Wireless printing is very helpful. Most newer printer models can be connected directly to a wireless network. This way, you can print documents using the printer from any computer connected to the network. You can also print documents using a printer via an Android or iOS device, although the procedure usually requires additional configuration.
Step
Part 1 of 5: Connecting the Printer to a Wireless Network
Step 1. Position the printer in an area covered by the router
Most modern printer models have a WiFi radio that allows you to activate it without connecting to a computer. However, the printer must be within range of the router in order to be activated or set up.
If the printer does not have a WiFi radio or wireless connection, you will need to connect it to a computer via a USB cable
Step 2. Turn on the printer
The device will be connected directly to the wireless network so you do not need to connect it to a computer first.
Step 3. Connect the printer to the network
The splicing process differs depending on the printer you are using. You need to know the WiFi network name (SSID) and password.
- Some printers allow you to connect to a network via the built-in menu system. Refer to the device manual or documentation for the exact position of the menu. If you don't have or have a printer manual, download a copy (in PDF format) from the printer manufacturer's support site.
- If both the printer and router support push-to-connect WPS connections, simply press the WPS button on the printer, then press the WPS button on the router in two minutes. The connection will be made automatically.
- Some older wireless printers may require you to first connect your device to your computer to set up a wireless connection. Usually, you will need to connect the printer to your computer if it doesn't have a built-in menu, but it already supports wireless connections. Connect the printer to a computer via a USB connection and use the included program to set up the printer's wireless connection. After configuring the connection, you can disconnect it from your computer and place the printer wherever you want.
Part 2 of 5: Adding a Printer to a Windows Computer
Step 1. Connect the printer to the wireless network
Use the steps above to make sure the printer is connected to the wireless network. Follow the instructions in the user manual that came with the printer purchase package if you need help.
The computer and printer must be connected to the same wireless network
Step 2. Click the Windows “Start” menu
It's the Windows logo icon in the lower-left corner of the screen. The Windows “Start” menu will open after that.
Step 3. Click the Settings icon
It's a gear icon on the left side of the Windows "Start" menu.
Step 4. Click Devices
The icons look like keyboards and iPods. You can find it in the Windows settings menu (“Windows Settings”).
Step 5. Click Printers & scanners
It's in the menu bar to the left of the printer icon.
Step 6. Click + Add printer or scanner
It's at the top of the menu, next to the plus sign (“+”). The computer will scan for network-connected printers and scanners.
Step 7. Click the printer and select Add devices
Once the computer finds the printer, the printer name will be displayed under the "Add printers and scanners" section. Usually, the printer is displayed as the name of the manufacturer and model. Click on the printer and select “ Add Device ” under the printer's name and manufacturer. After that, the printer will be added to the computer.
If the printer is not displayed, click “ The printer that I want isn't listed " Several options are displayed to help you find the old printer model, or add a shared printer by name, TCP/IP address, wirelessly or locally via manual settings. Select an option and follow the instructions to connect the printer.
Step 8. Select Print to print the page
You can find the “Print” option on the “File” menu or by clicking on the three-dot icon (“ ⋮ ”) in the upper-left corner of the window, depending on the program you're using. Sometimes, you can also click the printer icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Preview the printout and click “ Print ” to print the document.
Part 3 of 5: Connecting the Printer to a Mac Computer
Step 1. Connect the printer to a WiFi network
Follow the steps above and in the user manual to connect the printer to a wireless network.
The printer and computer must be connected to the same wireless network
Step 2. Update the computer operating system
By updating your operating system, you can ensure that your computer has all the latest printer information. If the printer uses the AirPrint feature, an operating system update is not required. Follow these steps to update the operating system:
- open App Store.
- Click the tab " Updates ”.
- Click " Update All ”.
Step 3. Click the Apple menu
The icon looks like an apple and appears in the upper-left corner of the screen.
Step 4. Click on System Preferences…
It's at the top of the Apple menu. The System Preferences menu window will open afterwards.
Step 5. Click Printers & Scanners
A list of all connected printers (if any) will be displayed on the left side. If you see the printer you want to use, it's already connected to the computer.
