How to Add A Printer to A Wireless Network?

24 minutes read

To add a printer to a wireless network, follow these steps:

  1. Make sure your printer and wireless router are turned on and functioning properly.
  2. Check if your printer has built-in Wi-Fi functionality or if it requires a wireless adapter. If it requires an adapter, connect it to the printer's USB port.
  3. On your computer, open the Control Panel and navigate to the "Devices and Printers" or "Printers and Scanners" section.
  4. Click on the "Add a printer" or "Add a device" button.
  5. Windows will start searching for printers on the network. Wait for the search to complete.
  6. If the printer you want to add is detected, select it from the list and click "Next." If the printer is not detected, make sure it is within range of your wireless network and click the "The printer that I want isn't listed" option. Follow the instructions to manually enter the printer's IP address or hostname.
  7. Windows will start installing the necessary drivers for the printer. Wait for the installation to complete.
  8. Once the installation is finished, you will be prompted to set the printer as the default printer. Choose "Yes" or "No" according to your preference.
  9. Click "Finish" to complete the setup process.
  10. Test the printer by printing a document or webpage to ensure it is working correctly.


Note: The steps may vary slightly depending on your operating system and printer model, so refer to the printer's manual or manufacturer's website for more specific instructions.

Best Wireless Printers of 2024

1
Brother HLL2305W Compact Mono Laser Single Function Printer with Wireless and Mobile Device Printing

Rating is 5 out of 5

Brother HLL2305W Compact Mono Laser Single Function Printer with Wireless and Mobile Device Printing

  • Brother HL-L2305W Mono Laser Single Function Printer with Wireless and Mobile Device Printing
  • Print more, wait less, get more done. Fast print speed of up to 24 pages per minute delivers increased efficiency so you can print more, wait less and have more time to focus on other things.
  • Multiple printing options meet a variety of needs. The generous 250-sheet capacity adjustable paper tray easily handles letter and legal sizes paper and helps improve efficiency with less refills. The manual feed slot offers professional prints on a variety of papers and sizes including card stock, envelopes, and more.
  • Mobile printing made simple. Enjoy easy, reliable, wireless printing from your desktop, laptop, smartphone and tablet¹ so you can print from virtually anywhere. This wireless budget-friendly printer is perfect for on-the-go individuals and families allowing them to print from virtually anywhere.
  • Flexible connection options let you connect your way. Choose from the built-in wireless network interface to enable sharing with multiple users on your network or connect locally to a single computer via the USB interface.
2
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer - Black, Medium

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer - Black, Medium

  • Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― High-capacity ink tanks mean no more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles make filling easy and worry-free
  • Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 color (2), equivalent to about 90 individual ink cartridges (3)
  • Stress-Free Printing — Up to 2 years of ink in the box (4) – and with every replacement ink set – for fewer out of ink frustrations
  • Zero Cartridge Waste – By using an EcoTank printer, you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills
  • Impressive Print Quality ― Unique Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology produces sharp text – plus impressive color photos and graphics – on virtually any paper type
  • Built-in Scanner & Copier ― High-resolution flatbed scanner and a color display for easy document copying and navigation
  • Modern Connectivity ― Features wireless, plus hands-free voice-activated printing (5). Easily print from your smart device (6) using AirPrint or the intuitive Epson Smart Panel App (7)
  • Designed for Reliability ― Worry-free 2-year limited warranty with registration (8), including full unit replacement
  • Epson strongly recommends the use of genuine ink to ensure optimal print quality and performance. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty.
3
JADENS Portable Printers Wireless for Travel, Support 8.5" X 11" US Letter, Bluetooth Thermal Printer Compatible with iOS, Android & Laptop, Inkless Mobile Printer for Office, Home, School

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

JADENS Portable Printers Wireless for Travel, Support 8.5" X 11" US Letter, Bluetooth Thermal Printer Compatible with iOS, Android & Laptop, Inkless Mobile Printer for Office, Home, School

