Items 1 to 7 listed below may be the reasons why the printer suddenly becomes unusable.
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The devices are not turned on.
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The printer is too far away from the access point or router.
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The printer is too close to the access point or router.
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The printer is not set as the default printer.
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The PC to use the printer is not connected to the network.
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The access point / router or its settings are changed.
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A firewall or other security software is blocking network communication between the computer and printer.
Perform the following checks:
Check 1:
The devices may not be turned on.
Confirm that the access point or router is turned on.
If the access point or router is powered on, follow the steps below to confirm that the printer is connected to your network.
Step 1
Press the MENU button (A) on the printer.
Step 2
Use the
buttons to select the "Setup" icon.
Step 3.
Use the
or
button to select "Device settings" then push the
OK button.
Step 4.
Use the
or
button to select "LAN settings" then push the
OK button.
Step 5.
Use the
or
button to select "Confirm LAN settings" then push the
OK button.
Step 6.
Use the
or
button to select "WLAN setting list" then push the
OK button.
When there is a problem with wireless connection of the printer, [Inactive] is displayed.
If the printer shows that the connection is [Active},
click here for basic steps that may help resolve network communication between the printer and access point or router.
If the problem is not solved, proceed to the next step.
Check 2:
The printer may be too far away from the access point or router.
Place the printer closer to the access point or router, and try printing to see if printing is performed.
If the problem still occurs, perform the printer settings again and re-connect the printer to the access point or router.
Check 3:
The printer may be too close to the access point or router.
If the printer is less than 3 feet away from the router, this may interfere with wireless communication.
Move the printer and router so that they are at least 3 feet apart.
Check 4:
The printer may not be set as a default printer.
In [Printers and Faxes], [Devices and Printers], or [Printers] under [Control Panel], confirm that the printer is check-marked.
If not, select the printer icon, right-click, and select [Set as default printer]. If the problem still persists, proceed to the next step.
Note
- An easy way to get to [Printers and Faxes], [Devices and Printers], or [Printers] is to press and hold the Windows
key and type R. In the Run box, type control printers.
Windows 7 screen:
Check 5:
The PC to use the printer may not be connected to the network.
To see if the PC is connected to the network, check if an Internet page can be browsed on the PC.
If not, place the PC to use the printer closer to the access point or router, and try connecting to the network. If the problem persists, proceed to the next step.
CAUTION
- Notes on connecting to the network:
For the setting procedures and functions of the access point or router, refer to the applicable device manual or contact the device manufacturer.
For PC settings, refer to the PC manual or contact its manufacturer.
Check 6:
If you have replaced your wireless router, or changed the network name (SSID) or password for your wireless router, the printer will need to be configured to connect to your wireless router again.
If you have a Windows PC,
click here for instructions on connecting the printer to your network.
If you have a Mac,
click here for instructions on connecting the printer to your network.
Please note that in most instances, you will not need to reinstall the drivers for your printer. However, if you reconnect the printer to your network and you are unable to print, reinstalling the drivers may restore network communication between the computer and printer.
If you have a firewall installed on your computer, it is possible that the firewall is blocking ports used by the printer for network communication.
for a list of ports to open. Refer to your firewall's documentation for information on opening ports or adding software exceptions to allow network communication.
