HP Printer Cannot Get IP Address – How to Fix it

by

If your HP printer cannot obtain an IP address, it won’t connect to the network and won’t be accessible for printing, scanning, or using web services. This issue is typically caused by router configuration errors, DHCP issues, or printer network settings. Here’s how to fix it.

Restart Devices

Power Cycle Printer and Router
  • Turn off the HP printer and unplug it.
  • Restart your Wi-Fi router.
  • Wait 1–2 minutes, then plug the printer back in and power it on.
  • Try connecting again.

Ensure DHCP Is Enabled on Router

Check DHCP Settings
  • Log in to your router’s web interface (usually via browser at 192.168.1.1 or similar).
  • Go to the LAN/DHCP settings.
  • Confirm DHCP Server is enabled, so it can assign IP addresses to connected devices.

Assign a Static IP Address

Set IP Manually on Printer
  1. On the printer control panel, navigate to Settings > Network > Advanced Settings.
  2. Select Manual IP or IP Settings > Manual.
  3. Assign an IP address within your router’s IP range (e.g., 192.168.1.200).
  4. Set:
    • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
    • Default Gateway: Your router’s IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
    • DNS: Use 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4

Move Printer Closer to Router

Improve Wi-Fi Signal
  • Place the printer within line-of-sight to the router.
  • Avoid barriers such as walls, microwaves, or thick furniture.

Use the Printer Wireless Setup Wizard

Reconnect to Network
  1. On the printer, go to Settings > Wireless > Wireless Setup Wizard.
  2. Select your network name (SSID).
  3. Enter the correct Wi-Fi password.

Reset Network Settings

Restore Default Network Configuration
  1. On the printer, go to Settings > Network Settings > Restore Network Defaults.
  2. Confirm and wait for the reset.
  3. Reconnect using the Wireless Setup Wizard.

Use Ethernet Connection (Optional)

Connect via Cable
  • If Wi-Fi issues persist, use a network (LAN) cable to connect the printer directly to the router.
  • The printer should receive an IP address automatically via DHCP.

Check MAC Address Filtering

Disable Router MAC Filtering
  • If your router uses MAC address filtering, make sure the printer’s MAC address is allowed.
  • You can find the printer’s MAC address on a network configuration page from the printer’s settings.

These steps should help your HP printer obtain an IP address and connect successfully to the network.