  • Cost-Effective, Ink-Free Printing: The mobile phone printers offers an economical solution for everyday printing needs, eliminating the need for ink, toner, and ribbons. Print recipes, forms, letters, assignments, study materials, and travel documents hassle-free with advanced thermal technology. Each thermal paper costs only $0.07, resulting in substantial savings of hundreds of dollars per year. Perfect for home, small office, and school use.
  • Easy Portability for On-the-Go Printing: Take printing wherever you need it with our mobile bluetooth printer. Whether it's in your car, backpack, or during business trips, JADENS portable printers wireless is your reliable companion for emergency scenarios, contracts, office documents, inventory lists, business checks, shipping labels, boarding passes, and more.
  • Effortless Setup via Bluetooth or USB: Our mobile sticker printer easily connects to smart devices with iOS & Android systems via Bluetooth, and also functions as a compact printer for laptops and computers. Setup takes just 5 minutes from unboxing, making it a breeze to get started. (Note: For smartphone printing, please download the app in advance. For laptops, install the driver first.)
  • Crisp Printing Quality & Long Battery Life: Experience crystal-clear printing with our portable travel printer, featuring 2 built-in 2600mAh batteries for continuous printing of up to 3 hours and 360 sheets on a single charge. With a remarkable 90 days standby time, this wireless printer is a must-have for businessmen and students on the move.
  • Adjustable Paper Sizes & Reliable After-Sale Support: Print documents ranging from 2 to 8.5 inches in size, accommodating various needs. We are committed to providing exceptional after-sale service, offering lifetime tech support via phone and email. Whether you have inquiries before or after using our portable wireless printer, our dedicated team is here to assist you promptly and effectively.
4
HP DeskJet 4155e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, copy, Easy setup, Mobile printing, Best-for home, Instant Ink with HP+,white

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

HP DeskJet 4155e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, copy, Easy setup, Mobile printing, Best-for home, Instant Ink with HP+,white

  • PERFECT FOR HOME – Best for printing basic color documents like recipes, forms and travel documents. Print speeds up to 8.5 pages per minute in black or 5.5 pages per minute in color..Operating temperature range : 41 to 104°F / 5 to 40°C
  • KEY FEATURES – Print, copy and scan in color, auto document feeder, mobile fax, mobile and wireless printing
  • INCLUDES FREE HP+ SMART FEATURES – Upgrade free to HP+ during setup to get advanced features for mobile printing, security, automatic updates and more. HP+ only works with an HP account, internet connection and Original HP Ink for the life of the printer.
  • CONNECTIVITY – Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset automatically detects and resolves connectivity issues. Also includes USB 2.0 port.
  • HP SMART APP – Simple, step-by-step guided setup. Print, scan, and copy everyday documents from your phone—from anywhere. Get advanced features with HP+ in the Smart app including mobile fax and advanced scanning features such as multi-item recognition.
  • 3 MONTHS OF INSTANT INK INCLUDED WITH HP+ – Print up to 700 pages a month and get ink delivered only when you need it. After 3 months, monthly fee applies unless cancelled, and you'll save up to 50% on ink.
  • This printer is intended to work only with cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry and will block cartridges using non-HP chips or circuitry. Periodic firmware updates will maintain the effectiveness of these measures.
5
HP DeskJet 4133e All-in-One Printer with Bonus 6 Months of Instant Ink,White

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

HP DeskJet 4133e All-in-One Printer with Bonus 6 Months of Instant Ink,White

  • FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Best for home printing, including basic color documents like recipes, forms and travel documents. Print speeds up to 8.5 pages per minute in black or 5.5 pages per minute in color.
  • KEY FEATURES – Print, copy and scan in color, auto document feeder, mobile fax, mobile and wireless printing
  • INCLUDES FREE HP+ SMART FEATURES – Upgrade free to HP+ during setup to get advanced features for mobile printing, security, automatic updates and more. HP+ only works with an HP account, internet connection and Original HP Ink for the life of the printer
  • CONNECTIVITY – Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset automatically detects and resolves connectivity issues. Also includes USB 2.0 port.
  • HP SMART APP – Simple, step-by-step guided setup. Print, scan, and copy everyday documents from your phone—from anywhere. Get advanced features with HP+ in the Smart app including mobile fax and advanced scanning features such as multi-item recognition
  • 3 MONTHS OF INSTANT INK INCLUDED WITH HP+ – Print up to 700 pages a month and get ink delivered only when you need it. After 3 months, monthly fee applies unless cancelled, and you'll save up to 50% on ink.
  • This printer is intended to work only with cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry and will block cartridges using non-HP chips or circuitry. Periodic firmware updates will maintain the effectiveness of these measures. More at hp.com/learn/ds.
6
HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer with bonus 6 free months Instant Ink with HP+ (1K7K3A), Gray

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer with bonus 6 free months Instant Ink with HP+ (1K7K3A), Gray

