Your VPN can keep internet access working while blocking or bypassing access to a printer on your nearby network. First check the VPN app’s local-network access setting; if the printer still does not appear, try adding it by its current IP address. Automatic discovery, direct printer access, and internet connectivity are separate tests, so a failure in one does not prove the others are broken.
Why internet access can work while the printer is missing
A VPN connection, access to the public internet, reachability of devices on your local network, and automatic printer discovery are different things. VPN apps can route local-device traffic differently from internet traffic. The result depends on the VPN app and settings, operating system, protocol, routes, firewall, and network layout.
Discovery is a separate issue from connecting to a known printer address. A printer may not show up in a scan because discovery packets do not pass through the VPN path, even though a direct connection to its IP address could work. TP-Link describes this distinction in its VPN and LAN-device troubleshooting guidance, updated April 23, 2026.
1. Identify how the printer is connected
Before changing settings, determine whether the printer connects directly to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, or is plugged into another computer and shared from there. Also check whether the problem starts only after the VPN connects. For a shared Windows printer, Microsoft says both computers need to be on the same local network; first confirm you can reach the host computer and resolve its name.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- UPC: 198828789662
- Weight: 10.450 lbs
2. Look for the VPN’s local-network access control
In the VPN app, look for a setting with wording such as “Allow LAN connections,” “Access Local Devices with VPN,” or “Stay invisible on LAN.” The control and its behavior vary by provider and platform. Proton VPN says its LAN setting, enabled by default in many of its apps, keeps connections to local devices outside the VPN tunnel. Norton also documents a local-device access option, with platform-specific constraints.
Change only the relevant local-access control if your VPN and network policy allow it. If this is a work or school VPN, check with IT before changing access controls; the restriction may be intentional. Follow the provider’s instructions about reconnecting after a change: Proton says a restart of the VPN connection is needed on macOS, Android, and iOS/iPadOS for the documented changes. See Proton’s LAN connection instructions and Norton’s printer and scanner guidance.
Rank #2
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
3. Try the printer’s IP address if discovery fails
If the printer is absent from Windows’ “Add a printer or scanner” results, find its current IP address in the printer’s network menu or print a network configuration page. Then try adding it by IP rather than repeating the discovery scan. NordVPN provides Windows steps for adding a Wi-Fi printer by IP.
A direct-IP attempt bypasses automatic discovery and can also avoid a name-resolution problem. It is a diagnostic test, not a guarantee: if the IP connection fails too, investigate routing, firewall rules, the printer’s network connection, or subnet boundaries instead of treating discovery as the only problem.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRank #3
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
4. Check firewall rules and network boundaries
If you are using a VPN to reach a remote LAN, the printer or its host computer may see your VPN-assigned address as coming from a different subnet and reject the connection. TP-Link recommends checking the destination device’s firewall and, where appropriate, permitting traffic from the specific VPN-client address or subnet.
Do not leave a firewall disabled as a workaround. If you administer the destination device and network policy permits access, use a narrowly scoped rule for the necessary traffic and VPN-client subnet. On a managed network, ask its administrator to check routing and firewall policy.
Rank #4
- AFFORDABLE ALL-IN-ONE FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Print, copy, and scan on one compact wireless printer designed for everyday home office printing, schoolwork, documents, and reports. Produce beautiful prints for results that stand out.
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the simple-to-use 1.8” color display on your printer.
- FULL-SIZE FEATURES IN A COMPACT DESIGN: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), and a 150-sheet paper tray(3). Engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- MOBILE PRINTING MADE EASY: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor your ink usage with Page Gauge to help ensure you don’t run out(6).
5. If a Windows computer shares the printer
These checks apply when the printer is shared from a Windows PC, not necessarily to a printer connected directly to the network.
- Make sure the host PC is on and reachable from the computer trying to print.
- On the host, confirm that printer sharing is enabled and that the printer is shared.
- On the appropriate trusted private network, check that Network discovery and File and printer sharing are enabled.
- Use the correct share path:
\ComputerNamePrinterShareName. - If access is still denied, check credentials, sharing configuration, driver compatibility, and Windows security changes.
Microsoft’s shared-printer troubleshooting guide covers host access, name resolution, and connection problems.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Best Value
- Wireless Bluetooth Printer: Portable thermal printer compatible with iPhone, Android phones, iPad and tablet computers via Bluetooth. For smartphones, please download the "Nada Print" App. You can also connect to laptops and computers for printing using a USB-C cable. (Note: Laptops and computers can only be connected via USB and require the installation of a driver first. Bluetooth connection is not supported.)
- No-ink printing: Only supports US Letter and A4 size thermal paper.(Doesn't support regular paper) The no-ink portable thermal printer uses direct thermal technology, requiring no ink, toner or ribbons, making it environmentally friendly, cost-effective and time-saving. The thermal printer package comes with a roll of US Letter thermal printing paper. Note: When installing the paper, remember to switch the paper size switch on APP
- Clear Print: NDYIN N80 portable thermal printer adopts high-definition printing technology, with a 203DPI resolution to provide you with clear printing results. This mobile printer is compatible with roll paper, folded paper and tattoo transfer paper, supporting printing from your mobile phone PDF, Word, pictures and web pages anytime and anywhere. It is recommended to use our NDYIN thermal paper to achieve good printing quality
- Portable wireless printer for travel: The thermal printer is equipped with a built-in 1500mAh rechargeable battery, which can print 160 sheets of 8.5" x 11" thermal paper after being fully charged. It weighs only 1.5 pounds and is compact in size. This ink-free portable printer can be easily carried in a backpack or briefcase! It is perfect for business travel, cars, small offices, construction sites, schools and homes. You can print documents, contracts, invoices and boarding passes anytime and anywhere
- The N80 thermal printer has a wide range of uses. The package includes the N80 printer, a roll of US Letter paper(7m/roll), a user manual, a guide card, a type-C soft cable and a type C adapter. Note: The charging adapter is not included. Special thermal paper is required for use; ordinary paper cannot be used. This ink-free portable thermal printer is suitable for various scenarios such as home, school, travel, office, and outdoor, meeting the printing needs of different groups of people. This tattoo template printer is also compatible with tattoo transfer paper, making it an ideal choice for tattoo art
6. Consider alternatives only when policy allows
Some VPN apps offer app-based split tunneling, which can route selected applications outside the VPN. Whether it helps depends on the VPN, operating system, printer software, and the traffic needed to reach the printer. Norton and NordVPN document app split-tunneling options, but availability and controls vary; see Norton’s instructions and NordVPN’s Windows printer guidance.
If you cannot change the VPN routing, Brother suggests queuing the print job and sending it after disconnecting from the VPN. Treat disconnecting as a limited workaround, not a universal fix: it may be prohibited by workplace policy, and it does not diagnose why local access failed. See Brother’s guidance for printing while connected to another network via VPN.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
