Finding the IP address of an HP printer is a fundamental step for troubleshooting connectivity issues, adding the printer to a new network, or accessing the Embedded Web Server (EWS) to manage ink levels and security settings. An Internet Protocol (IP) address serves as the unique digital identifier for the printer within a local network, typically appearing as a string of four numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.15.

The method for locating this address varies depending on whether the printer has a built-in display, its specific model series (like OfficeJet, LaserJet, or DeskJet), and the operating system of the computer or mobile device being used to track it.

Locating the IP Address Directly on the Printer

For most users, the quickest way to find the IP address is through the printer’s physical interface. HP designs its control panels differently across product tiers, so the steps depend on the hardware configuration.

Printers with Touchscreen Displays

Modern HP OfficeJet Pro, Envy, and high-end LaserJet models usually feature a color touchscreen.

  1. Look at the top of the home screen for a Wireless icon (resembling radio waves) or an Ethernet icon. Tapping this often displays the network summary immediately.
  2. If no icon is visible, swipe down the dashboard or tap the Setup (gear) icon.
  3. Navigate to Network Setup or Wireless Settings.
  4. Select View Network Details or Print Network Configuration Page. The IP address, labeled clearly as IPv4 Address, will appear on the screen.

Printers with LCD or Non-Touch Displays

Older or mid-range models often use a monochromatic text-based LCD with physical navigation buttons.

  1. Press the OK button or the Menu button to enter the settings.
  2. Use the arrow keys to find Network Setup or General Settings.
  3. Select Show IP Address. The printer will display the current numerical address on the screen.
  4. If the option is not present, look for the Reports menu and select Network Configuration. The printer will print a physical sheet containing the full network profile.

Printers Without a Display

Budget-friendly models, such as many DeskJet or LaserJet M-series printers, lack a screen. These devices rely on physical button combinations to communicate their status.

  1. Ensure the printer is turned on and loaded with paper.
  2. Press the Information button (often marked with an "i" icon). The printer will print an Information Page containing the IP address.
  3. On models without an "i" button, press and hold the Wireless button and the Information button simultaneously for a few seconds.
  4. For some older LaserJet models, pressing and holding the Resume/Cancel (pink "X" or sheet icon) button until the Ready light blinks will trigger a configuration report.

Using the HP Smart App on Mobile or Desktop

The HP Smart app is the centralized management tool for modern HP printing ecosystems. If the printer has already been set up on a smartphone, tablet, or PC, the app stores the network credentials.

  1. Launch the HP Smart app on the device.
  2. Select the image of the printer from the home screen.
  3. Click or tap on Printer Settings or Advanced Settings.
  4. Look for Network Information.
  5. The IP address will be listed under the network status section. In some versions of the app, selecting Printer Reports and then Network Configuration allows for a digital preview of the full network status.

Finding the IP Address via Windows Settings

If the HP printer is currently installed and functioning on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, the operating system already tracks its network location through the driver settings.

Using Printers & Scanners Settings

  1. Open the Start Menu and type "Printers & Scanners," then press Enter.
  2. Click on the specific HP printer model from the list.
  3. Select Printer Properties (Note: Do not confuse this with "Properties" at the bottom of the list).
  4. Navigate to the Ports tab.
  5. Look for the port that is currently checked. If it is a network printer, the port description usually says "Standard TCP/IP Port."
  6. Click Configure Port. The IP address will be displayed in the "Printer Name or IP Address" field.

Using the Command Prompt (Advanced Method)

For users comfortable with command-line interfaces, Windows can scan the network to identify connected devices.

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
  2. Type net view to see a list of devices, though this may not always show the IP.
  3. A more reliable method is typing arp -a. This command displays the Address Resolution Protocol table.
  4. Look for a physical address (MAC address) that matches the one printed on the back of the printer. The corresponding IP address will be listed next to it.
  5. Alternatively, if the printer's network name is known (e.g., HP-LaserJet-01), type ping [printer name] and the command prompt will return the IP address it is trying to reach.

Finding the IP Address on macOS

Mac users can retrieve printer network data through the System Settings without needing third-party software.

