How to Connect a Printer to Your Chromebook

The fastest way to add a printer to a Chromebook

Most printers connect to a Chromebook through your Wi-Fi network, and the setup takes less than five minutes. Go to Settings > Advanced > Printing > Printers, then click Add printer. Your Chromebook will search for printers on the same network. Select yours from the list, and it will be ready to use.

If your printer does not appear in that list, make sure it is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromebook. Some older printers may need you to enter the printer's IP address manually instead — your printer's manual or the label on the back will show this number.

Once added, you can print from any app by pressing Ctrl + P (or Cmd + P on a Mac Chromebook), selecting your printer, and clicking Print. The printer stays in your list until you remove it, so you will not have to add it again.

Key Takeaways

Wi-Fi printers connect through Settings > Advanced > Printing > Printers, and most appear automatically when you click Add printer.
Your printer must be powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromebook to show up in the list.
If your printer does not appear, you can add it manually by entering its IP address, which is printed on a label on the back of the machine.
Once added, print from any app using Ctrl + P and selecting your printer from the dropdown menu.

What to do if your printer does not show up automatically

If you clicked Add printer and your printer is not in the list, the problem is usually that your printer is not on the same network as your Chromebook. Check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network — look at your printer's display panel or settings menu to confirm which network it is using.

If both are on the same network and the printer still does not appear, restart both devices. Turn off the printer completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your Chromebook. After both have restarted, go back to Settings > Advanced > Printing > Printers and click Add printer again.

If it still does not appear, you can add it manually. You will need your printer's IP address, which is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the printer. In the Add printer window, look for an option to enter the IP address manually — this is often labeled Add manually or Enter IP address. Type the address and click Add.

Printing from Google Drive and other cloud apps

If you use Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, or Google Slides, you can print directly from those apps without opening the Settings menu. Open the document, press Ctrl + P, select your printer, and click Print. The same process works for most web-based apps.

Some apps may have their own print button in the menu instead. Look for a menu icon (three horizontal lines) or click File at the top of the page, then select Print. This will open the same print dialog where you choose your printer.

Using a printer that is not on your Wi-Fi network

If your printer is connected to a computer instead of Wi-Fi, you can still print to it through that computer using Google Cloud Print (now called Printers in Google Account settings). The computer must be turned on and signed into the same Google Account as your Chromebook.

To set this up, go to the computer, open Chrome, and go to chrome://devices. Sign in with your Google Account and register the printer. Once registered, it will appear in your Chromebook's printer list. This method is slower than Wi-Fi printing and requires the computer to stay on, so it is best used only when Wi-Fi printing is not an option.

Printing to USB printers

Some older printers connect only through a USB cable and do not have Wi-Fi. Chromebooks do not have USB ports for printers, so you cannot plug one in directly. Your options are to use a computer with a USB port as a relay (using the Google Cloud Print method above) or to buy a printer with Wi-Fi built in.

If you have a USB printer you want to keep using, the relay method through a computer is the only way. The computer acts as a middleman between your Chromebook and the printer, so the computer must be on whenever you want to print.

Removing a printer from your Chromebook

If you no longer need a printer or want to replace it, you can remove it from your list. Go to Settings > Advanced > Printing > Printers. Find the printer you want to remove, click the three dots next to it, and select Remove. It will no longer appear in your print dialog.

Removing a printer from your Chromebook does not affect the printer itself — it just stops your Chromebook from seeing it. You can add it back later by following the same steps as the first time.

Troubleshooting common printing problems

If your printer is added but prints do not go through, first check that the printer has paper and is not showing an error message on its display. Then try printing a test page: go to Settings > Advanced > Printing > Printers, click your printer, and select Print test page.

If the test page does not print, restart both your Chromebook and printer. If it still fails, remove the printer and add it again. Sometimes the connection drops and re-adding it fixes the problem. If you are still stuck, check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website for Chromebook-specific instructions — some brands have special drivers or apps that help with compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print from my Chromebook to a printer at work or school?

Yes, if the printer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromebook. If it is on a separate network (like a secure work network), you will not be able to connect unless your network administrator has set up a shared printer. Ask your IT department whether the printer is available to guest devices.

What if I only have a USB printer and no computer?

Chromebooks cannot use USB printers directly. Your only option is to buy a printer with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or to use a computer as a relay through Google Cloud Print. If neither is possible, you would need to print from a different device.

Do I need to install software or drivers on my Chromebook?

No. Chromebooks handle printer drivers automatically — you do not need to download or install anything. The printer just needs to be on the same Wi-Fi network and compatible with Chromebooks, which nearly all modern printers are.

Can I print wirelessly from my phone to the same printer?

Yes, if your phone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Most Android and iPhone printers have their own apps or use AirPrint (for iPhones) or Google Print (for Android). The process is similar to Chromebook printing — just select the printer from the app's print menu.

What if my printer keeps disconnecting?

This usually means the printer is losing its Wi-Fi connection. Move the printer closer to your router, or check that your router is not overloaded with too many devices. You can also try restarting the printer and your Chromebook. If it keeps happening, check your printer's manual for Wi-Fi troubleshooting steps.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.