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Fix Network Printer Issues – Printer Troubleshooting Guide | TroubleshootMyPrinter




How to Fix: Network Printer Issues

Various problems related to network-connected printers, including inability to find the printer on the network, intermittent connectivity, slow network printing, or errors when accessing shared printers. Network issues can involve IP addressing, DNS, firewall rules, or protocol compatibility. This guide walks you through the most common causes and step-by-step solutions to fix network printer issues on any printer, regardless of brand or model.

Common Causes

This problem is most often caused by one or more of the following:

  • Printer’s IP address changed due to DHCP lease expiration
  • Firewall blocking printer ports (9100, 631, 515)
  • Printer not on the same subnet or VLAN as the computers
  • DNS resolution failure for the printer’s hostname
  • SNMP version mismatch causing discovery and status monitoring failures

Step-by-Step Solution

Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the issue. Test your printer after each step.

  1. Step 1: Print a network configuration page from the printer to verify its current IP address
  2. Step 2: Ping the printer’s IP address from the computer to verify basic network connectivity
  3. Step 3: Assign a static IP address or DHCP reservation to prevent the IP from changing
  4. Step 4: Update the printer port in Windows to match the printer’s current IP address
  5. Step 5: Check firewall settings to ensure ports 9100 (RAW), 631 (IPP), and 515 (LPR) are open
  6. Step 6: Try adding the printer by IP address instead of by discovery
  7. Step 7: Verify both the computer and printer are on the same network subnet

Brand-Specific Troubleshooting

Some printer brands require slightly different troubleshooting approaches. See the brand-specific guidance below.

Hp Printers

HP JetDirect network interface is standard on HP enterprise printers. Use the HP Embedded Web Server (type the printer’s IP in a browser) to configure network settings. HP printers support Bonjour, WS-Discovery, and mDNS for network discovery.

For more Hp-specific troubleshooting, visit our Hp Printer Troubleshooting hub.

Xerox Printers

Xerox printers have comprehensive network settings in CentreWare. Enable the appropriate discovery protocols (Bonjour for Mac, WS-Discovery for Windows). Xerox printers may need SNMP v1/v2c enabled for third-party management tools to monitor them.

For more Xerox-specific troubleshooting, visit our Xerox Printer Troubleshooting hub.

Ricoh Printers

Ricoh printers use Web Image Monitor for network configuration. Ricoh’s ‘@Remote’ service provides cloud-based monitoring and management. Ensure the Ricoh printer’s network protocols (LPR, RAW, IPP) are enabled in Network Settings.

For more Ricoh-specific troubleshooting, visit our Ricoh Printer Troubleshooting hub.

Kyocera Printers

Kyocera printers use KYOCERA Net Viewer for network management and discovery. The printer’s Command Center (web interface) shows all network settings. Kyocera printers support TCP/IP, NetBEUI, and Apple Bonjour protocols.

For more Kyocera-specific troubleshooting, visit our Kyocera Printer Troubleshooting hub.

Related Problems

Users experiencing network printer issues often encounter these related issues:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my network printer’s IP address?

Print a network configuration page from the printer’s control panel (usually under Settings > Network or Reports > Network). You can also check your router’s admin page for connected devices. On Windows, if the printer is already installed, check Printer Properties > Ports tab. Some printers display the IP address on their control panel screen.

Why does my network printer stop working after a while?

The most common cause is the printer’s IP address changing. When the DHCP lease expires and the router assigns a different IP, your computer still tries the old address. Fix this by assigning a static IP to the printer or creating a DHCP reservation in your router. Also check that the printer’s sleep mode is not disconnecting it from the network.

Can I use a printer on a different network subnet?

Yes, but it requires proper network routing. The router must be configured to allow traffic between subnets. You will need to add the printer by its IP address rather than by discovery, as most discovery protocols (Bonjour, WS-Discovery) do not work across subnets. In enterprise environments, a print server can bridge subnets.

Need brand-specific help?

This guide covers the general fix. For model-specific instructions, find your printer brand below and navigate to your exact model for tailored troubleshooting steps.