Add a Printer by IP address

If your computer or mobile device can't automatically find your network printer, adding it manually using its IP address is the best solution. This guide will walk you through the process on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Before You Begin: Find Your Printer's IP Address

You must know your printer's IP address to add it manually. An IP address is a unique set of numbers assigned to a device on a network (e.g., 192.168.1.50).

The easiest way to find it is to print a network configuration or status page directly from your printer's control panel. This page will list all network details, including the IP Address.

Windows 11 

1. Click the Start button and open Settings.

2. Navigate to Bluetooth & devices and select Printers & scanners.

3. Click the Add device button. Windows will search for nearby printers.

4. After a moment, a message will appear saying, "The printer that I want isn't listed." Click the Add manually link next to it.

5. In the new window, select the option Add a printer using an IP address or hostname and click Next.

6. Set the "Device type" to TCP/IP Device.

7. Enter the printer's IP address into the Hostname or IP address field. The "Port name" will fill in automatically. Click Next.

8. Windows will now attempt to connect to the printer and install the correct driver. If it prompts you to choose a driver, you can either select your manufacturer from the list or click Windows Update to find more options.

9. Follow the remaining prompts to name your printer and finish the setup.

macOS 

1. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner and open System Settings.

2. Select Printers & Scanners from the sidebar.

3. Click the Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax... button.

4. In the window that appears, click the IP icon (it looks like a globe ?) at the top.

5. Enter the printer's IP address in the Address field.

6. macOS will attempt to automatically detect the correct protocol and driver.

   • Protocol: It should default to AirPrint if the printer supports it, which is the best option. Otherwise, Line Printer Daemon - LPD or HP Jetdirect - Socket are reliable choices.

   • Use: The system will try to select the correct driver. If not, you can choose Select Software to find your printer model or use the Generic PostScript Printer driver as a fallback.

7. Click Add to complete the setup.

iOS (iPhone & iPad) 

iOS is designed to find printers automatically using AirPrint. There is no built-in feature to add a printer by IP address directly in the Settings app.

The best method is to use your printer manufacturer's official app.

1. Go to the App Store and download your printer's app (e.g., HP Smart, Canon PRINT, or Epson iPrint).

2. Open the app and follow its setup instructions.

3. If the app does not automatically discover the printer, look for an option to Add Printer Manually or Add by IP Address.

4. Enter your printer's IP address to connect it within the app.

5. Once the printer is added to the app, you will be able to print from your iPhone or iPad using the standard "Share" > "Print" function.

Android 

Android allows you to add printers manually through its default print service.

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Go to Connected devices > Connection preferences > Printing.

3. Tap on the Default Print Service.

4. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Add printer.

5. Choose Add printer by IP address.

6. Enter the printer's IP address and give it a name. Tap Add printer.

Alternative Method (Recommended): Just like with iOS, using the printer manufacturer's app from the Google Play Store (e.g., HP Smart, Canon PRINT) often provides more features and a more reliable connection. These apps typically include a feature to add a printer manually by its IP address.