How-toPrinters and Scanners

How to connect a printer to Wi-Fi

Join a printer to your home Wi-Fi using its own screen, the maker's app or a temporary cable, then check it is on the same network as your devices.

  • Updated
  • 15 min
  • Beginner
Applies to
  • Any device

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A Wi-Fi printer can be shared by every computer, phone and tablet in your home, with no cable. See the common ways to join a printer to your Wi-Fi, and how to check that it worked.

What you need

  • The printer, switched on, with its ink or toner and paper fitted.
  • Your Wi-Fi network name and password. If you do not know the password, see how to find or change your Wi-Fi password.
  • The printer's manual or the support page for your model on the maker's website. Menu names differ between makers, so these steps use general wording.
  • About 15 minutes.
A Wi-Fi printer on your home networkA diagram of 4 connected items with 3 one-way links. The full text follows the picture.A Wi-Fi printer on your homenetworkRouterPrinterLaptopPhoneWi-FiWi-FiWi-Fi
Devices print through your router, so they must all be on the same network.
Text version of this diagram
  • Router connects to Printer (Wi-Fi).
  • Router connects to Laptop (Wi-Fi).
  • Router connects to Phone (Wi-Fi).

Same network matters

A printer and a device normally need to be on the same Wi-Fi network to find each other. A guest network, or a second network name from a Wi-Fi extender, can keep them apart. Many printers use only the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band, so if your router offers two bands, check the printer's manual. See Wi-Fi bands explained.

Choose a setup method

Common ways to put a printer on Wi-Fi
MethodUse whenWhat you need
Printer's control panelThe printer has a screenWi-Fi name and password
Maker's app on a phoneThe printer has no screen, or the manual says to use the appThe app from the official app store, and Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on the phone
Maker's setup software with a USB cableThe manual offers a temporary cable setupUSB cable and the maker's software
WPS buttonBoth your router and printer support itAccess to the router's WPS button
Network (Ethernet) cableYour printer has an Ethernet portA cable to the router

Apple lists the first, third and fourth of these as ways to join an AirPrint printer to Wi-Fi, along with the printer's own temporary network. Use the one your manual describes. WPS is optional, and many routers switch it off, so start with the control panel or the app.

Method 1: Use the printer's control panel

  1. On the printer, open its Settings, Setup, Network or Wireless menu. Names differ by maker and model.
  2. Look for an option such as Wireless Setup Wizard or Wi-Fi setup, and select it.
  3. Wait while the printer searches. It shows a list of networks it can see.
  4. Select your Wi-Fi network name. If it is not listed, move the printer nearer the router and search again.
  5. Enter your Wi-Fi password using the printer's keypad or on-screen keyboard. Passwords are case sensitive.
  6. Confirm. The printer should show a message that it is connected, or a Wi-Fi light turns steady.

Method 2: Use the maker's app

  1. Find your printer's model name. It is printed on the printer.
  2. Open your phone's official app store and install the app the printer's manual names. Do not install an app from a link in an advertisement or pop-up.
  3. Open the app and follow its prompts to add a printer. It usually asks you to turn on Bluetooth or join the printer's own temporary network.
  4. When the app asks for your home Wi-Fi, choose your network and enter the password.
  5. Wait for the app to report that the printer is connected. Your phone returns to your normal Wi-Fi afterwards.

Method 3: Use a USB cable for setup, or WPS

Some makers' setup software joins the printer to Wi-Fi while a USB cable is connected. Apple notes that the printer should stay on Wi-Fi after you unplug the cable. Follow the maker's setup program from its official website.

For WPS, press the WPS button on the router, then start WPS from the printer's wireless menu within the time the manual gives. Use the push-button method, not a WPS PIN, which has known weaknesses. If it fails, use Method 1 instead.

Network cable

If the printer has an Ethernet port, you can plug it into the router instead. It then uses the wired network and needs no Wi-Fi password.

Back of a typical printerThe back of a typical printer: a rear access door in the upper part, and below it a panel with a power inlet, a square USB socket and an Ethernet socket. It has 3 numbered markers, explained in the list under the picture.123Back of a typical printer
  1. Ethernet port: a cable to the router, on some models
  2. USB port: for setup or a direct connection
  3. Power: switch on before you start
Typically a network socket is at the back. Not every model has one.
Text version of this diagram

The back of a typical printer: a rear access door in the upper part, and below it a panel with a power inlet, a square USB socket and an Ethernet socket.

  1. Ethernet port: a cable to the router, on some models
  2. USB port: for setup or a direct connection
  3. Power: switch on before you start

Check that it worked

  1. Look at the printer. Its network screen or Wi-Fi light should show it is connected.
  2. If the printer can print a network or wireless report from its menu, print one. It lists the network name and the printer's network address.
  3. On a Windows PC, add the printer. See how to add a printer in Windows. On a phone or tablet, see how to print from your phone or tablet. On a Mac, see add a printer or scanner on a Mac.
  4. Print a test page.

If something goes wrong

  • The printer cannot see your network: move it closer to the router, restart the printer, and check the router is on.
  • It will not accept the password: retype it carefully, paying attention to capital letters and similar characters.
  • It worked and then stopped: if you changed your router, its name or the password, the printer needs to join again. Run the setup once more.
  • Other devices cannot find it: check they are on the same network, not a guest network. See printer offline: how to get it back online.
  • Its address keeps changing: see find your printer's IP address and fix port problems.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a computer to set up a Wi-Fi printer?

Not always. Many printers can join Wi-Fi from their own screen or from a phone app.

Is it safe to give the printer my Wi-Fi password?

Yes, on the printer's own menu or in the maker's official app. Be careful with any other site or app that asks for the password.

Can I print when I am away from home?

That depends on the maker's cloud printing service. This guide covers printing at home only.

My printer only shows one of my two network names. Why?

Many printers can use only the 2.4 GHz band. Check the manual for your model.

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Official resources used

Pages consulted while preparing this guide. Check them for the latest details.

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