Wireless printers can be an absolute lifesaver, as they do not need to be physically connected to a computer or related device in order to print documents. The wireless connection with these top-performing printers, however, can fail once in a while.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Wireless printers receive information wirelessly via a Wi-Fi router or a Bluetooth-enabled device.
- If your printer loses a wireless connection, check on your Bluetooth device, router, and modem, resetting each if necessary.
- You can also try resetting the printer’s wireless connection and downloading new driver software.
Insider Tip
Some printers feature a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection button, which will drop and restore the wireless connection just by pushing one button.
How Wireless Printers Work
Wireless printers work via a variety of methods and technologies, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and more. These printers can connect to a server, such as a router, or to a device itself, as is when printing from a Bluetooth smartphone connection. Like any other gadget that is online connected, it is very crucial to have your printer password protected. This will not only keep it from unauthorized users it will also protect you from hackers.
Reconnecting a Wireless Printer That Dropped Connection
Here are some tips and guidelines to help you get your wireless printer reconnected as quickly as possible so you can move on to printing documents.
Insider Tip
If you do notice a problem with your router or model, you should try powering both devices down for 30 minutes and then turning them back on.
Check Your Router and Modem
If your wireless printer has dropped connection and typically receives print job via Wi-Fi, it could be an issue with your router or modem. We strongly recommend checking the status of both of these devices to ensure that your home or office is receiving a wireless Internet signal. Generally speaking, routers and models will have colored lights on the front that indicate their status. Green typically indicates a stable connection while yellow and red could indicate an issue of some kind. If you do notice a problem with your router or model, you should try powering both devices down for 30 minutes and then turning them back on.
Reset Your Printer’s Wireless Connection
Sometimes printers will drop a wireless connection as a matter of course, with no particular underlying factor. In these cases, you can often complete a reconnection simply by resetting the printer’s wireless connection. Some printers feature a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection button, which will drop and restore the wireless connection just by pushing one button. If your printer lacks such a button, you can reach a similar result by diving into the settings and looking for an option to reset the wireless connection. This can be effective for printers that connect Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, though the process may differ slightly depending on the type of connection. If you encounter an error like “toner needs refilling” you can always refill your laser toner cartridge by yourself as shown in this guide and save on costs.
Download and Install New Drivers
Printers can lose the capacity to connect wirelessly if their drivers are out of date. We advise heading to the manufacturer’s web portal and looking for some driver update software. Download and install the software and restart the printer. The wireless connectivity issue should have resolved itself.
Warning
If your wireless printer has dropped connection and typically receives print job via Wi-Fi, it could be an issue with your router or modem.
F.A.Q.
I do not have a laptop or a desktop. Can I set up a wireless printer using a router for use on an iPad and iPhone?
Yes, though the instructions may be slightly complicated. You will need to connect via the printer’s integrated LCD screen or connect to the router manually via a WPS button.
Can I print from my phone via a wireless printer connection?
In most cases, yes. If your phone is connecting to the same wireless network as your printer, you should be able to print documents using the smartphone.
Is your printer connected to the correct WiFi network?
A common issue that arises when it comes to wireless printers is when they connect to neighboring Wi-Fi networks. You can check your router’s settings to see what devices are connected.
STAT: In 2019, there were 94.35 million units of hardcopy peripherals, including printers, copiers, and multifunctional systems, shipped worldwide. (source)
