How to Find The IP Address to a Printer

If you’re setting up a printer on a network and use TCP/IP Port printing, you’ll need to find out what the IP address is to the device. Many printers don’t even have a screen so that you can view this information, so it can be confusing to obtain the information you need.

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Option 1 – Print Configuration Sheet

If you have physical access to the printer, you can usually print a configuration page by pressing and holding a button (usually the “Go” or “Power” button) on the printer for about 5 to 10 seconds.  Some printers have the option to print a configuration page available in the system menus. For example, the HP LaserJet 3550 model has the option available under “Menu” > “Information” > “Print Configuration“. Every printer is different, so you may need to obtain the users guide to your particular printer to find out how to print a configuration page.

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Option 2 – Menu Options

If your printer has a built-in screen that features menu navigation, you may be able to navigate to a network settings menu to find the IP address.

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Option 3 – Check Printer Properties

If you can find a computer where the printer is installed, you may be able to find the IP address to the printer by checking the settings on the computer. For Microsoft Windows, follow these steps.

Windows

1. Go to “Start” > “Devices and Printers“.
2. Right-click on the printer and select “Printer Properties“.
3. Select “Ports“.
4. See if a port is checked for your printer. It will usually have the IP address the printer is using.

macOS

1. From the Finder, select the Apple menu and choose “System Preferences…“
2. Open “Printers & Scanners“.
3. Choose the printer in the list on the left pane, then select “Options & Supplies“.
4. Select “Show Printer Web Page…” The page should have a network section that will show you the IP Address of the printer.

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Option 4 – Check Router

Many routers will provide an interface that enables you to find the IP address to a device on the network. In some cases, you might need to know the MAC Address to the printer. The MAC Address is often provided on a sticker on the back or bottom of the printer. You can then query the MAC Address to find the IP Address it’s using.

On many Home wireless routers, the options are simple. For example, my Linksys Wi-Fi router allows me to access it via a web browser where I can choose “Device List”. It then shows me the printer and the IP Address it is using.

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Option 5 – Network Scan

This is often my last resort when a printer IP gets lost. If I can’t easily find the IP Address to the printer using any of the methods above, I will use Angry IP to scan the range of IP Addresses on the network. The utility will show me a list of devices on every IP Address on the network. The Hostname usually provides some information on the make and model of the printers found.

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By using either of these methods described, obtaining the IP address to any printer should be a breeze for anybody.