To make a network printer wireless, you have two main options: connect the printer directly to your Wi‑Fi router using its built-in wireless capabilities, or use a wireless print server for older models that lack Wi‑Fi. This process allows you to print from laptops, phones, and tablets without needing a physical cable connection to the printer.
Connect your printer to your Wi‑Fi network
Start by accessing your printer’s settings menu, usually through its built-in display or control panel. Look for a wireless or network setup option, then select your Wi‑Fi network from the list of available networks. Enter your Wi‑Fi password when prompted, and confirm the connection. Once the printer shows a steady Wi‑Fi indicator light, it is online and ready to receive print jobs from any device on the same network. Network printers are assigned an IP address that identifies them on the network, allowing devices to communicate with them and send print jobs. Wireless printing can potentially consolidate the number of printers needed for an office setup since one wireless printer can serve multiple users, reducing overall energy consumption. Wireless printing eliminates the need to purchase cables or additional hardware for connecting devices to the printer, resulting in cost savings over time.
Print from your computer after making the printer wireless
After the printer is connected to Wi‑Fi, add it to your computer. On Windows, open the Control Panel, go to “Devices and Printers,” and click “Add a printer.” Windows will search for printers on your network; select your wireless printer from the list and follow the prompts to install any necessary drivers. If drivers are required, the operating system will prompt you to download them from the printer manufacturer’s website.
Print from an iPhone or iPad using AirPrint
Apple’s AirPrint feature makes wireless printing straightforward. First, ensure the printer is connected to your Wi‑Fi network and that your iPhone or iPad is on the same Wi‑Fi network. Then open the app you want to print from, tap the Share button or the app’s print icon, and tap Print. Tap No Printer Selected and choose the AirPrint-enabled printer from the list. Your print job will be sent wirelessly to the printer. This method works with any AirPrint-compatible printer and requires no additional software.
Print from an Android phone or tablet
Android printing typically uses the operating system’s built-in print service. Open the Settings app, then look for “Printing” under “Connected devices” or “Connections” (exact menu names vary by manufacturer). Tap the relevant print service, such as “Default Print Service” or your printer brand’s plugin, then tap “Add printer” or the “+” button. The device will search for printers on the same Wi‑Fi network. Select your printer and follow any on-screen prompts. Once added, you can print from any app that supports the print function by selecting the printer from the print dialog.
Troubleshooting common wireless printer problems
If your printer does not appear on the network, first restart the printer, your router, and the device you are printing from. Ensure the printer is connected to the same Wi‑Fi network as your device. Check the printer’s firmware for updates through its settings menu or the manufacturer’s website. For print jobs stuck in the queue, cancel all pending jobs in your computer’s print queue, then restart the printer and resend the job. If connectivity drops, move the printer closer to the router or reduce interference from other wireless devices. Network printers can be managed remotely, allowing users to monitor the printer's status, check ink or toner levels, and adjust settings from their computer or mobile device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wireless print server?
A wireless print server is a device that connects a non-wireless printer to a Wi‑Fi network. You plug the printer into the print server via USB or Ethernet, then configure the server to join your wireless network. This lets older printers work wirelessly without built-in Wi‑Fi.
Can any printer be made wireless?
Most printers with a USB or Ethernet port can be made wireless using a wireless print server. Printers with built-in Wi‑Fi can connect directly to your router. Check your printer’s manual or manufacturer’s website to confirm which method works for your model.
Do I need a special printer for mobile printing?
No, you do not need a special printer. For iPhone and iPad, the printer must be AirPrint-compatible. For Android, the printer must support a print service that works with the Android printing system. Many modern printers support both standards out of the box.
What does a network printer need to print from a phone?
A network printer is ready for phone printing when it is connected to Wi‑Fi and the phone is on the same Wi‑Fi network. For iPhone, the printer must be AirPrint-enabled. For Android, the printer must be discoverable by the Android print service.
How do I set up a wireless print server?
Connect the print server to your printer using a USB or Ethernet cable. Then follow the print server’s instructions to connect it to your Wi‑Fi network, usually through a web interface or setup app. Once configured, your printer will appear as a wireless device on the network.
For the wider topic, see wireless printer setup.
