To change a Wi-Fi password on a wireless printer, you are actually reconnecting the printer to your home network after the router password has been updated, not setting a password inside the printer itself. The printer still holds the old network credentials, so you must rejoin it to the same Wi-Fi network your phone or computer uses.
What 'change Wi-Fi password on wireless printer' really means
When you search for how to change a Wi-Fi password on a wireless printer, the task is almost always reconnecting the printer to a network whose password you have already changed. The printer does not have its own Wi-Fi password that you update; instead, it stores the network name (SSID) and password of the router it joined. After you change the router password, the printer's saved credentials become invalid, and you need to run the printer's setup process again with the new password.
Why your printer stops working after a Wi-Fi password change
A wireless printer stops printing after a Wi-Fi password change because it is still connected to the old network credentials. The printer cannot authenticate to the router with the outdated password, so it drops off the network. Reconnecting the printer lets it join the same Wi-Fi network as the phone or computer you print from, restoring the connection.
Reconnect an AirPrint printer
For AirPrint-enabled printers, Apple documents that you connect the printer through the printer setup assistant. Check your printer documentation for the exact steps, because the process varies by brand and model. Apple also notes that the printer may restart before it connects to the network, so do not be alarmed if it powers down and back up during setup.
Reconnect a Brother printer using WPS or Infrastructure Mode
Brother printers support several documented Wi-Fi connection methods, including Wireless Direct, Infrastructure Mode, and WPS. In Infrastructure Mode, you enter the router SSID and password directly into the printer's network settings. Brother also documents WPS setup as pressing the router’s WPS button and holding the printer’s Wi‑Fi button for about five seconds, but only if the router has the WPS symbol[14]. This method lets the printer join the network without typing the password.
Reconnect a Xerox printer from the control panel
On Xerox printers, the documented control-panel path is Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Settings, then follow the on-screen connection steps. The printer will guide you through selecting your network and entering the new password.
Reconnect a Canon printer with the Canon PRINT app
Canon documents that printer setup starts in the Canon PRINT app, which you can download from Google Play if needed. The app may prompt you to use Easy Wireless Connect on the printer first. This mode puts the printer into a temporary setup state so the app can send it the new network credentials.
Printing from an iPhone after reconnecting the printer
AirPrint requires the iPhone and printer to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Apple says AirPrint works with Wi‑Fi or wired network connections[2][3]. In an app such as Mail, Photos, or Safari, tap the share or action icon, tap Print, tap No Printer Selected, then choose an AirPrint-enabled printer.
Printing from an Android phone after reconnecting the printer
On Android, printer setup is handled by the printer maker's app, and printing uses a system print service such as Default Print Service or Mopria, depending on your phone and printer support. CHOICE documents the Android system path as Settings > search printing > Connection preferences > Printing > Default Print Service, then turn it on[12]. CHOICE also documents Add printer from the three-dot menu and Add printer by IP address, or Wi‑Fi Direct printing for direct connections[12]. Mopria Print Service supports printing over Wi‑Fi or Wi‑Fi Direct from an Android phone or tablet to Mopria-certified printers and MFPs[10]. Note that these print paths do not change the printer password by themselves; they only help you print once the printer is on the correct network.
Troubleshooting when the printer still won't connect
If the printer does not appear after reconnecting, confirm the printer supports AirPrint and that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. The exact steps depend on the printer brand and model, so the printer maker's setup app or control panel is the source of truth. If the printer still will not connect, consult the manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, including steps for managing wireless passwords on your particular device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change the password on the printer itself?
No. The printer does not have its own Wi-Fi password to change. You are updating the network credentials the printer uses to join your router.
Will I need to reconnect all my devices after changing the router password?
Yes. Every device that was connected to the old network, including phones, computers, and the printer, must join the new network with the updated password.
What if my router does not have a WPS button?
If your router lacks a WPS button, use the printer's Infrastructure Mode or the manufacturer's setup app to enter the SSID and password manually.
Why does my printer restart during Wi-Fi setup?
Apple documents that an AirPrint printer may restart before it connects to the network. This is normal and part of the printer applying the new network settings.
