Before you start
- A wireless printer
- Your Wi-Fi network name and password
- A phone or computer on the same network
Method 1 Use the printer maker’s app (easiest)
-
Step 1: Install the app
On your phone or computer, install the app for your brand: the HP app (formerly HP Smart), Canon PRINT, Epson Smart Panel or Brother Mobile Connect.
-
Step 2: Put the printer in setup mode
A new printer starts in setup mode when you turn it on. If it was used before, restore its network settings from the control panel or with the button combination in its manual.
-
Step 3: Add the printer
Open the app, choose Add printer or Set up a new printer, and allow Bluetooth and location access if asked. The app finds the printer and asks for your Wi-Fi password.
-
Step 4: Finish the setup
Wait until the Wi-Fi light on the printer stays solid and the app confirms the connection. Print a test page from the app.
Method 2 Use the printer’s control panel
-
Step 1: Open the wireless settings
On the printer’s screen, tap the Wi-Fi icon or go to Settings > Network (the name varies by brand).
-
Step 2: Run the Wireless Setup Wizard
Choose Wireless Setup Wizard or Wi-Fi Setup, pick your network name from the list and type the password.
-
Step 3: Print a network report
Most printers can print a Wireless Test Report or Network Configuration Page, which shows if the connection worked and the printer’s IP address.
Method 3 Use WPS (printers without a screen)
WPS must be turned on in your router’s settings. Some internet providers turn it off by default.
-
Step 1: Press WPS on the router
Press the WPS button on your router.
-
Step 2: Press the printer’s Wi-Fi button
Within two minutes, press and hold the printer’s Wi-Fi or Wireless button (often for about 3 seconds) until its light starts blinking.
-
Step 3: Wait for the solid light
The printer connects automatically. When the Wi-Fi light stops blinking, it’s online.
Method 4 Add the printer to your computer or phone
-
Step 1: Windows 11 or 10
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners (Windows 10: Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners) and select Add device. Choose your printer when it appears.
-
Step 2: Mac
Go to Apple menu > System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click Add Printer, Scanner or Fax, select your printer and click Add.
-
Step 3: iPhone and iPad
Most wireless printers support AirPrint. Open a photo or document, tap Share > Print and choose the printer.
-
Step 4: Android
Open a file, tap the menu and choose Print, then select the printer. If it’s missing, install the maker’s app or the Mopria Print Service.
Troubleshooting
The printer doesn’t show up in the app or on my computer
Make sure your phone or computer is on the same Wi-Fi network, not a guest network or mobile data. Turn off VPNs, restart the printer and router, and try again.
The printer keeps going offline
Move it closer to the router, update its firmware from the maker’s app, and reserve a fixed IP address for it in your router settings. On Windows, remove the printer and add it again.
I changed my Wi-Fi password and the printer stopped working
The printer still has the old password. Run the Wireless Setup Wizard or the maker’s app again to enter the new one.
Frequently asked questions
Can I print without Wi-Fi?
Yes. Connect with a USB cable, or use Wi-Fi Direct, which lets your phone connect straight to the printer without a router.
Do I need the printer’s app to print?
No. Windows, Mac, iPhone and most Android phones print without it. The app is mainly useful for setup, scanning, ink levels and firmware updates.
Summary
Use your printer maker’s app to send the Wi-Fi details, or run the Wireless Setup Wizard on the printer, or use WPS for printers without a screen. Then add the printer in Windows, Mac or your phone’s print menu. If it won’t connect, check it’s on 2.4 GHz and the same network as your device.
