Finding the IP address of an HP printer is a foundational skill for anyone managing a home office or a corporate network. This unique numerical label allows devices to communicate with the printer over a local network. Whether the goal is to access the Embedded Web Server (EWS) for advanced configuration, troubleshoot a "printer offline" error, or manually add the printer to a new laptop, locating this address should take less than a minute when using the correct technique.

For most HP models, the IP address is a series of four numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.15. The method to retrieve it varies significantly depending on whether the printer features a touchscreen, a basic LCD, or no screen at all.

Using the HP Printer Control Panel for Immediate Access

The control panel is the most direct way to find network information without needing an external device. Depending on the generation and series of the HP printer, the navigation paths differ.

Finding the IP on Touchscreen Models

Modern HP OfficeJet, Envy, and LaserJet Pro models usually feature a color touchscreen. On these devices, the IP address is often visible within one or two taps.

  1. The Dashboard Method: From the main home screen, look at the top bar. Many HP printers display a Wireless icon (looks like a radio signal) or an Ethernet icon. Tapping this icon usually opens a "Network Summary" screen that displays the IPv4 address immediately.
  2. The Setup Menu Path: If no icon is visible, swipe down the dashboard or tap the "Setup" (gear) icon. Navigate to "Network Setup" or "Wireless Settings." Select "View Network Details" or "Print Reports." In many cases, selecting "Network Summary" will display the address on the screen.

Navigating Models with Text-Based LCD Screens

Older or more budget-friendly models like the HP LaserJet M15w or certain DeskJet series use a non-touch LCD. These require button-based navigation.

  1. Press the "Setup" or "Menu" button to enter the internal settings.
  2. Use the arrow keys to find "Network Configuration" or "Network Setup."
  3. Press "OK" and scroll until "View IP Address" appears.
  4. Confirm the selection to display the 12-digit sequence.

Printing a Network Configuration Page or Information Report

In scenarios where the screen is too small or non-existent, printing a physical report is the most reliable fallback. This document contains the complete technical profile of the printer’s network connection.

The Information Button Method

Many modern HP DeskJet and Envy printers have a dedicated "Information" button, marked with a small "i" icon.

  • Press the Information button once. The printer will immediately output a single page containing the printer's network status, Wi-Fi Direct name, and the IP address.
  • If the "i" button is not present, pressing and holding the Wireless button and the Information button simultaneously for three seconds often triggers the "Wireless Network Test Report."

Using the Cancel and Wireless Button Combination

For printers that lack a menu system entirely, such as the LaserJet P1102w, button combinations are the key.

  1. Ensure the printer is in a "Ready" state (the power light is solid).
  2. Press and hold the Wireless button for about five to ten seconds or until the "Ready" light starts blinking.
  3. The printer will print a "Network Configuration Page." Look for the "IPv4 Address" under the "TCP/IP" section of the printout.

Finding the IP Address via the HP Smart App

The HP Smart app has become the central hub for managing HP hardware from mobile devices and Windows 10/11. If the printer is already connected to the Wi-Fi, the app stores its network identity.

  1. Open the HP Smart app on a smartphone or computer.
  2. Ensure the device is on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
  3. Click or tap on the image of the printer on the home screen.
  4. Select Printer Settings or Advanced Settings.
  5. Look for a section labeled Network Information. The IP address will be listed alongside the MAC address and signal strength.

In our experience managing hardware fleets, the HP Smart app is particularly useful when the physical printer is in another room or if the printer's screen has suffered hardware failure.

Locating the HP Printer IP Address on Windows Systems

If the printer is already installed on a Windows PC, the operating system stores the port configuration, which usually includes the IP address.

Using the Control Panel

Despite the shift toward the "Settings" app, the classic Control Panel remains the most detailed source for printer port information.

  1. Type "Control Panel" in the Windows search bar and open it.
  2. Navigate to Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers.
  3. Right-click on the specific HP printer icon and select Printer Properties (Note: Do not select "Properties" at the bottom; select "Printer Properties" in the middle of the list).
  4. Click on the Ports tab.
  5. Look for the port that is currently checked. If the printer is networked, the port name is often the IP address itself. If the column is too narrow, drag the "Port" column header to expand it.

Using Windows Settings (Windows 11)

Windows 11 has streamlined this process within the modern interface.

  1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  2. Select the HP printer from the list.
  3. Click on Printer properties.
  4. Under the General or Web Services tab, the IP address is frequently listed in the "Location" or "Troubleshooting information" field.

Identifying the IP Address on macOS

Mac users can find the network details of an AirPrint or HP-driver-supported printer through System Settings.

  1. Click the Apple Menu and select System Settings (or System Preferences).
  2. Navigate to Printers & Scanners.
  3. Click on the HP printer from the left-hand sidebar or the main list.
  4. Select Options & Supplies.
  5. Look at the Location field or the General tab. The IP address is typically displayed as a series of numbers in the "Location" box.