  • Sold as 1 Each.
  • KEY FEATURES: Fast color print, copy, scan, fax, two-sided printing, mobile and wireless printing, and an automatic document feeder.
  • NEVER RUN OUT OF INK : Enroll in Print Plans built on Instant Ink to get ink
  • GET UP TO $150 OF ADDED VALUE WITH HP+: With 6 months of ink delivered by Print Plans built on Instant Ink, an extended 2-year HP warranty, and advanced HP Smart app features . Choose HP+ at printer setup to activate benefits. HP+ requires an HP account, connection to the internet, and exclusive use of Original HP ink cartridges to operate.
  • Print up to 700 pages a month free when you activate your trial of Print Plans built on Instant Ink. After 6 months, continue with Print Plans or purchase Original HP 910 ink cartridges. Cancel or change any time.
7
Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer. for Home Use, Print, Scan and Copy, Black

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer. for Home Use, Print, Scan and Copy, Black

  • Wireless 3-in-1: Print | Copy | Scan
  • Integrated Ink Tanks - Up to 6,000 pages BW / 7,700 pages Color included!
  • Black 11 ipm / Color 6 ipm
  • 100-Sheet Rear Tray
  • Single-sided Printing
  • Print from your favorite mobile devices using the free Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service
  • Intuitive, Easy to Use 1.35” Square LCD Screen
  • “Keyed Nozzle” Design Only Fits and Fills the Correct Color Ink Tank
  • ENERGY STAR, EPEAT Silver
  • Peace of Mind With 1-Year Limited Warranty
8
Canon PIXMA TR8620a - All-in-One Printer Home Office|Copier|Scanner|Fax|Auto Document Feeder | Photo, Document | Airprint (R), Android, Black, Works with Alexa

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

Canon PIXMA TR8620a - All-in-One Printer Home Office|Copier|Scanner|Fax|Auto Document Feeder | Photo, Document | Airprint (R), Android, Black, Works with Alexa

  • Never run out of ink. Connect your printer to Alexa and receive notifications when you’re running low. Alexa can even place a smart reorder from Amazon on your behalf, if you enroll in smart reorders
  • Enrolling in Smart Reorders with Alexa ensures that you never have too much or too little ink supplies. No subscription needed.
  • Wireless 4-in-1 (Print | Copy | Scan | Fax)
  • 15 / 10 ipm Print Speed
  • 200 Sheet Capacity (100 Cassette, 100 Rear Feed)
  • Auto 2-Sided Printing
  • 1,000 Page Duty Cycle
  • Micro SD Slot,ENERGY STAR, EPEAT Silver
  • 1 Year Warranty
  • Print with your voice. Just say “Alexa, discover my printer"


What is the process for adding a wireless printer on a Mac?

To add a wireless printer on a Mac, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure that your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac. And make sure the printer is turned on and in a ready state.
  2. On your Mac, click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Preferences".
  3. In the System Preferences window, click on "Printers & Scanners" (or "Print & Fax", depending on your macOS version).
  4. Click on the '+' (plus) button present on the left pane, below the list of printers.
  5. Mac will then search for available printers. If the printer you want to add is listed, simply select it from the list and click on the "Add" button. Skip to step 8.
  6. If your printer is not automatically detected, click on "IP" at the top of the window to manually enter the printer's IP address.
  7. Enter the IP address of your printer in the "Address" field, and macOS should automatically detect the printer protocol and driver. If not, you may need to manually select it from the "Protocol" and "Use" drop-down menus.
  8. Once the printer is selected, click on the "Add" button to add it to your Mac.
  9. Your printer should now be successfully added. You can set it as the default printer or customize any other printer settings as desired.


Now, you should be able to print wirelessly from your Mac to the newly added printer.


How to configure a printer for wireless networking?

To configure a printer for wireless networking, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure that your printer supports wireless connectivity. Look for a wireless icon or Wi-Fi label on the printer itself or refer to the printer's user manual.
  2. Place the printer within range of your Wi-Fi network. Keep in mind that walls and other obstacles can affect wireless signal strength, so try to place the printer in a location where it can receive a strong signal.
  3. Connect the printer to a power source and turn it on.
  4. On your computer or mobile device, go to the settings or control panel.
  5. Access the Wi-Fi settings and search for available networks. Locate your Wi-Fi network and select it.
  6. If your network is password-protected, enter the network passphrase or password. Ensure you enter the correct details.
  7. After connecting to the Wi-Fi network, open your web browser.
  8. Type the printer's IP address into the browser's address bar and press Enter. The IP address may be found in the printer's user manual or by printing a network configuration page from the printer.
  9. The printer's embedded web server should now open in your browser. Navigate through the settings until you find the wireless setup or network setup options.
  10. In the wireless setup section, select your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks. Enter the network password if prompted.
  11. Save the settings and allow the printer to establish a connection with the Wi-Fi network.
  12. Once updated, disconnect the printer from your computer or mobile device and restart the printer.
  13. Test the wireless connectivity by printing a document or running a printer diagnostic.


