Web technician diagnosing Next.js SSR hydration styling issues where input borders disappear in print or after client hydration

Joe B.

Reviewed for technical accuracy

Specialities: Calm Wi-Fi printer troubleshooting (password prompts, reconnect loops, “wrong password” messages), router/network changes, WPS vs manual setup.

Common reasons it asks again: router changes, saved network mismatch, and what to check first safely

Technician avatar Technician
I hear you — it’s frustrating when a printer keeps asking for the network password even though nothing “looks” different.

Let’s start with the safest checks first. I don’t want you to try anything that could wipe settings or make reconnecting harder.

A few quick questions so we don’t guess:
• What’s the printer brand/model (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother)?
• When did this start — after a new router, internet outage, or a phone/PC update?
• Does it say “Incorrect password,” “Enter password,” or does it just keep prompting?
Customer
It’s a Canon. It started this week. It prints sometimes, then it asks for the Wi-Fi password again. I’m not good with this stuff.
Technician avatar Technician
You’re doing the right thing by describing it clearly. And “prints sometimes” is an important clue — it often means the printer is OK, but the connection is unstable.

Before we touch any wireless setup button, let’s rule out the most common cause: the printer is trying to join a different Wi-Fi name than the one you think.

Do you have more than one Wi-Fi network at home (for example “Home-2G” and “Home-5G,” or a guest network)?
Customer
Yes, I see two names. I usually just pick the one with the strongest bars. I didn’t know it mattered.
Technician avatar Technician
That’s a very common “false alarm” situation — nothing is wrong with you or the printer.

Many printers prefer the 2.4 GHz network, and if the printer is set to one name but your phone/laptop is on the other, it can look like it “forgot” the password or keeps dropping off.

Safest check: without changing anything yet, can you tell me the exact Wi-Fi name (SSID) your phone is connected to right now?
Customer
It says “SmithFamily-5G”. The printer screen shows “SmithFamily” and then asks for a password.
Technician avatar Technician
That difference matters. “SmithFamily” and “SmithFamily-5G” can be two separate networks with two separate saved passwords — even if the password looks similar to you.

Another safe thing to check (no resets): did anyone recently change the router password, enable a “guest” network, or add a new internet box from the provider?
Customer
My son changed something because he said the internet was “not secure.” After that, this started.
Technician avatar Technician
That lines up perfectly, and it doesn’t mean anything is “broken.” After router security changes, printers can start prompting for the network key again.

Two changes commonly trigger this:
• Switching Wi-Fi security mode (for example WPA2 to WPA3)
• Changing the actual Wi-Fi password or network name

Trust moment: I don’t want you to run a factory reset on the printer. We can usually confirm what changed first.

Do you know if the router settings mention WPA2, WPA3, or “WPA2/WPA3 mixed”? (Even a quick look in the router app is enough.)
Customer
He said “WPA3” I think. And now my printer keeps requesting the password even when I type it carefully.
Technician avatar Technician
You’re not alone — some printer models struggle with WPA3-only networks. It can show up as repeated password prompts or “incorrect password” even when it’s correct.

Let’s do a safe, no-change check to avoid chasing the wrong thing:
• Is the password you’re entering definitely for “SmithFamily” (not “SmithFamily-5G”)?
• Does the password include characters that can be confusing on small screens (like O vs 0, l vs 1)?

Also: are you setting this up from the printer screen, or from a phone/computer setup app?
Customer
From the printer screen. And yes, it has zeros and capital letters. I might be mixing them up.
Technician avatar Technician
That’s a very real issue — those tiny screens make it easy to enter one character wrong, and the printer may ask again without clearly saying what failed.

Another safe clue: when it asks again, does it immediately prompt, or does it try to connect for 10–30 seconds first and then asks again?
Customer
It tries for a bit, then it says “Enter password” again. Sometimes it connects, then the next day it asks again.
Technician avatar Technician
That pattern often points to “it connects, but it can’t stay authenticated.” Common reasons include:
• Router security mode changed (WPA3-only can trigger this)
• The printer is bouncing between 2.4 and 5 GHz network names
• The router is using “smart connect/band steering” and the printer doesn’t like it
• The router assigned a new address and the connection looks “new” to the printer

Trust moment: let’s avoid pressing WPS or any long-hold button combos. Those can start a new setup mode and create more confusion.

Quick environment check: is the printer far from the router, near a microwave, or behind a thick wall?
Customer
It’s in the back room. There is a thick wall. But it worked before, so I didn’t think location mattered.
Technician avatar Technician
Location can matter more after a router change, because the new router may be placed differently or use different radio settings. So your memory (“it used to work here”) can still be true.

Safe check: do you see the Wi-Fi signal indicator on the printer (bars) showing low signal, or is it strong? If there are no bars, does the Wi-Fi light blink or stay solid?
Customer
The Wi-Fi light blinks when it asks for the password. Sometimes it stays solid for a while, then later it starts blinking again.
Technician avatar Technician
That supports the “connection drops and re-authenticates” idea, not a printer failure.

