Knowledge is power. If you’ve just got yourself a Starlink WiFi router that you want to set up with your printer, you might be curious about what common printer problems with Starlink you might face. This information will help you avoid being blindsided by these issues should they occur, allowing you to solve these hitches like a pro.
Knowing about common errors will also help you to pinpoint and solve a problem if you’re facing an issue that you’re struggling to narrow down in terms of what’s causing it.
I should also say that Starlink networks are a whole different ball game compared to your typical WiFi. Solutions that would ordinarily do the trick with other WiFi brands may not fly when it comes to Starlink.
That being said, here are the most common printer problems with Starlink, including quick fixes for them, that are sure to bolster your diagnostic skill set.
1) Printer won’t connect to Starlink
This is quite commonplace and I’ve seen many people struggling with it, more so if either the router or the printer is new. One of the causes of this problem is that your printer may be out of range, while the other possible triggers might have something to do with your network configurations.
Either way, here’s how you can resolve this issue:
- Confirm that the printer is within range of your WiFi. (Check to see if your smartphone can connect to the WiFi from your printer’s position)
- Go into the “Wireless Setup Wizard” via the control or digital panel on your printer. This is available when you press the WiFi icon
- You’ll now see a list of networks available. Choose yours and fill in the password when prompted
- If it still won’t connect. You’ll need to rest network configurations
- Press down on the network button. Stop when the blinking starts (This should kick in in about 5 seconds of pressing)
- Connect to the network once more using the previous steps
That should get the job done if you ever run into the issue of a printer won’t connect to Starlink.
Starlink routers don’t have an ethernet port so you can’t connect your printer via cable like with some other brand routers. Therefore, the lion’s share of the errors you may face will have a lot to do with connectivity issues.
2) Can’t connect wireless printer to Starlink Router
Do you own a wireless printer and can’t get it to connect to your Starlink WiFi network? Some printers are only compatible with a 2.4 GHz WiFi Network, while others have no problem linking to a 5GHz network as well. The problem though is that Starlink places both under one SSID, and that might be why you’re facing this issue.
In this case, you need to rename both to distinguish one from the other. I recommend suffixing each SSID with its frequency, for example, “Starlink24GHz”.
Here’s a step-by-step solution of how to execute this fix via the Starlink mobile app:
- Head over to your Settings from the app’s home menu
- Activate the option that says “Split 2.4/5 GHz networks” (Check the image below)
- Rename each network appropriately in a way that you can easily discern one frequency from the other
- Ensure that your printer is configured to connect to 2.4GHz
This error is very familiar territory. One time, I was almost pulling my hair out just to find out that my printer was configured to work with 2.4GHz, while my PC was on a 5GHz network, hence my computer couldn’t “see” the printer.
In the same breath, this problem can also arise when you’re using separate networks for your PC and printer. You’ll want to ensure that your printer is sharing the same network as your computer.
3) Connecting to a Starlink router that’s missing a WPS button
Many prefer connecting new devices to a network using the WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) button. It automatically allows you to connect any device to the WiFi without having to use a password. You can’t connect your printer to a Starlink network this way as the router doesn’t have a WPS button.
What can you do then to fix this printer issue with Starlink? Most printers can be managed via the manufacturer’s smart app, and you’ll want to download your brand’s for this next step.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Reset your printer back to its default settings
- Put your printer in the setup mode
- Tap the “Add Your First Printer” tab on the smart app
- Choose “Set up a new printer” and select the printer to connect via WiFi
- Click continue and choose the printer
- Select the network to connect to and input your password (Remember to ensure your printer is compatible with the network frequency like we had discussed earlier)
- The information “i” button on your printer will start to blink. When it does, press it
- Hit the successive “Continue” buttons until the process completes. For some smart apps, you might need to sign into a brand account
I should point out that this procedure will not be the same for all smart apps. The steps might vary depending on your printer’s brand and model. Nonetheless, the core concept remains the same.
Let’s chip in to add to the list
Starlink WiFi is a different kettle of fish compared to your typical WiFi networks. Fixing printer problems with Starlink may require solutions that stray from the ordinary.
Most of the time, these issues arise from inappropriate network configurations, your printer and PC being on different networks, and other minor problems that you may solve with a simple router restart. If nothing seems to work for you, I also recommend updating your printer’s drivers.
Do you use Starlink WiFi with your printer? If so, what challenges do you face that you’re itching to contribute? I’d love to hear all about it so do share your experience in the comments section below.