Extracting the IP Address from the Router Admin Page

When a printer is connected to a network but not responding to local device queries, the router serves as the ultimate source of truth. Every device connected to the network is assigned an IP by the router’s DHCP server.

  1. Access the router’s web interface by typing the gateway IP (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a browser.
  2. Log in with the administrator credentials (usually found on a sticker on the router).
  3. Navigate to the Connected Devices, DHCP Client List, or Device Map section.
  4. Search for a device named "HP-Print-XX-[Model Name]" or identify it by the manufacturer "Hewlett-Packard."
  5. The IP address assigned to that specific hardware will be listed in the adjacent column.

Advanced Command Line Methods for Network Discovery

For IT professionals or users comfortable with terminal environments, command-line tools can identify a printer's IP without leaving the keyboard.

Using the ARP Command

The Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) table shows a mapping of IP addresses to physical MAC addresses on the local network.

  1. Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac).
  2. Type arp -a and press Enter.
  3. A list of all active IP addresses on the network will appear. To find the printer, look for the MAC address (Physical Address) that matches the one printed on the sticker on the back of the HP printer.

Pinging the Hostname

Most HP printers have a default hostname, usually formatted as HP followed by the last six digits of the MAC address (e.g., HPDF34A2).

  1. In the Command Prompt/Terminal, type ping HP[YourPrinterHostname].
  2. If the printer responds, the output will show "Reply from [IP Address]". This reveals the current IP of the machine.

Why Do You Need Your HP Printer IP Address?

Understanding the "why" helps in utilizing the IP address effectively once it is found.

Accessing the Embedded Web Server (EWS)

Every networked HP printer has a built-in website called the Embedded Web Server. By typing the printer’s IP address directly into any web browser, users can:

  • Check real-time ink or toner levels.
  • Update the printer's firmware to fix security vulnerabilities.
  • Configure "Scan to Email" or "Scan to Network Folder" settings.
  • Set a Static IP address to prevent future connection drops.

Troubleshooting the "Printer Offline" Status

Often, a printer appears offline because the router has assigned it a new IP address, but the computer is still trying to send data to the old one. Knowing how to find the current IP allows you to update the port settings on the PC, instantly bringing the printer back online.

What to Do When the IP Address Shows 0.0.0.0

A common frustration is finding that the IP address is listed as 0.0.0.0 or 169.254.x.x. This indicates that the printer is not successfully communicating with the router.

  1. Check Connection Hardware: If using Ethernet, ensure the cable is clicked firmly into both the printer and the router. Look for green/amber blinking lights on the port.
  2. Verify Wi-Fi Credentials: If the IP is 0.0.0.0 on Wi-Fi, the printer likely lost its connection. Re-run the Wireless Setup Wizard from the printer’s control panel.
  3. Power Cycle: Turn off the printer, unplug the router for 30 seconds, plug the router back in, and then turn the printer back on. This forces a new DHCP request.

Assigning a Static IP to Avoid Future Issues

By default, routers use DHCP to "lease" IP addresses to devices. These leases expire, and the printer might get a different IP next time it connects. To ensure the IP never changes:

  1. Open the printer's EWS by typing the current IP into a browser.
  2. Navigate to the Network or Networking tab.
  3. Look for IPv4 Configuration.
  4. Change the setting from "Automatic IP" (DHCP) to "Manual IP" (Static).
  5. Input the current IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. Save the settings.

This simple step is the single most effective way to prevent long-term HP printer connectivity issues.

Summary of Finding HP Printer IP Address

Finding the IP address of an HP printer depends entirely on the hardware interface available. For printers with screens, the "Wireless" icon or "Network Setup" menu is the fastest path. For screenless models, the "Information" button provides a physical printout with all necessary data. Users can also rely on the HP Smart app, Windows/Mac system settings, or the router's device list to retrieve this information remotely. Once found, the IP address serves as the gateway to the Embedded Web Server, allowing for deep customization and more stable network printing.

FAQ

Where is the IP address on an HP DeskJet without a screen?

For screenless DeskJet models, press the Information button (i) or press the Wireless and Cancel buttons at the same time. The printer will print an Information Page containing the IPv4 address.

Can I find the printer IP if it is connected via USB?

No, a USB connection does not assign an IP address to the printer. IP addresses are exclusive to Network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) connections. USB printers communicate via a virtual port on the computer.

Why does my HP printer IP keep changing?

This happens because your router uses DHCP. When the printer or router restarts, the router may assign a different address from its available pool. You can stop this by assigning a "Static IP" in the printer's network settings.

Is the IP address the same as the MAC address?

No. The MAC address is a permanent physical identifier for the hardware (like a social security number), while the IP address is a temporary network location (like a mailing address) assigned by your router.

How do I access the HP printer settings once I have the IP?

Open any web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge) on a device connected to the same network and type the IP address into the address bar at the top, then press Enter. This opens the HP Embedded Web Server.