Fix Wireless Printer Drops Off the Network After Firmware Update

Quick fix: After printer firmware update, Wi-Fi settings often reset. Re-add network via printer’s control panel: Network Settings → Wireless Setup Wizard. Enter Wi-Fi SSID + password. Or use vendor app (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Brother iPrint) to re-pair. Reserve static IP in router for stability.

You update printer firmware. After: printer no longer appears on the network. Other devices can’t print. The cause: firmware update may have reset network settings. Or new firmware uses different Wi-Fi protocol (WPA3 vs WPA2) and router/network doesn’t match.

What causes this

Firmware updates can: reset Wi-Fi settings to defaults, change supported Wi-Fi standards (older WPA → newer WPA3), or alter mDNS/Bonjour discovery behavior. Result: printer either off network or invisible to discovery.

Method 1: Re-establish Wi-Fi connection via printer’s control panel

The standard route.

1. At the printer’s LCD: navigate to Setup → Network → Wireless Setup Wizard (varies by brand).
2. Printer scans for Wi-Fi networks. Pick yours.
3. Enter Wi-Fi password.
4. Wait for connection. Print confirmation page.
5. Print Network Configuration Report. Note new IP address.
6. On Windows: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → Add device. Windows should discover printer via mDNS.
7. If not discovered: Add manually → Add via IP/hostname → enter new IP.
8. Test print.

This handles factory-reset Wi-Fi.

Method 2: Reserve static IP in router for printer

For permanent stability.

1. Print Network Configuration Report from printer. Note MAC address (XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX format).
2. Log in to router’s admin (typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
3. Find DHCP Reservations / Address Reservation feature.
4. Add reservation: MAC: printer’s MAC. IP: pick a static (e.g., 192.168.1.50).
5. Save. Restart printer to request new lease.
6. Printer now always gets the reserved IP. Even after router reboots or firmware updates, IP stays consistent.
7. Update Windows printer port to use reserved IP if changed: Settings → Printers → printer → Printer properties → Ports → Configure Port.

Static IP prevents future disconnections.

Method 3: Adjust router settings for printer compatibility

For Wi-Fi version mismatches.

1. Some firmware updates push printer to WPA3 only. Older routers and 2.4-GHz-only printers may not support.
2. Router admin: ensure WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode enabled (not WPA3-only).
3. For printers that only support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi: ensure router broadcasts 2.4 GHz band. Some new routers default 5/6 GHz only.
4. For routers with band steering: temporarily disable to ensure printer joins 2.4 GHz.
5. For printers with WPS: WPS deprecated for security. Old printers may try WPS, fail. Use Wi-Fi Setup Wizard instead.
6. For mesh networks: printer may be far from node. Move printer closer or add wired Ethernet if available.
7. For corporate Wi-Fi: certificate-based authentication. Printer doesn’t support. Use guest network or wired.

This handles router-side compatibility.

How to verify the fix worked

• Print Network Configuration Report. Shows current IP, connected status.
• Print test page from Windows. Successful.
• Wait 24 hours, retest. Printer still discovered, still prints.

If none of these work

If printer keeps dropping: Firmware bug: check manufacturer support site for known issues with the firmware version. Sometimes rollback to previous firmware fixes (if printer supports). For routers with strict client isolation: enable Wi-Fi guest network specifically for printer with looser policy. For network signal too weak: add Wi-Fi extender near printer. For mDNS/Bonjour discovery failures: install Bonjour Print Services on Windows (free from Apple or via iTunes install). Improves mDNS discovery. For printer that connects but slow to print: stable enough but bandwidth limited. Ethernet cable if printer has port.

Bottom line: After firmware update, re-run printer’s Wireless Setup Wizard. Reserve static IP in router for stability. Verify router’s Wi-Fi version is compatible (WPA2 + 2.4 GHz typically).