How to add a printer to a Chromebook

A Chromebook prints without extra software, but the printer has to be on the same network or plugged in by USB. Learn how to print, save a printer, add one by its address, and fix problems.

What you need

• A printer that is switched on, has paper and is ready.
• One of these connections: the printer on the same Wi-Fi or home network as the Chromebook, or a USB cable between the two. Google says Chromebooks do not support Bluetooth printing.
• For a work or school Chromebook, the administrator may control printers. If you cannot add one, ask them.

You do not install a driver from a website. ChromeOS has printing built in. Be wary of any site or pop-up that tells you to download a printer driver for a Chromebook, and read safe downloads and fake driver sites.

If the printer is not on your Wi-Fi yet, set that up first with how to connect a printer to Wi-Fi.

Print for the first time

1. Open the page or document you want to print.
2. Press Ctrl + P. The print window opens.
3. Select the arrow beside Destination, then select See more.
4. Choose your printer from the list.
5. Select Print.

When you choose a printer, the Chromebook runs a compatibility check. If the printer is not in the list, save it or add it manually as described below.

Save a printer to your Chromebook

Saving puts the printer on your list so it is quick to choose next time.

1. Select the time at the bottom right, then select the Settings gear.
2. Under Device, select Printers and scanners.
3. Select Print.
4. Under Other available printers, select Save next to your printer.
5. Check that the printer now appears at the top, under Your saved printers.

The path is Settings then Device then Printers and scanners. Menu names can differ between ChromeOS versions. In some releases the printer list sits under a Printing page in system preferences. If you cannot find it, open Settings and type Printers in the search box.

Add a printer manually

Use this when the printer does not appear. You need its IP address, a number that identifies the printer on your network. Many printers show it in their own network or setup menu, and the printer's manual explains how. See find your printer's IP address.

1. Open Settings then Device then Printers and scanners, then select Print.
2. Under Other available printers, select Add printer manually.
3. In Name, type any name that helps you recognize the printer.
4. In Address, type the printer's IP address.
5. For Protocol, choose Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). Google says this suits most printers.
6. In Queue, type ipp/print. Google says this suits most printers.
7. Select Add. The printer should now appear under Your saved printers.

If automatic setup fails

1. Beside the printer name, select Set up.
2. Choose the manufacturer and model. The label on the printer usually lists them.
3. Select Add, and confirm the printer appears under Your saved printers.

If your model is not listed, Google says you can try a Generic PostScript (PPD) choice from the menus. Full features may not be available.

Check that it worked

Press Ctrl + P on a short page, choose your printer and print one page. If one page comes out, you are done.

If something goes wrong

• The printer does not appear: check the Chromebook is on Wi-Fi, the printer is on and both use the same network. See Chromebook Wi-Fi problems.
• It is listed but will not print: select More beside the printer in Settings, then Edit, and look for a typing mistake in the address. If the details are right, select More then Remove, and add the printer again. Google also notes the printer's firmware may need updating, which you do from the printer maker's official website.
• The printer will not join Wi-Fi: turn it off and on, then try again.
• Print jobs stick or the printer says offline: see printer offline and printer queue stuck.
• If you still cannot print, use the support page of the printer maker's website for your model.

Frequently asked questions