How to Connect a Printer Wirelessly to Your Computer
Set Up a Printer: Connect Wirelessly to Your Computer
A wireless printer is very convenient. You can print from anywhere in your home without needing any cables. In this article, we explain step by step how to connect your printer wirelessly to your computer. Whether you have a Windows computer or a Mac, we will help you get started.
Why choose a wireless printer?
Before we start the installation, it is good to know why a wireless connection is so handy. With a WiFi printer, you can print from several devices at the same time. Think of your laptop, tablet or smartphone. On top of that, the printer does not have to sit right next to your computer. You can place it wherever suits you best.
Benefits of wireless printing
- No cables needed: Your workspace stays tidy
- Print from multiple devices: Laptop, phone and tablet can all use the same printer
- Flexible placement: Put the printer wherever you like, as long as there is WiFi coverage
- Easy sharing: Several family members can use the same printer
What do you need?
Before you start setting up your wireless printer, check that you have the following at hand:
- A printer with WiFi capability
- Your WiFi network name (SSID)
- Your WiFi password
- A computer running Windows or macOS
- A working internet connection
Looking up your WiFi details
Don't remember your WiFi network name and password? You can usually find this information on a sticker on the bottom or back of your router. You can also log in to your router to find these details. If in doubt, contact your internet provider.
Connect the printer to your WiFi network
The first step is connecting your printer to your wireless network. You do this through the control panel on the printer itself.
Step 1: Turn on the printer and open the menu
Turn on your printer and wait until it has fully started up. Then go to the menu or settings. On most printers you will find a button with a gear icon or the text "Menu" or "Setup".
Step 2: Find the WiFi settings
Navigate to the network or WiFi settings. This can differ by brand:
- HP: Go to Settings > Network > Wireless
- Canon: Go to Settings > WiFi settings
- Epson: Go to Settings > Network Settings > WiFi Setup
- Brother: Go to Network > WLAN > Setup Wizard
Step 3: Connect to your network
Select the option to search for available networks. Your printer now scans the area and shows a list of WiFi networks. Select your own network from the list.
Step 4: Enter the password
Now enter your WiFi password. This can take a moment on the printer's small screen. Pay close attention to uppercase and lowercase letters, because the password is case-sensitive. Confirm your entry and wait for the printer to connect.
Step 5: Check the connection
If the connection succeeded, you will usually see a confirmation on the screen. Some printers automatically print a configuration page with the network details. Keep this page, because it shows your printer's IP address.
Add the printer to a Windows computer
Now that your printer is connected to the WiFi network, you can add it to your Windows computer.
Method 1: Automatic detection
- Click the Start button (Windows logo at the bottom left)
- Go to Settings (gear icon)
- Click Devices or Bluetooth & devices
- Select Printers & scanners in the left menu
- Click Add a printer or scanner
- Windows now searches for available printers
- Select your printer from the list and click Add device
Method 2: Add manually using the IP address
If your printer is not found automatically, you can add it manually:
- Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners
- Click Add a printer or scanner
- At the bottom, click The printer that I want isn't listed
- Select Add a printer using an IP address or hostname
- Enter your printer's IP address (you can find it on the configuration page)
- Click Next and follow the remaining instructions
Install drivers
Windows automatically tries to install the right drivers. Didn't that work? Then download the drivers from your printer manufacturer's website. Search for your printer's model name and download the latest drivers for your version of Windows.
Add the printer to a Mac
Do you have a Mac? Then the process is similar, but with different steps.
Steps for macOS
- Click the Apple menu at the top left of your screen
- Go to System Settings (or System Preferences in older versions)
- Click Printers & Scanners
- Click the plus sign (+) below the list of printers
- Your Mac now searches for available printers
- Select your printer and click Add
Mac computers often already have drivers built in through AirPrint. If your printer supports AirPrint, it works right away without any extra installation.
Print a test page
After installation, it is a good idea to print a test page. That way you know for sure that everything works properly.
Print a test page in Windows
- Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners
- Click your printer
- Select Manage or click Print a test page directly
- Click Print a test page
Print a test page on a Mac
- Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
- Select your printer
- Click Options & Supplies
- Click Print Test Page
WPS connection as an alternative
Many modern printers support WPS (WiFi Protected Setup). This is a quick way to connect without entering a password.
How WPS works
- Press the WPS button on your printer (often a button with two arrows)
- Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router
- The devices find each other automatically and connect
Please note: not all routers support WPS, and some providers disable this feature for security reasons.
Troubleshooting
Running into problems? Here are some common solutions.
The printer is not found
- Check that the printer is switched on
- Make sure the printer and computer are on the same WiFi network
- Restart your printer and computer
- Check that the printer's WiFi connection is active
The connection keeps dropping
- Move the printer closer to the router
- Check for sources of interference (such as microwaves or thick walls)
- Update your printer's firmware through the manufacturer's website
The printer prints slowly over WiFi
- This is normal; WiFi is somewhat slower than a cable connection
- Check the signal strength of your WiFi
- Consider a WiFi extender if the printer is far from the router
Frequently asked questions
Can I make my old printer wireless too?
Yes, you can with a so-called print server. This is a small device that you connect to your printer with a USB cable and then connect to your WiFi network. Keep in mind: not all features always work equally well through a print server. A real WiFi printer usually gives better results.
Do I need to install special software for wireless printing?
In most cases, no. Windows and macOS recognize modern printers automatically. It can still be useful to install the manufacturer's official software, though. It gives you access to extra features such as scanning, checking ink levels and performing maintenance.
Can I also print when I'm not at home?
Yes, many printer manufacturers offer apps that let you print remotely. For example, HP has HP Smart, Canon has Canon PRINT and Epson has Epson iPrint. With these apps you can send documents and photos to your home printer, even when you are on the go.
Why does my printer work with a cable but not over WiFi?
This often points to a network problem. Check that your printer is correctly connected to your WiFi network. Also check that your computer and printer are on the same network. Some routers have a guest network; make sure both devices are connected to the main network.
Conclusion
Setting up a wireless printer takes a little time, but after that you get to enjoy the convenience. You can print from any room in your home, without the hassle of cables. Follow the steps in this article and your printer will be ready to use within half an hour. Still stuck? Then contact your printer manufacturer's customer service or ask someone you know with computer experience for help.
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