Lexmark Printer Not Connecting to WiFi: Here’s How to Fix It
A Lexmark printer not connecting to WiFi is not uncommon. The problem can occur if you have changed your Wi-Fi router, updated your passwords, or installed Windows. A corrupted printer driver can also be responsible.
If your printer keeps going offline and won't connect to WiFi even after trying your best, we have some tried-and-tested solutions for you.
In some cases, a quick restart may work; at other times, reinstalling drivers or clearing the print spooler is the reliable method. We’ll discuss the best possible ways to connect your Lexmark printer to WiFi on both Windows and Mac systems. But, before that, let’s understand the major reasons behind this glitch.
Top Reasons for Lexmark Printer Not Connecting to WiFi
If your Lexmark printer refuses to connect to your WiFi network, these may be the possible reasons:
- Wrong Password/SSID: You may have entered the wrong network password or chosen the wrong network name (SSID).
- Active Adapter Setting: The active adapter in the printer settings may not be set to “Auto” or “Wireless.”
- Wrong Frequency Band: Most Lexmark printers support 2.4 GHz, so they may not connect if the router is set to 5 GHz.
- Active Ethernet Cable: Plugging an Ethernet cable into the printer may disable the Wi-Fi adapter.
- Poor Signal or Interference: Physical obstructions, walls, or interference from other electronic devices.
Checklist to Keep in Mind Before Troubleshooting
It is important to confirm the following before you get on with the fixes:
- Power & Status: Check that your printer, WiFi router, and PC are all fully powered on and connected to power
- Same Network: Confirm your computer/mobile device and the printer are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Disable VPN: Sometimes, VPN can interfere with the Printer-to-WiFi connection. So, you must turn it off for a while before you get started.
- Network Name & Password: Check that you have the correct SSID and password. Note that these are case-sensitive.
Fixes for Lexmark Printer Not Connecting to WiFi on Windows
These are the correct instructions to fix the Lexmark printer not connecting to WiFi on Windows systems:
Restart & Power Cycle
- Turn off the printer.
- Turn off the router.
- Wait 60 seconds.
- Turn on the router.
- Turn on the printer.
Proper power cycle refreshes the network configuration and clears temporary glitches.
Run the Wireless Setup Wizard
- On your printer’s control panel.
- Tap the Settings icon.
- Re-run the network setup.
- Re-enter the WiFi credentials.
Disable “Use Printer Offline” Mode
- Click on the Windows Start button.
- Select the Settings icon, then click on “Bluetooth & Devices.”
- Open “Printers & Scanners,” select your Lexmark printer.
- Click on the “Open print queue” option and check that the “Use Printer Offline” mode is deactivated.
Update/Reinstall Drivers
- Open your internet browser and search the official Lexmark website (support.lexmark.com).
- On the support page, enter your printer model. For example: Lexmark MS632dwe, CS531dw.
- Select your printer from the search results.
- Choose your operating system (OS).
- Select the latest driver package and let it download completely.
- Open the downloaded file.
- Click Yes when prompted.
- Accept the license agreement.
- Follow the on-screen steps, then click Finish.
Note: Make sure you uninstall or remove the current drivers before installing the new ones. Also, run a print test to check if everything works correctly.
Fixes for Lexmark Printer Not Connecting to WiFi on Mac
Below are the expert-tested solutions for fixing the “Lexmark printer not connecting to WiFi” issue on Mac:
Power Cycle
- Power off your printer and router.
- Wait 60 seconds.
- Turn on your router first and wait until all the lights are fully stable.
- Turn on your printer and let it reconnect to your network.
Check the Router Settings
If the printer fails to connect to WiFi on a Mac, it could be due to router-level restrictions. So, for this, you must ensure that:
- Your router is not using a Guest network. This can block devices from communicating with each other.
- MAC address filtering is not turned on.
- Wireless isolation is turned off.
Reset Network Settings
- On your printer’s control panel, tap on Settings
- Select Network/Ports, then tap on Restore Factory Defaults or Reset Network Settings.
- After that, run the setup again.
Re-add the Printer on Mac
- Open your Mac, and go to System Preferences at the top left corner of the screen.
- Open Printers & Scanners.
- From here, remove the non-functional printer, click on the “+” icon, and re-add it.
Also Read:- How to Download & Install Lexmark Printer Driver on Windows?
To Wrap Up
After reading the above, you should be able to resolve the “Lexmark printer not found on the network” issue. Whether the problem was caused by incorrect Wi-Fi settings or outdated drivers, these practical solutions can quickly and safely restore your printer’s connection. Just be careful with each step; don’t skip anything, or else things can go wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Lexmark printer keep disconnecting?
The most common reasons for a Lexmark printer being offline can be physical connection issues, outdated or corrupted drivers, power-saving mode, or IP address conflicts.
How to connect a Lexmark printer without WPS?
WPS is not the only way to connect the Lexmark printer; you can use the Control Panel:
Go to the control panel menu on the printer’s home screen.
Choose your network.
Enter your WiFi password.
You can also use the Lexmark Mobile Assistant application to do the same:
Download the app from the Play Store or Apple Store.
Go to Settings, tap on Network Ports.
Select Wireless > Setup Using Mobile App.
Open the app on your device.
Accept the terms, then tap Connect to Printer.
Follow the remaining steps to link the mobile device to the printer’s network.
After that, choose your home Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
Does Lexmark support 5 GHz networks?
Yes, many modern Lexmark printers like the MS632dwe or CS531dw support 5 GHz networks.
How to reset Lexmark network settings?
If your Lexmark printer doesn’t detect WiFi, reset the network settings. Here are the steps to follow:
On the control panel, tap on Settings.
Go to Devices, then tap Restore Factory Defaults.
Select “Restore Network Settings.”
How can I prevent the frequent offline issues?
Here are some best tips that you can apply to prevent offline errors on your Lexmark device:
Restart Print Spooler: If your printer hangs more often than usual, you must clear the Windows Print Spooler service. To do that:
Press Windows + R keys
Type services.msc
Locate Print Spooler
Restart service
Strengthen Your Network Connection: Place the printer closer to your WiFi router. Check that it is not competing for bandwidth. For maximum stability, use a wired Ethernet connection if supported by your model.
Update Drivers: Download and install the latest drivers from the official Lexmark support website (support.lexmark.com).
Uncheck “Use Printer Offline” mode: In Windows 10/11, you must ensure that “Use Printer Offline” is unchecked in the Printer menu. Also, the printer must be set as the default device.
Avoiding Duplicate Printer Installations: Go to Devices and Printers. Remove duplicate or inactive printer entries. Keep only the printer connected to your existing network.