Printer Incorrect Wi-Fi Password — Reconnect Fix Guide

Joe B.

Reviewed for technical accuracy

Specialities: Windows 11/10, macOS (Sonoma/Ventura/Monterey), Printers, Wi‑Fi & Networking, Office Equipment

“Incorrect Wi‑Fi password” on HP, Epson, Canon, Brother — WPA2/WPA3, 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz, WPS/PIN

Technician

Hey! Let’s clear the Wi‑Fi authentication failed message. Tell me your brand (HP, Epson, Canon, Brother), your router security (WPA2/WPA3) and whether the printer connects to 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. We’ll fix the wrong Wi‑Fi password prompt and reconnect via IPP/AirPrint.

Customer

HP DeskJet on a new router. The printer sees the SSID but says Incorrect Wi‑Fi password every time. Phone and laptop connect fine.

Technician

Got it. Printers often fail Wi‑Fi auth for these reasons:
• Router set to WPA3‑Only or WEP — many printers need WPA2‑PSK or WPA2/WPA3 mixed.
• Connecting to a 5 GHz‑only SSID; lots of printers are 2.4 GHz only.
• Hidden SSID, special characters, or extra spaces in the Wi‑Fi passphrase.
• AP/Client Isolation or MAC filtering blocking the device.
• Printer cached an old key; it needs a network reset and re‑provisioning via HP Smart / WPS / manual setup.

Customer

Router is set to WPA3 by default and the SSID is combined (2.4/5). What should I change?

Technician

Perfect. Do this:
1) In the router, set security to WPA2‑PSK (AES) or WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode.
2) Ensure the printer can join 2.4 GHz. If band steering is on, temporarily split SSIDs (e.g., Home‑2G and Home‑5G) and connect the printer to 2.4 GHz only.
3) Turn off AP/Client Isolation or Guest network for the printer’s SSID so AirPrint/Bonjour and IPP over Wi‑Fi work.
4) Reboot router after changes.

Customer

Done. How do I reset the printer’s network and re‑enter the Wi‑Fi key correctly?

Technician

Reset & reconnect (works for HP/Epson/Canon/Brother):
• On the printer, run Network Reset or Restore Network Defaults (usually from Wireless or Settings).
• Use the vendor app (HP Smart, Epson iPrint, Canon PRINT, Brother iPrint&Scan) and choose Set up a new printer. Enter the Wi‑Fi password (passphrase) carefully — case‑sensitive, no leading/trailing spaces.
• Alternatively, use WPS Push‑Button: press the router’s WPS button, then the printer’s WPS within 2 minutes; or WPS PIN if the model provides it.
• When prompted, pick the 2.4 GHz SSID. Avoid 5 GHz for 2.4‑only models.

Customer

It connects now, but AirPrint from iPhone can’t find it. Windows sees it by IP.

Technician

That’s discovery. Enable mDNS/Bonjour on the router and disable AP isolation. On the printer, ensure AirPrint/IPP services are on. Give the device a DHCP reservation so its IP doesn’t change. Then add it in iOS via Printers (AirPrint) and in Windows as IPP or Web Services.

Customer

What if someone typed the password wrong multiple times? Will the printer lock out?

Technician

Routers rarely lock out IoT clients for bad passkeys, but some enable MAC filtering or Access Control. If you still see authentication failed, remove any deny rules, delete old profiles on the printer, and re‑join with the correct Wi‑Fi security key. Keep SSID simple (letters/numbers), and avoid emojis or unusual symbols.

Customer

Any model‑specific advice? We also have Epson and Brother devices.

Technician

HP: Use HP Smart wireless setup; most HP consumer models are 2.4 GHz only.
Epson: Prefer Wi‑Fi Setup Wizard on panel; if you see password incorrect, reset network and join 2.4 GHz.
Canon: Use Easy Wireless Connect (hold Wi‑Fi button until lamp flashes) and enter the passphrase again.
Brother: Run Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard; if the SSID is hidden, type it manually and choose WPA2‑PSK AES.

Customer

Great — the printer is back online and AirPrint works. Anything to do to prevent this next time?

Technician

Reserve the printer’s IP in DHCP, keep security at WPA2/WPA3 mixed, and leave a distinct 2.4 GHz SSID. Note the Wi‑Fi passphrase in your password manager. If you replace the router, run a fresh wireless setup instead of reusing old profiles.

Quick answer: the accepted fix

Accepted fix when a printer says “Incorrect Wi‑Fi password” or Wi‑Fi authentication failed: switch router to WPA2‑PSK (AES) or WPA2/WPA3 mixed, connect the printer to 2.4 GHz, disable AP isolation/guest, then reset network settings on the printer and re‑provision via app or WPS. Verify AirPrint/IPP discovery and save a DHCP reservation.

FAQ

Step‑by‑step (Windows 10/11)

1. Open Printers & scanners → your printer → Remove. Re‑add with Add device; if not found, choose Add manually → IPP/Web Services.
2. Ensure PC and printer are on the same 2.4 GHz SSID. Temporarily disable Metered connection and VPNs.
3. If the printer still shows password incorrect, run the printer’s Network Reset and provision with the vendor app.

Step‑by‑step (macOS)

1. Join the same 2.4 GHz network as the printer; avoid Private Relay/VPN during setup.
2. In System Settings → Printers & Scanners, click Add Printer and choose the device via AirPrint (IPP).
3. If not listed, browse by IP with protocol IPP and the printer’s reserved address.

Sources

• Wi‑Fi basics — 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz
• Apple — About AirPrint and Bonjour
• HP — Wireless setup with HP Smart
• Epson — Wi‑Fi setup & iPrint
• Canon — Easy Wireless Connect
• Brother — WLAN Setup Wizard

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