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How to Fix Network Printer Discovery Issues After Changing Your Router or NBN Modem

Network & Internet KB-959

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to Fix Network Printer Discovery Issues After Changing Your Router or NBN Modem. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

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Common Causes

How to Fix Network Printer Discovery Issues After Changing Your Router or NBN Modem

How to Fix Network Printer Discovery Issues After Changing Your Router or NBN Modem

If you have recently replaced your router or NBN modem, your network printer may stop appearing on your Windows or Mac computers. This usually happens because the printer is still using old network settings or is connected to a different network than your devices. Follow the steps below to restore printer discovery and get your small business printing again.

Quick Fix Steps

  1. Restart your printer and wait for it to fully reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.
  2. Restart your computer to refresh the network cache.
  3. Confirm that your computer and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network name (SSID).
  4. Run the printer discovery programme provided by your printer manufacturer.

Detailed Instructions

Windows

  1. Select Start, then select Settings.
  2. Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  3. Select Add device and wait for Windows to search for available printers.
  4. If your printer appears, select it and follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup.
  5. If the printer is not found, select Add manually, then choose Add a printer using an IP address or hostname.
  6. Enter the printer's current IP address and select Next to install the driver.

Mac

  1. Select the Apple menu > System Settings.
  2. Click Printers & Scanners in the sidebar.
  3. Click the Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax button (the plus icon).
  4. Select your printer from the list of discovered devices on the network.
  5. If your printer does not appear, click the IP icon in the add window.
  6. Enter the printer's IP address, select the correct protocol, and click Add.

Troubleshooting

Check the printer's IP address

After changing your router or modem, your printer may have been assigned a new IP address. Print a network configuration page from the printer's control panel to verify its current IP address. Compare this to the IP address stored on your computer. If they differ, remove the printer from your computer and re-add it using the new address.

Confirm both devices are on the same network

Some routers broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands. Ensure your computer and printer are connected to the same network name. If your computer is on the 5 GHz band and the printer is on 2.4 GHz, discovery may fail depending on your router configuration.

Temporarily disable firewall or security software

Third-party firewall or antivirus software can block network printer discovery. Temporarily disable the software and attempt to add the printer again. If successful, add an exception for your printer's IP address in the security software settings.

Tip: If you are unsure of your printer's IP address, most printers have a Network Status or Wi-Fi Settings menu on their built-in display where you can view connection details.
Caution: Do not perform a factory reset on your printer unless instructed by the manufacturer, as this will erase all saved wireless and network settings.

If you have completed these steps and your printer still cannot be discovered, please Open a Ticket with our Brisbane support team.

Related: How to connect to Wi-Fi

Still Having Issues?

Need more help? If the issue persists after trying these steps, please open a support ticket and our team will assist you.

💻 Open a Ticket

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