How Do I Stop My Firewall from Blocking My Printer? (All Methods Explained) – Call +1-917-672-8608 for Help
If your printer suddenly stops responding or you can’t connect it over a network, your firewall settings might be the culprit. Firewalls are designed to protect your computer by blocking suspicious or unauthorized connections — but sometimes they mistakenly block your printer’s communication, especially on Wi-Fi networks.
In this complete 1000-word guide, we’ll explain why firewalls block printers, how to unblock your printer connection, and all the methods you can use to fix it — whether you’re on Windows or Mac. If you need quick assistance or technical guidance, call +1-917-672-8608 for expert help.
Why Your Firewall Might Be Blocking the Printer
Firewalls filter incoming and outgoing network traffic to keep your system safe from malware and unauthorized access. However, when a firewall blocks your printer, it’s usually because:
The printer’s communication ports are not listed as safe.
Firewall settings are too strict or misconfigured.
Printer software or drivers weren’t added to the exception list.
Network printers are using different IP addresses or protocols.
Antivirus software with built-in firewalls is preventing printer sharing.
When this happens, your computer can’t send data to the printer — resulting in “printer not found,” “connection failed,” or “offline” messages.
Step-by-Step Methods to Stop Your Firewall from Blocking the Printer
Let’s go through each method to fix the issue and restore your printer connection.
Method 1: Allow Printer Through Windows Firewall
This is the most common and effective fix if you’re using Windows.
Open Control Panel → Click System and Security → Select Windows Defender Firewall.
On the left, click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
Click Change settings (you might need admin permission).
Look for your printer software (like HP Smart, Canon Printer Utility, or Epson Connect).
Check both Private and Public boxes to allow full access.
Click OK to save the changes.
Now, restart your computer and printer to test the connection.
If you can’t find your printer in the list, click Allow another app, browse for the printer program (usually located in C:\Program Files), and add it manually.
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Method 2: Temporarily Disable the Firewall
If you suspect the firewall is the issue, you can temporarily disable it to test the connection.
Open Control Panel → Windows Defender Firewall.
Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the sidebar.
Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall for both private and public networks.
Click OK.
Now try printing a test page. If it works, the firewall was definitely blocking your printer.
You can then turn the firewall back on and create an exception for your printer instead of keeping it off permanently.
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Method 3: Add Firewall Exception for Printer Port
Printers often communicate through specific network ports. If these ports are blocked, printing will fail.
To manually allow the port:
Open Control Panel → Windows Defender Firewall → Advanced Settings.
Click Inbound Rules → then New Rule.
Select Port and click Next.
Choose TCP and enter the port number:
For standard printing: 9100
For Internet Printing Protocol (IPP): 631
For LPD printing: 515
Select Allow the connection, then Next.
Check all profiles (Domain, Private, Public).
Give your rule a name like “Printer Connection” and click Finish.
Once done, restart your computer and printer.
If you’re unsure which port your printer uses, you can find it in Devices and Printers → Printer Properties → Ports tab.
Method 4: Allow Printer Software in Third-Party Firewall
If you’re using antivirus software like McAfee, Norton, Avast, or Kaspersky, they come with built-in firewalls that can block printer connections.
Here’s how to fix it:
Open your antivirus dashboard.
Navigate to Firewall Settings or Network Protection.
Look for a section called Program Permissions or Allowed Applications.
Add your printer’s software (for example, “HP Smart” or “Canon IJ Network Tool”) to the allowed list.
Save and restart your computer.
Each antivirus program has slightly different settings. If you can’t find them, contact support at +1-917-672-8608 for direct help.
Method 5: Add Printer IP Address as Trusted
Some firewalls block devices that aren’t on the trusted list. Adding your printer’s IP address can solve this.
Find your printer’s IP address:
On most printers, go to Menu → Network Settings → Wi-Fi Status.
Copy the IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.15).
Open Windows Defender Firewall → Advanced Settings → Inbound Rules.
Create a new rule for Custom → These IP Addresses → Add your printer’s IP.
Choose Allow the connection and save.
Now your computer will always recognize the printer as a safe device.
Method 6: Reinstall or Update Printer Drivers
Sometimes, firewall conflicts happen because of outdated or corrupt printer drivers. Reinstalling them can fix communication issues.
Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
Right-click your printer → select Remove Device.
Visit the official website of your printer’s brand (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother).
Download and install the latest drivers and software.
Reconnect your printer via Wi-Fi or USB.
This often refreshes the printer’s connection with your system, resolving most firewall-related blocks.
Method 7: Reset Firewall Settings to Default
If none of the methods work, your firewall rules may be too restrictive. Resetting them can help.
Open Control Panel → Windows Defender Firewall.
Click Restore Defaults in the left sidebar.
Confirm by clicking Restore Defaults again.
This will remove all custom rules and restore factory settings, allowing your printer to reconnect easily.
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Method 8: Enable File and Printer Sharing
For network printers, enabling File and Printer Sharing ensures your device can communicate across the local network.
Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center.
Click Change advanced sharing settings.
Under Private Network, enable:
Turn on network discovery.
Turn on file and printer sharing.
Save changes.
This tells your firewall to allow devices like printers to exchange data safely.
Method 9: For Mac Users – Adjust Firewall Settings
If you’re using macOS, you can fix printer blocking by adjusting the built-in firewall:
Go to System Settings → Network → Firewall.
Click Options or Firewall Options.
Find your printer software (like “Canon IJ Network Tool” or “HP Smart”) and allow incoming connections.
If it’s not listed, click the “+” button to add it manually.
Save changes and restart your Mac.
You can also disable the firewall temporarily to test the connection.
Method 10: Check Printer’s Security Software or Firmware
Some modern printers have their own firewall or security filters, especially wireless ones. Access the printer’s web interface by typing its IP address into your browser.
Look for settings like:
Access Control
Firewall or Network Security
IP Filtering
Disable unnecessary filters or whitelist your computer’s IP address.
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Bonus Tips to Prevent Firewall Blocking in the Future
Regularly update printer drivers and system software.
Always add printer software as a trusted app when installing it.
Avoid using multiple firewalls simultaneously (like Windows + third-party antivirus).
Periodically check your firewall’s allowed list to ensure your printer is included.
Keep your Wi-Fi network secured but not overly restricted with MAC filtering.
When to Call for Support
If your printer still won’t connect after following these steps, there might be deeper network or driver configuration issues. Don’t worry — professional help is available.
Call +1-917-672-8608 for expert assistance. A technician can:
Diagnose firewall and network issues.
Configure port settings.
Ensure your printer and PC are communicating properly.
Optimize firewall rules for smooth printing.
Conclusion
Firewalls are essential for keeping your system safe, but they can occasionally block legitimate connections — including your printer. The good news is that this problem is easy to fix once you know how.
You can unblock your printer by allowing it through the firewall, creating port exceptions, adding trusted devices, or temporarily disabling the firewall. Always confirm that your printer drivers are up to date and that printer sharing is enabled.
If you’re still experiencing issues or need personalized help, call +1-917-672-8608. A support specialist can walk you through every method step-by-step to get your printer running smoothly again.
With the right settings and guidance, you can stop your firewall from blocking your printer — and enjoy hassle-free, secure printing anytime.