on business laptops.
- Confirm network isolation: Guest Wi-Fi networks often block access to local devices, including printers.
If print jobs remain stuck in the queue, cancel all pending jobs, restart the print spooler or printing system, and try printing a simple test page. Avoid testing with large PDF files until basic printing works.
Security Considerations
Network printers are often overlooked, but they are still connected devices. Change default administrator passwords, keep printer firmware updated, and disable services you do not use. If the printer has a web interface, restrict access where possible and avoid exposing it directly to the internet.
In professional environments, printing should follow the organization’s security standards. Sensitive documents may require secured print release, user authentication, or logging. Adding a printer by IP address should not bypass these controls.
Final Thoughts
Adding a printer by IP address is a practical solution when automatic discovery fails or when you want a stable network printing setup. The key steps are simple: find the correct IP address, add the printer manually, choose the right driver and protocol, and confirm the connection with a test page.
For the most reliable long-term result, assign the printer a reserved or static IP address. With that in place, your computer will know exactly where to send print jobs, and you will avoid many of the common problems associated with changing network addresses.