A home printer is easy to forget because it quietly sits in the corner, but it is still a network device. If it stays on default settings, strangers on the same network, guests, or malware on another device may be able to print, scan, or probe it. Use these secure home printer Wi-Fi checks to close the easy gaps.

Secure home printer Wi-Fi basics

Open the printer’s web admin page or companion app and change any default administrator password. If you never set one, anyone on the network may be able to change settings, view jobs, or enable features you do not use.

Update the firmware from the official printer menu. Printers receive fewer updates than phones, but old firmware can leave network services exposed for years. After the update, confirm that the password and Wi-Fi settings did not reset.

Turn off printer features you do not need

Disable Wi-Fi Direct, remote printing, Bluetooth, cloud print, or guest printing if you never use them. Every extra service is another door, and most households only need printing from trusted devices on the home Wi-Fi network.

If your router offers a guest network or device isolation, consider placing the printer where only your family devices can reach it. Avoid exposing printer admin pages to guests, smart TVs, or unknown gadgets.

Protect scans and stored jobs

Clear saved scan destinations, old fax settings, and stored print jobs from the device. If the printer has a hard drive or memory feature, erase it before selling or recycling the printer.

For shared homes, set a habit: update the printer when you update the router, and remove old laptops or phones from the printer app. Secure home printer Wi-Fi settings are quick to review and easy to forget.

Make it a monthly habit

Set a reminder to review these settings once a month. Technology changes quietly after app updates, router changes, or phone upgrades, so a short review keeps your setup useful and safer. For more practical guides, visit the Tips & Tricks homepage and save the guides you use most.