Finding the IP address of your HP printer is essential when setting it up on a network, troubleshooting connectivity issues, or configuring settings through the printer’s web interface. The IP address allows your devices, such as computers or smartphones, to communicate with the printer over your local network. In this blog, we will explore several methods to locate the default IP address of your HP printer, whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or accessing the printer’s control panel directly.
Why Do You Need Your HP Printer’s IP Address?
The IP address is essentially your printer’s “address” on your network. Here are a few scenarios where you might need to find it:
Setting up a network printer:
When adding your HP printer to a network, knowing its IP address is necessary to allow other devices to connect wirelessly.
Troubleshooting network issues:
If your printer isn’t printing, it could be due to connectivity issues, and checking the IP address can help you resolve the problem.
Accessing printer settings:
Many advanced settings can only be accessed via your printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS), which requires the printer’s IP address.
Network security:
You might need to change the IP address to maintain a secure home or office network.
Methods to Find the IP Address of Your HP Printer
There are several ways to find your HP printer’s default IP address, and it typically depends on whether you can physically access the printer or are using a connected device like a computer or smartphone.
1. Using the Printer’s Control Panel
If your HP printer has a display screen, this is the simplest way to find the IP address.
Steps:
Go to the printer’s menu: On the control panel, press the Home button or touch the Setup icon (depending on your printer model).
Navigate to Network Settings: Look for a section called Network Settings or Wireless Settings.
View IP Address: In the Wi-Fi Summary or Network Information option, you should see a section labeled IP Address. This number is your printer’s current IP address.
2. Printing a Network Configuration Page
Most HP printers allow you to print a network configuration page, which will include the IP address.
Steps:
Go to the printer’s control panel.
Find the Reports or Settings Menu: Navigate through the menu to locate the option for Print Reports or Network Settings.
Print Network Configuration: Select Network Configuration or Wireless Network Test Report. The report will include the IP address, along with other network information.
3. Using the HP Smart App (For Windows, macOS, iOS, Android)
The HP Smart app is available for various devices and can be used to monitor and manage your printer, including viewing its IP address.
Steps:
Install the HP Smart app: Download and install the HP Smart app from the HP website or the respective app store on your device.
Add your printer: Once installed, open the app and select Add Printer. The app will search for printers on your network.
Select your printer: When your HP printer appears in the list, click on it.
View printer information: After selecting the printer, you can see the IP address in the Printer Information section.
4. Using Windows Settings (For Windows 10/11)
If your printer is already connected to your Windows computer, you can find the IP address through the settings.
Steps:
Open Settings: Press the Start button and go to Settings.
Go to Devices: Select Devices and click on Printers & Scanners.
Select Your Printer: In the list of printers, find and click on your HP printer.
Open Printer Properties: Click Manage, then select Printer Properties.
Find IP Address: In the new window, go to the Ports tab. Scroll through the list of ports to find your printer’s IP address listed under Port Name.
5. Using the Router’s Web Interface
Another way to find your printer’s IP address is through your router’s configuration page, where all connected devices are listed.
Steps:
Log into your router: Open a web browser and type in your router’s IP address. (You can typically find this IP address on the back of the router or in the router’s documentation.) Log in with your router credentials.
Go to Connected Devices: Look for a section called Connected Devices or Device List.
Find Your Printer: In the list of devices connected to the router, look for your HP printer. It will have the related IP address shown next to it.
6. Using Command Prompt (For Windows)
For tech-savvy users, the Command Prompt can be used to find your printer’s IP address.
Steps:
Open Command Prompt: Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
Enter the command: Enter the command below and hit Enter.:
netstat -r
Locate the Printer: Look through the list of network devices and locate your printer by its name. The IP address should be listed next to it.
7. Using macOS Settings (For Mac Users)
If you’re using a Mac and have your printer connected, you can easily find the IP address through System Preferences.
Steps:
Open System Preferences: Click the Apple Menu and go to System Preferences.
Go to Printers & Scanners: Select Printers & Scanners from the available options.
Select Your Printer: Click on your HP printer from the list on the left.
View IP Address: In the right-hand pane, you will see details about the printer, including its IP address.
FAQs
1. Can I change the IP address of my HP printer?
Yes, you can change the IP address manually by accessing the printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS). Enter the current IP address into a web browser to access the printer settings and modify the IP under the network configuration.
2. What if I can’t find my printer’s IP address?
If the printer doesn’t have an IP address, it may not be properly connected to the network. Ensure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi as your computer or router.
3. Does a wired (Ethernet) HP printer have an IP address?
Yes, even wired printers connected via Ethernet to your network will have an IP address. The steps to find it are similar to wireless printers.
4. Can I use a static IP address for my HP printer?
Yes, assigning a static IP address can ensure your printer retains the same IP even after reboots, preventing network issues.
5. How do I access the Embedded Web Server (EWS)?
You can access the EWS by typing the printer’s IP address into any web browser on a device connected to the same network.
Conclusion
Finding the IP address of your HP printer is essential for network troubleshooting and setup. Whether you are using the control panel on the printer itself, your computer, or the HP Smart app, there are multiple ways to obtain the IP address. Having this information will help ensure that your printer is always accessible and working correctly, especially when setting up network printing or using advanced configurations.