The printer did not break. It is still looking for a network that has changed. There are two parts to the fix: put the printer back on Wi-Fi, then make sure the computer finds it at its new address.
Steps
- Give the printer the new Wi-Fi details
Use the printer's own wireless menu or its app. The brand pages are HP, Epson, Canon and Brother.
- Restore network settings if it will not rejoin
HP's page says to restore the network settings on the printer, then run the Wireless Setup Wizard again.
- Print a network page
Most printers can print one. Note the address it shows.
- Remove the old printer on the computer
On Windows, use the printers list in Settings. On a Mac, use Printers & Scanners in System Settings. These names are generic, since we did not read a vendor page for each.
- Add the printer again
Choose the same printer, now at its new address.
- Reserve its address
So it does not move again. See giving a device a fixed address.
- Print a test page
If it prints, you are done.
Why does the computer still say offline when the printer is fine?
The computer remembered the printer by its old address or old connection. A new router gives out new addresses. Removing and adding the printer lets the computer find the new one.
Can I avoid this next time?
Yes. Give the new router the same Wi-Fi name and password as the old one before you switch, and the printer reconnects by itself. Setting up a new router mentions it.
The printer joins but my phone cannot print.
Check that the phone is on the same Wi-Fi name as the printer. A guest network or a 5 GHz name separate from the printer's can hide it.
How do I know whether the printer or the computer is the problem?
Print the network page from the printer. If it shows a network name, a signal and an address, the printer is fine and the computer needs to find it again. If it shows no network, the printer is the problem and needs the Wi-Fi details entered again.
A second test is a phone on the same Wi-Fi with the maker's printing app. If the phone prints, the printer and network are healthy and only the computer's saved printer entry is stale. If the phone cannot find it either, start with the printer. Still stuck? Call 775-575-9593 and a person answers from nine to five every day.
Do I need to go outside or touch the antenna for this?
This task never calls for a ladder. The outdoor radio and the cable that runs to it should not be touched by anyone but our technician.
Sources
- support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_1736500-1626554-16 (HP, Wi-Fi connection is lost after router or network settings change, seen in a search summary 2026-10-15; the Windows and Mac printer-list steps are generic)