If you want the least risky next step, it’s to confirm three things (without changing anything yet):
1) Exact Wi-Fi name the printer is trying to join
2) Whether the router is WPA3-only or mixed mode
3) Whether the printer is on 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz (many printers prefer 2.4)

One more quick question: do other devices in that room (phone/tablet) ever lose Wi-Fi, or is it only the printer?
Customer
My phone sometimes drops in that room too. So it might not be just the printer.
Technician avatar Technician
That’s actually helpful — it points to signal/coverage or router settings rather than “the printer forgot everything.”

A gentle way to confirm, without changing your network, is to temporarily move the printer closer to the router (even just for a test). If the password prompt stops happening there, we’ve learned the cause safely.

If moving it isn’t possible, we can still narrow it down by checking the router’s Wi-Fi security mode and whether the printer is trying to join the correct network name.
Customer
Okay, I can move it closer for a bit. I feel better knowing I shouldn’t press random setup buttons.
Technician avatar Technician
Exactly. Slow and careful is the best approach here.

If it still prompts even when it’s close to the router, that’s when we focus more on “what changed” (like WPA3-only mode, network name differences, or band steering). If it behaves normally close to the router, then it’s likely coverage in that room — and that’s a much less stressful problem to solve.

Quick answer: the accepted fix

Accepted fix for My printer keeps asking for the Wi-Fi password — why won’t it stay connected?: treat it as a connection/authentication issue first, not a printer failure. Confirm the printer is joining the correct Wi-Fi name (2.4 vs 5 GHz and guest networks), then verify whether the router’s security mode changed (WPA2 vs WPA3 or mixed). If the password has easily confused characters, re-check entry on the printer screen. If the problem improves when the printer is closer to the router, the cause is likely weak signal or interference rather than “forgotten” settings.

Why it can start suddenly after a router change or security update

Many printers have buttons that look harmless but can start a setup mode, clear network settings, or cancel a job you still need. That’s why people often hesitate to press anything — especially when the printer has blinking lights and no clear message.

In most cases, you can safely do basic checks first (paper tray, covers, obvious jams) and use simple controls like Cancel or Resume. The goal is to avoid accidental changes to Wi-Fi or “factory reset” options until you know what the warning light means.

What to check first when the password seems correct but it keeps prompting

If printing stopped suddenly, it’s often something small: a stuck print queue, the printer being set to Offline, or a paper/door sensor that didn’t latch properly. These are common after a power flicker, router restart, or Windows/macOS update.

A calm step-by-step approach keeps you from making it worse: confirm the printer has paper, confirm it’s powered on, confirm the computer sees it online, and only then move toward deeper troubleshooting.

Wi-Fi password keeps being requested? Safe checks before changing anything

Start with low-risk checks and avoid resets until you know the cause.

Look for an obvious paper issue, confirm covers are fully closed, and check your computer’s print queue for “Offline” or stuck jobs. If you need to press a button, Cancel and Resume are usually safer than Wi-Fi setup or long-press combinations.

Disclaimer: This information is AI-generated and intended for general guidance only. For advice specific to your printer model and home/office setup, please consult a verified expert on Whizz-Tech before changing system settings.

Getting Started Is Easy

Ask for help, 24/7

Members get round-the-clock access to certified Experts for common printer problems like offline status, blinking warning lights, paper feed issues, and safe checks you can do without changing settings.

Expert will respond in minutes

We match you with a specialist who can guide you calmly through what’s safe to press and what to avoid, so you don’t accidentally trigger Wi-Fi setup or reset modes.

Fix the problem without extra stress

Get a simple checklist: check paper and covers, confirm the printer is online, clear stuck print jobs safely, and only then consider deeper troubleshooting if needed.

FAQ

Why did it start suddenly after my Wi-Fi was changed?

This often happens after a router replacement, a password change, or a security setting change like WPA2 to WPA3. The printer may still “see” the network name but fail to stay authenticated. That can trigger repeated password prompts.

Is this a password problem, a router problem, or the printer itself?

It’s usually a network mismatch (wrong Wi-Fi name, 2.4 vs 5 GHz, or guest network) or a router security setting the printer doesn’t support. If the printer connects sometimes, that’s a good sign it isn’t a hardware failure. A quick environment check can narrow it down safely.

Did this happen after an update or “security” change?

Yes, it’s common after router firmware updates or when someone changes Wi-Fi security settings. Some printers don’t handle WPA3-only networks well. Mixed mode can behave differently depending on the device.

Can I check this safely at home without resetting anything?

Yes. Start by confirming the exact Wi-Fi network name the printer is joining and whether there are multiple similar networks. Check if other devices lose Wi-Fi in the same room. Avoid factory reset or long button holds until you know what changed.

Sources

Filed under: Printer won’t print

Matt Verified Icon
Matt ● replies in < 1 min
Technician Expert
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Trusted by 27,000+ customers
Avatar
Alex · Expert's Assistant
1 Tech Support Specialist is online right now.