The basic steps to connect your printer

Most printers connect to WiFi through a menu on the printer itself or through a setup app on your computer or phone. The exact steps depend on your printer model, but the general process is the same: put your printer in pairing mode, find it on your WiFi network, and enter your password.

Before you start, make sure your printer and the device you're using (computer, phone, or tablet) are both on the same WiFi network. You'll also need your WiFi password. If you don't know it, check the sticker on your router or ask whoever set up your network.

Key Takeaways

  • Most printers have a WiFi or network settings menu on the printer's screen where you can search for and connect to your network.
  • If your printer has no screen, use the manufacturer's setup app (like HP Smart, Canon PRINT, or Epson iPrint) to guide the connection process.
  • Your printer and computer or phone must be on the same WiFi network for printing to work.
  • After connecting, you may need to install printer drivers or software on your computer so it recognizes the printer.
  • If connection fails, restart both your printer and router, then try again.

Connecting through your printer's menu

If your printer has a touchscreen or buttons with a small display, look for a menu option labeled "WiFi," "Network," "Settings," or "Wireless." Press it to enter the network menu.

Once you're in the network settings, select "Search for Networks" or "Available Networks." The printer will scan for WiFi signals in range. When you see your network name (called the SSID), select it. The printer will then ask you to enter your WiFi password using the printer's keypad or touchscreen. Type it carefully — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters are different.

After you enter the password, the printer will attempt to connect. You should see a confirmation message on the screen. Write down the printer's IP address if it displays one — you may need it later to add the printer to your computer.

Using a manufacturer's setup app

If your printer has no screen or buttons, the manufacturer usually provides a free app to set it up. Common apps include HP Smart (for HP printers), Canon PRINT (for Canon), Epson iPrint (for Epson), and Brother iPrint&Scan (for Brother). Search for your printer brand plus "setup app" or "print app" in your device's app store.

Download and open the app, then follow its prompts. The app will search for your printer on the network. When it finds your printer, it will ask for your WiFi password and connect the printer to your network. Some apps will also install the necessary drivers automatically, which means your computer will be ready to print right away.

If the app cannot find your printer, make sure the printer is powered on and within range of your router. Some printers also have a WiFi button you need to hold for a few seconds to enter pairing mode — check your printer's manual if the app is not finding it.

Adding the printer to your computer after WiFi connection

Once your printer is connected to WiFi, your computer needs to know about it. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners and click Add a Printer or Scanner. Windows will search for printers on your network. When you see your printer's name, click it and follow any prompts to install drivers.

On Mac, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, click the + button, and select your printer from the list. Mac will usually install drivers automatically.

If your printer does not appear in the list, you may need to download drivers from the manufacturer's website. Go to the support page for your specific printer model, download the driver for your operating system, and run the installer. After installation, try adding the printer again.

What to do if your printer won't connect

If your printer cannot find your WiFi network, first check that your router is powered on and working. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. While the router restarts, also restart your printer by turning it off and back on.

Make sure you are entering your WiFi password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive and spaces count. If you are unsure, check the password on the sticker attached to your router, or log into your router's settings page from a computer or phone to see the password.

If your printer is far from your router, move it closer temporarily to test the connection. Walls, metal objects, and other electronics can weaken WiFi signals. Once connected, you can move the printer back to its original location, though it may print more slowly if the signal is weak.

If the printer still will not connect after restarting both devices and confirming the password, check whether your router is using a 5 GHz network. Some older printers only work on 2.4 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both, look for a separate 2.4 GHz network name in your available networks list and try connecting to that instead.

Printing from your phone or tablet

Once your printer is on WiFi, you can print from your phone or tablet without any cables. On iPhone or iPad, open the document or photo you want to print, tap Share or the menu icon, and look for Print. Tap Select Printer and choose your printer from the list.

On Android, open what you want to print, tap the menu icon (three dots), and select Print. Choose your printer and tap Print. Some apps also have their own print buttons — check the app's menu if you do not see a print option in the share menu.

Your phone and printer must be on the same WiFi network. If your printer does not appear in the printer list, make sure both devices are connected to the same network and restart the app you are trying to print from.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install anything on my computer to print?

You need printer drivers, which are software files that let your computer talk to your printer. Many manufacturers' setup apps install these automatically. If the app does not, download the drivers from the manufacturer's support website for your specific printer model and operating system, then run the installer.

Can I print if my printer and computer are on different WiFi networks?

No. Your printer and computer must be on the same WiFi network to communicate. If you have a guest network separate from your main network, make sure both devices are on the same one. Some routers let you connect both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz devices to the same network name, which solves this problem.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router — it usually shows the network name and password. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, log into your router's settings page from a computer or phone using the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) and your router's admin password. You can then view or change your WiFi password from there.

Why is my printer printing slowly over WiFi?

WiFi signal strength affects print speed. If your printer is far from your router or blocked by walls, move it closer to improve the connection. Interference from microwaves, cordless phones, or other wireless devices can also slow things down. Restarting your router and printer sometimes helps too.

Can I use my printer if it is not connected to WiFi?

Yes. Most printers can print over USB cable, which does not require WiFi. You can also print directly from a phone or tablet using Bluetooth if your printer supports it. Check your printer's manual to see which connection methods it supports.