Step 6. Click +
It's at the bottom of the box, along with all the connected printers on the left side. The computer will scan for printers connected to the wireless network.
Step 7. Click the printer and select Add
The printer will be connected to the computer.
For some devices, you may need to connect them to a computer via a USB cable and install the drivers that came with the printer's purchase package (or from the manufacturer's website). Next, you can connect the printer to a wireless network. Once the printer is connected, you can disconnect the USB cable
Step 8. Select Print to print the document
You can find the “Print” option on the “File” menu or by clicking on the three-dot icon (“ ⋮ ”) in the upper-left corner of the window, depending on the program you're using. Sometimes, you can also click the printer icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Preview the printout and click “ Print ” to print the document.
Part 4 of 5: Printing a Document from an Android Device
Step 1. Connect the printer to the wireless network
Use the steps above to make sure the printer is connected to the wireless network. Follow the instructions in the user manual that came with the printer purchase package if you need help.
Make sure the printer and Android phone are connected to the same wireless network
Step 2. Open the device settings menu (“Settings”)
Usually, this menu is indicated by a gear icon.
Step 3. Touch the magnifying glass icon
It's in the top-right corner of the settings menu. With this feature, you can quickly search for different menu entries in the settings menu.
Step 4. Type Printing into the search bar
The printing options will be displayed in the settings menu.
This option is in a different location, depending on the device model you're using. On the original Android operating system, this option is in the “Connected devices” menu > “Connection Preferences” > “Printing “. On the Samsung Galaxy, this option is in the “Connections” menu > “More Connection Settings” > “Printing “
Step 5. Select Printing
The printing menu or “Printing” will be displayed and you can select the next printing service plug-in.
Step 6. Touch the switch to enable the print service plug-in
Most Android device models come with a “Default Print Service” add-on. Touch the switch next to it to activate the add-on. If you are using a Samsung Galaxy device, you can also use the “Samsung Print Service” add-on. Basically, you can use either of the two available add-ons.
Alternatively, select " Download Plugin ” to open the Google Play Store and download add-ons for third-party printing services. Some printer manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Brother, and Lexmark have their own print service add-ons that you can use. Touch the third-party add-on you want to use and select “ Install ”.
Step 7. Touch the print service plug-in you want to use
All add-ons are displayed in the “Printing Settings” menu. Printers connected to the wireless network will be scanned afterwards.
Step 8. Touch the printer
After that, your Android phone or tablet will be connected to the printer.
Step 9. Select Print to print the document
If the application you're using supports printing, you can find document printing options by touching the menu icon (it usually looks like three dots or dashes like "⋯", "⋮", or "☰") in the upper right or left corner of the screen. Choose " Print " after that. Preview the print result and select “ Print ” to print the document.
Not all applications support printing. However, you can take a screenshot and print the snapshot
Part 5 of 5: Printing Documents from iPhone or iPad
Step 1. Find out if the printer supports the AirPrint feature
This feature allows iOS devices to send print jobs directly to the printer. Look for the AirPrint logo on the printer or the AirPrint option in the printer settings menu.
- Some printers need to be configured in order to use the AirPrint feature.
- Printers with the AirPrint feature must be connected to the same wireless network as the iOS device. Follow the steps above this article to connect the printer to the network.
- If the printer does not support the AirPrint feature, you will need to find a printing application according to the printer manufacturer on the device.
Step 2. Open the app with the document or content you want to print
Not all apps support the AirPrint feature, but most apps from Apple and some major developers offer it. Usually, you can find the AirPrint option in apps that can open documents, emails, and photos.
If the app you want doesn't support printing, you can still take a screenshot and print the snippet
Step 3. Open the document or content you want to print
Use the app to open a document, image, or email that needs to be printed.
Step 4. Select the Share button and touch AirPrint.
With this option, you can select a printer with the AirPrint feature.
Make sure the device is connected to the same network as the printer
Step 5. Select the printer and touch Print
The file or content will be sent to the printer for printing.
