Lexmark Printer WiFi Setup — Connect in 5 Minutes
By Ryan Green · Updated July 2026 · Independent guide · PrinterCare USA LLC (not affiliated with any printer manufacturer)
Switching to a new router or WiFi network shouldn't be complicated, but Lexmark printers sometimes hold onto old network credentials and refuse to connect. This is especially frustrating when you've already spent time setting everything up the first time.
The good news: reconnecting a Lexmark printer to a new network is straightforward if you follow the right order of operations. We'll walk you through the exact steps a technician uses, from the simplest fixes to full factory resets.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power cycle both devices. Turn off your Lexmark printer completely and unplug it for 30 seconds. While it's unplugged, power cycle your router by unplugging it for 10-15 seconds. Plug the router back in first and wait for it to fully boot (all lights stable), then power on the printer. This clears temporary WiFi connection caches.
- Access the printer's network menu. On your Lexmark printer's touchscreen (or control panel), navigate to Settings or Network Settings. On most models, tap the home icon, then look for Settings > Network > Wireless or WiFi. The exact menu path varies by model—check your printer's model number on the front or back if unsure.
- Forget the old WiFi network. In the Network or WiFi menu, find 'Manage Networks' or 'Saved Networks.' Select your old WiFi network name and choose 'Forget' or 'Delete.' This removes stored credentials so the printer stops attempting to auto-connect to an unavailable network. Confirm the deletion.
- Scan for available networks. Return to the main Network menu and select 'Wireless' or 'WiFi Networks.' The printer will scan and display all available networks in range. Look for your new router's SSID (network name) in the list. If you don't see it, verify your router is powered on and WiFi is enabled.
- Connect to the new network. Tap your new WiFi network name from the list. When prompted, enter your WiFi password using the on-screen keyboard. Type carefully—passwords are case-sensitive. After entering the password, select 'Connect' or 'OK' and wait 10-15 seconds while the printer authenticates.
- Verify the connection. Once connected, the printer should display a confirmation message with an IP address. Print a network configuration page to confirm: go to Settings > Reports > Network Configuration or Print Configuration Page. This page confirms the printer is online and shows your new network name and IP address.
- Reconnect from your computer or mobile device. On Windows 11 or macOS, add the printer again: go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners (Windows) or System Settings > Printers & Scanners (Mac), then 'Add Printer.' The Lexmark Mobile app can also rediscover the printer on your new network—reinstall it from the App Store or Google Play if needed.
- Factory reset if still unconnected (advanced). If the printer still won't connect after trying steps 1-6, perform a factory reset: go to Settings > Tools > Reset or Restore Defaults, then select 'Reset All Settings' and confirm. This erases all saved networks. After restart, repeat steps 2-5 on the new network. Note: you'll need to reconfigure other settings like print defaults and security.
Still stuck? A technician can fix it remotely today.
Independent remote support — you watch every step, and you pay the flat $49 only after your printer is working. $0 if we can't fix it.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Lexmark printer keep trying to connect to my old WiFi network?
Lexmark printers store multiple saved networks in memory and attempt to auto-connect to them in order of signal strength. If your old network is still broadcasting or the credentials are cached, the printer prioritizes it. Forgetting the old network in Settings > Network > Manage Networks stops this behavior permanently.
My new router has a 5GHz and 2.4GHz network. Which should I use for my Lexmark printer?
Most Lexmark printers perform more reliably on 2.4GHz networks, especially at moderate distances from the router. If your router broadcasts both bands with the same SSID (dual-band), connect to the 2.4GHz version specifically. Check your router settings to see if you can name them separately (e.g., 'Network-2.4GHz' and 'Network-5GHz') for easier selection.
The printer won't find my new network even though I can see it on my phone. What do I do?
First, verify the SSID is exactly matching what you see on your phone—hidden networks won't appear in the printer's scan. If it's hidden, use the 'Manual Entry' or 'Other' option in the printer's WiFi menu to type the network name directly. Also confirm your new router has WPA2 or WPA3 security enabled; some older Lexmark models don't support WEP or open networks.
Do I need to call Lexmark support if my printer still won't connect?
Before calling, try the factory reset in step 8—this resolves most persistent connection issues. If you're still stuck, remote support technicians can troubleshoot your specific model for around $49, or contact Lexmark's support team directly at their website. Alternatively, a local repair shop can handle this issue in under an hour.