  1. Click the Apple Menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences).
  2. Scroll down to Printers & Scanners.
  3. Select the HP printer from the left-hand sidebar or the main list.
  4. Click on Options & Supplies.
  5. In the General tab, look for the Location field. The IP address is frequently listed here as a numerical string. If it is not there, check the Network tab if available in your specific macOS version.

Accessing the Router Admin Interface

When the printer is unresponsive or the screen is broken, the router acts as the definitive source of truth. Since the router assigns IP addresses to every device on the network, its internal log contains the printer’s current address.

  1. Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network.
  2. Enter the router’s IP address (typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar.
  3. Log in with the administrative username and password (found on a sticker on the router).
  4. Locate a section named Connected Devices, DHCP Client List, or Device Map.
  5. Scan the list for "HP," "Hewlett-Packard," or the printer's specific model number. The IP address assigned by the router will be displayed next to the device name.

Understanding the Difference Between IPv4 and IPv6

When viewing HP network reports, two different types of IP addresses may appear: IPv4 and IPv6.

  • IPv4: This is the standard format (e.g., 192.168.1.50) used by most home and office networks. This is the address required for adding a printer manually or accessing the web interface.
  • IPv6: This is a much longer alphanumeric string (e.g., fe80::... ) designed for modern networking. While more advanced, most printing protocols still rely on IPv4 for local communication.

If a report shows an IP address starting with 169.254, this is an "Auto-IP" or APIPA address. It indicates that the printer is not successfully communicating with the router and has assigned itself a temporary address. In this scenario, printing will not work, and the network connection needs to be reset.

Why a Static IP Address is Often Better

By default, most routers use DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to assign IP addresses. This means the printer’s IP address can change whenever the router restarts or the lease expires. When the IP changes, computers configured to look for the old address may report the printer as "Offline."

To prevent this, users can set a Static IP:

  1. Find the current IP address using the methods above.
  2. Type that IP address into a web browser to open the HP Embedded Web Server (EWS).
  3. Navigate to the Network tab.
  4. Select IPv4 Configuration and change the setting from "Automatic/DHCP" to "Manual/Static."
  5. Input an IP address that is outside the normal range of other devices to avoid conflicts.
  6. Save the settings. The printer will now retain the same IP address indefinitely, ensuring a more stable connection.

Troubleshooting Missing IP Addresses

In some cases, the printer may display "Not Connected" or an IP of 0.0.0.0. This typically happens for three reasons:

  • Wireless Isolation: Some guest networks prevent devices from seeing each other. Ensure the printer and computer are on the same SSID (network name).
  • Frequency Mismatch: Many budget HP printers only support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. If the router is set to 5GHz only, the printer will fail to obtain an IP.
  • Sleep Mode Issues: Occasionally, the network card in the printer enters a deep sleep. Restarting the printer usually forces it to request a new IP address from the router.

Summary of Methods

Finding an HP printer IP address is straightforward once the hardware type is identified. Users with touchscreen models can find it in the Wireless menu, while those with basic printers should rely on the Information Page (the "i" button). For those working remotely or without access to the printer, checking Windows printer properties or the router's DHCP list provides the necessary data. Once the IP is found, accessing the EWS allows for advanced configuration and long-term stability through static IP assignment.

FAQ

What if my HP printer IP address starts with 169.254? This is a self-assigned address indicating the printer failed to connect to the router. Check your Wi-Fi password or Ethernet cable, and restart both the printer and the router.

Can I find the IP address if the printer is offline? You can find the "last known" IP address in the Windows Printer Properties or the HP Smart app, but if the printer is truly offline, it may not currently have an active IP on the network until it re-establishes a connection.

Does every HP printer have an IP address? Only printers connected via Wi-Fi or Ethernet have an IP address. If the printer is connected solely via a USB cable, it does not use an IP address for communication.

How do I use the IP address once I find it? The most common use is typing the IP into the address bar of a web browser. This opens the HP Embedded Web Server, where you can check ink levels, scan documents to a computer, and update firmware.

Why is my HP printer showing a different IP address than before? Most routers assign dynamic IPs that change periodically. To stop this from happening, you can assign a static IP through the printer's network settings.