How to connect your printer to the internet
Most printers connect to your network the same way your phone or laptop does — either through WiFi or a wired Ethernet cable. WiFi is simpler if your printer sits near your router; Ethernet is more stable if the printer is far away or in a separate room. The exact steps depend on your printer model, but the process follows the same pattern: access the printer's settings menu, find the network option, and enter your WiFi password or plug in the cable.
Before you start, have your WiFi network name and password ready. If you are using Ethernet, you will need a cable long enough to reach from your router to the printer. Most modern printers have a small touchscreen or button panel on the front — that is where you will navigate to the network settings.
Key Takeaways
- WiFi connection works through your printer's menu (usually accessed by pressing a settings or menu button), where you select your network name and enter your password.
- Ethernet connection requires plugging a network cable directly into the port on the back of the printer, which usually connects automatically without any menu steps.
- If your printer has no screen, check the manual for the model number — some older printers use a separate app or a button sequence to enter WiFi details.
- After connection, your computer or phone must be on the same network as the printer before you can send print jobs to it.
- If the printer does not appear on your network, restart both the printer and your router, then try the connection steps again.
Connecting via WiFi through the printer menu
Most printers with a touchscreen or button panel have a settings or menu button on the front. Press it and look for options labeled "Network," "WiFi," "Wireless," or "Internet." Select that option and the printer will show a list of available networks — these are the same networks your phone sees when you look for WiFi.
Find your network name in the list and select it. The printer will then ask for your WiFi password. Type it carefully using the printer's keypad or touchscreen — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter. Once you enter the password, the printer should connect and display a confirmation message. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds.
If your network does not appear in the list, your printer may be too far from the router. Move the printer closer, restart it, and try again. If you still do not see your network, check that your router is turned on and that WiFi is enabled — some routers have a physical WiFi button on the back.
Connecting via Ethernet cable
Ethernet is the most straightforward connection method. Look at the back of your printer for a port that looks like a phone jack but slightly wider — that is the Ethernet port. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into that port and the other end into an available port on your router.
Once the cable is plugged in, the printer should connect automatically. You may see a light on the printer or router blink to show data is moving. Unlike WiFi, you do not need to enter a password or navigate any menus. The printer will receive an address on your network within a few seconds and be ready to use.
Ethernet is especially useful if your printer is in a basement, garage, or far from your router, because the physical cable does not lose signal the way WiFi can. The trade-off is that you need a cable run from the router to the printer, which may not be practical in every home.
Finding your printer on your computer or phone
After the printer connects to the network, your computer or phone needs to find it. On Windows, go to Settings, then Devices, then Printers and Scanners. Click "Add a printer or scanner" and wait for Windows to search your network. Your printer should appear in the list within 30 seconds. Click it and select "Add device."
On Mac, go to System Preferences, then Printers and Scanners. Click the plus button, and your printer should appear in the list. Select it and click "Add." On iPhone or iPad, most modern printers work automatically once they are on the same WiFi network — you do not need to add them manually. When you open an app and select print, the printer should appear as an option.
If your printer does not appear, make sure your computer or phone is connected to the same network as the printer. A computer on your guest WiFi network, for example, will not see a printer on your main network. Restart both the printer and your router, then search again.
What to do if the printer has no screen
Older printers or budget models sometimes have only buttons and lights, no touchscreen. These printers usually have a WiFi button on the front or back — it may be labeled "WiFi," "Wireless," or have a WiFi symbol. Press and hold this button for 3 to 5 seconds until a light blinks. This puts the printer in pairing mode, which lasts about 2 minutes.
While the printer is in pairing mode, go to your phone or computer's WiFi settings and look for a network name that includes the printer's brand or model number. Connect to that temporary network, and a setup page should open automatically. Enter your main WiFi network name and password, and the printer will connect to your home network.
If this does not work, check the manual for your specific model — the exact steps vary. You can usually find the manual by searching the printer brand and model number online, followed by the word "manual." Some manufacturers also provide a smartphone app that walks you through the setup process.
Troubleshooting when the connection fails
If the printer connects to the network but your computer cannot find it, restart both devices. Turn off the printer completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Do the same with your router. This clears temporary connection problems and usually takes less than 2 minutes total.
If the printer keeps losing connection or drops off the network frequently, it may be too far from the router or blocked by walls and metal objects. Try moving it closer to the router, or switch to Ethernet if distance is the problem. If the printer is in a fixed location and WiFi is unreliable there, Ethernet is the better long-term solution.
If you see an error message about the password being wrong, double-check that you entered it correctly. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive and often include numbers or symbols that are easy to mistype. If you are not sure of your password, check your router — most routers have the WiFi name and password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom.
Checking your printer's network address
Once your printer is connected, it receives a unique address on your network called an IP address. This address looks like four numbers separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.50. Knowing this address is useful if you need to troubleshoot or access the printer's settings from your computer.
Most printers display their IP address on a settings menu or on a test page. To print a test page, look for a "Print Configuration Page," "Network Status Page," or "Settings Page" option in the printer's menu. This page will show the IP address, WiFi network name, and connection status all in one place.
You can also find the printer's address through your router. Log into your router's settings (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 into a web browser) and look for a list of connected devices. Your printer should appear there with its IP address and network name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both WiFi and Ethernet at the same time?
Most printers can connect via both, but they will use only one at a time. If both are plugged in and configured, the printer typically prioritizes the Ethernet connection because it is more stable. You can leave both set up so that if one fails, the printer can fall back to the other.
Why does my printer keep asking for the WiFi password?
This usually means the printer did not save the password correctly the first time. Go back to the network settings menu, select your WiFi network again, and re-enter the password slowly and carefully. If the problem continues, restart the printer and try once more. If it still fails, your router may have a security setting that is blocking the printer — check your router's manual or contact your internet provider.
Do I need to connect the printer to the internet if I only print from one computer?
No. If your computer and printer are in the same room, you can connect them with a USB cable instead. However, connecting to the network lets you print from any device in your home without moving the printer, and it makes it easier to share the printer among multiple people.
What if my printer is not showing up even after restarting?
Check that the printer is actually connected by looking at the network settings menu on the printer itself — it should show your WiFi network name or display "Connected" if using Ethernet. If it shows "Not Connected," go back through the connection steps. If the printer shows it is connected but your computer still cannot find it, restart your computer and try searching for the printer again.
Can I move my printer to a different room after connecting it?
Yes, if you are using WiFi. The printer will stay connected as long as it is within range of your router. If you move it far away and the connection drops, move it closer or use Ethernet instead. If you are using Ethernet, you will need to move the cable with the printer or switch to WiFi.