Printers connected to Wi-Fi: Common questions, issues and more – Times of India

Printers have always been complicated when it comes to connections. Back in the day, the wired connections for printers were finicky as they required the right driver, a complicated setup process and the list can go on. Wired connections still exist, but then came wireless connection for printers which was more like network printers, but with Wi-Fi capability built-in.
Wi-Fi support in printers was initially designed to solve all the issues people face with the wired connection along with adding an additional way of printing via smartphones, tablets and other handheld devices.
When the dual-band Wi-Fi setup — 2.4GHz and 5GHz — entered the market, things once again got complicated. This time it was with Wi-Fi as most printers used to support 2.4GHz and they to date haven’t moved to the 5GHz support.
It then led to confusion in finding the right Wi-Fi network for the printer which eventually ended up creating more complications among users.
Well, if you are facing Wi-Fi connectivity issues with your printer, here are a few things you should know. We will also discuss a couple of ways to fix these issues. Read on:
2.4Hz vs 5GHz: What’s the difference
Wi-Fi bands can be related to the radio wavelength. Wi-Fi at 2.4GHz and 5GHz basically decides the speed and range of the connection. 2.4GHz is slower but it offers better range Wi-Fi at 5GHz, but slower speeds. On the other hand, Wi-Fi at 5GHz will smaller area but supports much faster speeds.
My Wi-Fi networks are named ‘4G’ and ‘5G’: Why and how to identify
Network names also known as SSID are commonly named with 2.4G and 5G at the end. The 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks are referred to as 2.4G and 5G networks respectively. They have nothing to do with your 4G or 5G mobile networks. They are both different. So, the 2.4G Wi-Fi SSID is your 2.4GHz network and 5G network.
Renaming SSIDs can resolve the confusion
There’s an option to rename the SSIDs as per your choice to prevent this confusion. You can simply name them as you prefer or change them to 2.4GHz and 5GHz for added convenience.
Printers only support 2.4GHz network
Most wireless printers only support 2.4GHz. The reason behind this, as explained above, is that 2.4GHz offer a better range and is more stable and reliable. Yes, the internet speed is a little slow, but printers do not usually require high bandwidth to work.
Printer does not detect the 2.4GHz network
Make sure that the printer’s Wi-Fi is turned on. There’s usually a Wi-Fi button on the printer, press it to turn it on. Or check, if you have a screen on your printer, that it’s turned on from the Settings menu. Printers also come with App support which offers a guided process of connecting the printer to a network.
Another reason can be the printer is not in the Wi-Fi range. Try to move printer a little closer to the router and then try to connect.