Why Won't My Printer Connect to My Computer? USB and Wireless Fixes

Whether you're plugging in with a USB cable or connecting over Wi-Fi, a printer that won't connect almost always comes down to one of a short list of fixes. Work through the ones that match your setup below.

USB Connection Issues

• Try a different USB port and a different cable, since both wear out over time and rarely fail obviously.
• Plug directly into the computer instead of through a hub or dock, which can introduce power or data issues of their own.

Wireless Connection Issues

• Confirm the printer and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network, not separate guest or 5GHz/2.4GHz networks, this is the single most common cause.
• Restart the printer's wireless setup wizard to reconnect it to your router from scratch.
• Move the printer closer to the router if signal strength is weak, thick walls and floors add up fast.

Still Not Connecting?

Remove the printer from your device's printer list entirely, restart both devices, and add it back as new. This clears stale connection profiles that quick fixes miss. PCMag's Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide covers a few more router-side settings worth checking too. If the connection comes back but the printer still won't produce anything, our printer not printing guide picks up from there, and if it's the scanner side of an all-in-one acting up instead, see our scanner troubleshooting guide.

If It's Time to Replace It

Prices and stock change often; as an Amazon Associate, Castle Ink earns from qualifying purchases.

If your printer is older, ongoing connectivity trouble is sometimes a sign the wireless card itself is failing rather than a settings problem. The Epson EcoTank ET-2980 (check price on Amazon) is a dependable, easy-to-network replacement we recommend in our best all-in-one printer guide.

Written and reviewed by William Elward — Founder of Castle Ink, 20+ years in the printer & imaging supplies industry.