How to Connect a Wireless Printer (Windows, Mac & Phone)

Wireless printers are incredibly convenient, allowing you to print from anywhere in your home or office without messy cables. However, setting up a wireless printer can be a little confusing if you’ve never done it before. In this guide, we’ll walk you through connecting your printer to Wi-Fi, adding it to your computer or phone, and fixing the most common connection problems.

How do I connect my wireless printer to Wi-Fi?

The exact steps vary by printer make and model, but the basic process is the same on most printers:

1. Turn on your printer and make sure it’s within range of your Wi-Fi router.
2. On the printer’s control panel, open the Wireless, Wi-Fi or Network setup menu. On many printers, this is under Setup (gear icon).
3. Choose your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
4. Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted.
5. Wait for the wireless light or on-screen message to confirm the printer is connected.

No touchscreen? Many printers without a screen support WPS. Press the Wi-Fi button on your printer until the wireless light blinks, then press the WPS button on your router within two minutes. You can also use your printer brand’s free app, such as HP Smart, Epson Smart Panel, Canon PRINT or Brother Mobile Connect, which walks you through Wi-Fi setup from your phone.

How do I add a wireless printer to my computer?

Once your printer is on your Wi-Fi network, add it to your computer. Your computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.

Windows 11

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click Add device and wait for Windows to find your printer.
3. Select your printer and click Add device. Windows installs the driver automatically for most printers.

Windows 10

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click Add a printer or scanner.
3. Select your printer from the list and click Add device.

Mac

1. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions of macOS).
2. Click Printers & Scanners.
3. Click Add Printer, Scanner or Fax (or the “+” button).
4. Select your wireless printer from the list and click Add. Your Mac will download the driver automatically if one is needed.

After adding your printer, print a test page to make sure everything is working.

What if my computer doesn’t recognize my printer?

If your printer doesn’t show up, confirm that it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer, then restart the printer, computer and router. If it still doesn’t appear, download and install the latest driver or setup software from your printer manufacturer’s website. Most new printers no longer come with an installation disc, so the manufacturer’s website is the best place to get the current version.

How do I get my computer to recognize my wireless HP printer?

Make sure your HP printer is on and connected to your Wi-Fi network. Then install the HP Smart app on your computer, select Add Printer, and follow the on-screen steps. HP Smart finds your printer on the network and installs what’s needed. You can also add it through Windows Settings using the steps above.

How do I print from my phone or tablet?

iPhone or iPad

Most wireless printers support Apple AirPrint, so you don’t need to install anything. Make sure your iPhone or iPad is on the same Wi-Fi network as your printer, open the document or photo, tap the Share icon, select Print, and choose your printer.

Android

Android includes a built-in print service that finds most wireless printers on your network. Open the document or photo, tap the menu (usually three dots), then tap Print and choose your printer. If your printer doesn’t appear, install your printer brand’s app or the Mopria Print Service from the Google Play Store.

Why is my printer not connecting to my computer wirelessly?

There are several common reasons a wireless printer won’t connect. Here’s what to check:

• Same network: Your computer and printer must be on the same Wi-Fi network. This is the most common mistake, especially if you have a separate guest network or 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks.
• Range: Make sure your printer is close enough to your router to get a strong signal.
• Printer setup: Print a wireless network test report from your printer’s control panel to confirm it’s connected and see which network it’s on.
• New router or password: If you changed your router or Wi-Fi password, you’ll need to reconnect your printer to the network.
• Firewall or security software: Updates to your firewall or antivirus software can block the connection to your printer.

If you’ve checked everything and your printer still won’t connect, restart your printer, computer and router. For more fixes, see our guide to common printer problems and how to fix them.

FAQ

What are the ways to connect to a printer wirelessly?

There are three common ways. Wi-Fi network printing connects your printer to your home or office router so any device on the same network can print. Wi-Fi Direct lets your phone or computer connect straight to the printer without a router. Bluetooth, available on some printers, connects a nearby device directly to the printer.

Does a wireless printer need to be connected to the internet?

No. A wireless printer only needs to be connected to your local Wi-Fi network to print from devices on that same network. You only need an internet connection for extras like printing remotely from outside your home, installing firmware updates or using your printer brand’s cloud services.

Does a wireless printer have to be connected to a computer?

No. You can print directly to a wireless printer from any device on the same Wi-Fi network, including phones, tablets and laptops. Many printers also support Wi-Fi Direct, which lets you print without a router.

Can I connect a wireless printer without a router?

Yes, if your printer supports Wi-Fi Direct. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct from the printer’s network or wireless menu, then connect your phone or computer to the printer’s Wi-Fi Direct network like you would any Wi-Fi network, using the password shown on the printer.