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How to Find a Printer's TCP/IP Address

When used in a networked environment, all printers must have assigned TCP/IP addresses. Without knowing a networked printer’s IP, you cannot configure any computer in your office to print. It’s always wise to keep a record of your office printer’s IP addresses, particularly if they’re static; however, if you’re not sure what a printer’s IP is, there are a few methods you can employ to find out. Printing a configuration page is the quickest option, but you may also find the IP address in Windows if the unit is connected as a network printer to any computer in your office.

Using the Printer Menu

Find your printer user manual, or download it from the manufacturer’s website. Look for a section on printing a configuration page.
Print a configuration page using the printer's instruction manual as a reference. Usually, this involves pressing and holding a single button, such as the “Continue” button. In other cases, you must press and hold the “Cancel” button for a few seconds and then press “Continue.”
Examine the configuration page and locate your IP address. It may be listed under “IPv4 address” or “Network Address.”

Using Windows

Click "Start" and “Printers and Faxes.”
Double-click on the printer in question, and double-click “See what’s printing.” The print queue dialog box appears.
Click “Printer” from the menu and select “Properties.”
Click the “Ports” tab and click your printers’ port. The correct port has a checked box next to it.
Click the “Configure Port . . . “ button. The IP address is listed in the “Printer Name or IP Address” field.

Things Needed

  • Printer user manual

Tips

  • As you install new networked printers in your office, note their physical location in your building, their IP addresses, as well as makes and models. Having these details handy can save you a lot of time and aggravation. An Excel spreadsheet is a great place to store this information.
  • If the printer does not have a menu panel, consult your user manual to determine the exact procedure for printing a configuration page. In some cases, you need to press a specific key sequence while the front panel is open, for example.
  • As a last resort, consider downloading and running a network scanning utility such as Angry IP Scanner (link in Resources). The utility scans a specified IP range, and “live” nodes, along with their IP addresses and hostnames, appear in a list of search results. When you launch the program, your IP address displays in the first IP range box. If your IP address is 192.168.0.23, for example, search 192.168.0.1 through 192.168.0.255. After the scan completes, look at all the nodes in blue. You may be able to identify your printer by its hostname, which is set by the manufacturer.

About the Author

A writer and proofreader since 2006, B. Steele also works as an IT Help Desk analyst, specializing in consumer and business user tech support. She earned a B.A. in English and journalism from Roger Williams University. Steele also holds certifications as a Microsoft-certified desktop support technician, Microsoft-certified IT professional, Windows 7 enterprise support technician and CompTIA A+ IT technician.
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