How do I reconnect a printer after replacing my router?

Treat this as reconnecting the printer to the replacement Wi-Fi network, rather than assuming the printer itself has failed. First, find the network name and password you intend to use with the new router. If those differ from the details the printer was using before, the printer may need to be set up with the replacement details.

Check the printer’s documentation for its model-specific wireless setup steps. Supported AirPrint printers may join a Wi-Fi network by entering its name and password at the printer’s display, using a manufacturer setup assistant over USB, or using WPS if supported. The available method depends on the printer, so don’t assume every model has all three options. [S1]

If your model’s instructions describe wireless setup through its display, that can be a straightforward option: follow the documented menu steps and enter the replacement network name and password when prompted. Check the spelling and capitalization against the details you intend to use; don’t guess at a network name or password.

If the printer’s documentation does not show a display-based method, use one of the other methods it supports instead. Apple’s general AirPrint overview mentions a manufacturer setup assistant over USB and WPS when supported, but it does not give instructions for every printer or router. Use the model’s documentation for the actual sequence. [S1]

Look up the printer’s setup instructions using its model information from the label or paperwork. The relevant point is to find a wireless setup method explicitly supported for that model. If the manufacturer’s instructions describe a setup assistant over USB, follow those instructions. If they describe WPS, use that option only when it is supported by the printer and included in the documented setup process. [S1]

Avoid relying on generic button sequences from instructions for a different model. The source overview establishes that these are possible setup approaches for supported AirPrint printers; it does not establish that a particular model supports them, or that every router offers the same options. [S1]

After setup, verify that the printer is connected to the intended network. Then check from each device you use for printing that it can use a compatible printing method. If one device works and another does not, record that separately rather than repeating the printer setup immediately; the printer connection and each device’s printing method are both part of the check. [S1]

Here’s a copyable record. These are placeholders, not claims about your equipment:

Printer model: [model] Intended network name: [network name; do not write the password here] Setup method: [printer display / manufacturer USB assistant / WPS if supported / other documented method] Printer connection verified: [yes / no / not sure] Device tested: [device name or description] Printing method compatible: [yes / no / not sure] Test result: [printed / did not print] Next step from the printer documentation: [step or page reference]

If the printer does not show a successful connection, or the instructions are unclear, pause and consult the model’s documentation or its manufacturer’s support. This general guide does not establish the right button sequence for your printer.