How to Add a Printer to Your Chromebook

The basic steps to connect a printer

Adding a printer to a Chromebook works differently than on Windows or Mac because Chromebooks don't install printer drivers the traditional way. Instead, your Chromebook connects to printers through Google Cloud Print, a built-in service, or by connecting directly over your home network. Most printers made in the last five years will work without any extra software.

The fastest route is usually connecting over your Wi-Fi network. Your printer and Chromebook both need to be on the same network, and your printer needs to support network printing (check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website if you're unsure). Once they're on the same network, your Chromebook will often find the printer automatically.

Key Takeaways

Chromebooks print through Google Cloud Print or direct network connection, not through downloaded drivers like Windows computers do.
Your printer and Chromebook must be on the same Wi-Fi network for wireless printing to work.
You can add a printer manually through Settings > Advanced > Printing > Printers if your Chromebook doesn't find it automatically.
Older printers without network capability can still work if you connect them to a computer that shares them, or through a USB connection to a Chromebook dock.
If printing fails, restart both your printer and Chromebook, then check that they're still on the same network.

Connecting a network printer automatically

Start by turning on your printer and making sure it's connected to your Wi-Fi network. Most modern printers have a menu screen where you can select your network and enter the password. Check your printer's manual if you're not sure how to do this — the steps vary widely by brand and model.

On your Chromebook, open any document or go to a webpage you want to print. Press Ctrl + P (or click the menu button and select Print). A print dialog will open. Look for a dropdown that says "Destination" or "Select a printer." Click it. Your Chromebook should show a list of printers on your network. If you see your printer's name, click it and you're ready to print.

If your printer doesn't appear in the list, wait 30 seconds and try again — sometimes it takes a moment for your Chromebook to find new printers on the network. If it still doesn't show up, move to the manual method below.

Adding a printer manually through Settings

If your printer isn't appearing automatically, you can add it by hand. Click the time in the bottom right corner of your screen, then click the Settings gear icon. In Settings, click Advanced on the left side, then scroll down and click Printing, then Printers.

You'll see a button that says Add printer. Click it. A dialog will open asking for your printer's name and network address. Your printer's network address (called an IP address) looks like four numbers separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.100. You can find this address by printing a test page from your printer's menu screen — the test page usually shows the IP address. Write it down, then enter it into the Chromebook dialog along with your printer's name (you can call it anything you want, like "Living Room Printer").

Click Add. Your Chromebook will connect to the printer and add it to your list. The next time you press Ctrl + P, your printer will appear in the destination dropdown.

Using a printer connected to another computer

If you have a printer connected only to a Windows PC or Mac, you can still print from your Chromebook by sharing the printer from that computer. On Windows, right-click the printer in Settings > Devices > Printers and Scanners, select Printer Properties, go to the Sharing tab, and check "Share this printer." On Mac, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, right-click your printer, and select "Share this printer on the network."

Once the printer is shared, your Chromebook will see it on the network just like any other printer. Use the automatic method or manual method above to add it. The computer that the printer is connected to must be turned on and awake for printing to work.

Printing to a USB printer using a dock

Some older printers only connect through USB and don't have network capability. If you have a USB printer, you can use a Chromebook dock or USB hub to connect it directly. Plug the printer into the dock's USB port, then plug the dock into your Chromebook's USB-C port.

Your Chromebook should recognize the printer automatically. Press Ctrl + P to print, and the USB printer should appear in your destination list. This method works with most USB printers, though very old printers (more than 10 years old) may not be supported.

Troubleshooting when printing doesn't work

If you've added a printer but printing fails, start by restarting both devices. Turn off your printer completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your Chromebook by clicking the time, clicking the power icon, and selecting Restart. Wait for both devices to fully boot up.

Check that your printer and Chromebook are still on the same Wi-Fi network. On your Chromebook, click the time and look at the network name shown at the top. On your printer's menu screen, look for a Network or Wi-Fi status page. If they're on different networks, reconnect your printer to the same network as your Chromebook.

If the printer still won't print, try removing it and adding it again. Go back to Settings > Advanced > Printing > Printers, find your printer in the list, click the three dots next to it, and select Remove. Then use the manual method above to add it again with the correct IP address.

What to know about Google Cloud Print

Older articles about Chromebook printing often mention Google Cloud Print, a service that let you print to printers from anywhere online. Google shut down Cloud Print in December 2020, so it no longer works. If you see instructions telling you to use Cloud Print, those instructions are outdated.

Modern Chromebooks print through your local network instead, which is actually simpler — you don't need to set up an account or sign in to a separate service. Your printer just needs to be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print from my Chromebook to a printer at work or a friend's house?

Only if your Chromebook is on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. If you're at work or visiting, connect your Chromebook to their network, and the printer should appear in your print dialog. You cannot print to a printer on a different network.

Why does my printer show up in Settings but not when I try to print?

The printer may have lost its network connection. Check your printer's menu screen to confirm it's still connected to Wi-Fi. If it's not, reconnect it to your network. Then restart your Chromebook and try printing again. If it still doesn't work, remove the printer from Settings and add it again.

Do I need to install anything on my Chromebook to use a printer?

No. Chromebooks don't use printer drivers like Windows or Mac computers do. Your Chromebook communicates with the printer directly over your network. If your printer is modern and supports network printing, it will work without any downloads or installations.

What if my printer is very old and doesn't have Wi-Fi?

You have two options: connect it to a computer that shares it over the network (see the section above), or use a USB dock to connect it directly to your Chromebook if your printer has a USB port. Very old printers without either option won't work with Chromebooks.

Can I print wirelessly if I'm using a guest Wi-Fi network?

Only if your printer is also on the guest network. Most home printers connect to the main network, not the guest network, so they won't be visible from a guest connection. Connect your Chromebook to the same network as your printer to print.

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.