Your printer should now be successfully configured for wireless networking. Make sure to check the printer's user manual for specific instructions related to your printer model, as the steps may vary slightly.


How can I manage multiple printers connected to a wireless network?

To manage multiple printers connected to a wireless network, you can follow these steps:

  1. Ensure that all the printers are connected to the same wireless network.
  2. Install the necessary drivers and software for each printer on the computers you want to print from.
  3. Set a unique name or label for each printer to easily identify them in the network.
  4. Configure the printers' settings, such as quality, paper size, etc., according to your preferences.
  5. Use the printer management software provided by the printer manufacturer or a network management tool to monitor and control the printers.
  6. Schedule regular maintenance tasks like cleaning, calibration, and firmware updates for each printer to keep them running optimally.
  7. If available, use a print server or network printer to centralize print management, making it easier to control and distribute print jobs to different printers.
  8. Consider setting up print rules or access controls to restrict print usage, manage print quotas, or enforce security policies.
  9. Regularly check for software updates or firmware upgrades for your printers to ensure compatibility and access the latest features and security fixes.
  10. Train users on how to select the correct printer, troubleshoot basic print issues, and follow printing best practices to minimize problems and maximize efficiency.


By effectively managing the printers connected to your wireless network, you can streamline printing operations, enhance productivity, and reduce downtime.


What are the steps for adding a printer to a wireless network?

  1. Ensure that your printer is compatible with wireless connectivity. Look for the Wi-Fi logo or consult the printer's manual to confirm.
  2. Place the printer within range of your wireless network. Make sure it is not too far from the router to ensure a stable connection.
  3. Turn on the printer and navigate to its settings or network setup menu. The specific steps may vary based on the printer model, so refer to the manual if necessary.
  4. Connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network. Look for options like "Wireless Setup Wizard" or "Wi-Fi Setup" on the printer's menu. Select your Wi-Fi network from the available list and enter the password if prompted.
  5. Wait for the printer to establish a connection with the network. This may take a few moments as the printer tries to connect to your Wi-Fi.
  6. Verify the connection. You can print a network configuration page or test page from the printer's menu to check if it successfully connected to your wireless network.
  7. Install the printer on your computer. On your computer, go to "Settings" or "Control Panel" and select "Printers" or "Devices and Printers." Click on "Add a Printer" or "Add Device" and select your printer from the list of available devices. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  8. Test the printer. Print a test page or any document to confirm that the printer is now connected and working properly on the wireless network.


How do I connect a printer to a wireless network using WPS?

To connect a printer to a wireless network using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), follow these steps:

  1. Ensure that your printer supports WPS. Check the printer's user manual or the manufacturer's website for compatibility information.
  2. Place the printer within range of your Wi-Fi router.
  3. Power on your printer and navigate to its settings or setup menu. This can usually be accessed through the printer's control panel or a touchscreen interface.
  4. Look for the WPS setup option in the printer’s menu. The location of this option may vary depending on the printer model.
  5. On your Wi-Fi router, locate the WPS button. This button is typically labeled with “WPS” and is often located on the back or side of the router. If you can't find the WPS button, consult your router's user manual.
  6. Press the WPS button on the router and immediately press the corresponding WPS button on the printer. The icons or lights on the printer's control panel should indicate that the connection process has started.
  7. Wait for a few seconds while the printer establishes a wireless connection with the router. This may take up to a minute, so be patient.
  8. Once the printer successfully connects to the Wi-Fi network, it should display a confirmation message or indicator light.
  9. Test the wireless connection by printing a test page or document from a connected device, such as a computer or smartphone. Make sure the device is also connected to the same wireless network.


Note: If your printer does not have a WPS button, it may have alternative methods for setting up a wireless connection, such as using the printer's control panel or a software wizard on a computer.


If you encounter any difficulties or require more specific instructions, refer to your printer's user manual or contact the manufacturer's customer support for assistance.


How can I set up a wireless printer connection?

To set up a wireless printer connection, you can follow these general steps:

  1. Check compatibility: Ensure that your printer and computer/device support wireless connections. Consult the printer's manual or visit the manufacturer's website for specific instructions.
  2. Connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network: Access your printer's settings menu and select the option for wireless setup or network configuration. Choose your Wi-Fi network from the available list and enter the password if prompted. Once connected, the printer will obtain an IP address from the network.
  3. Install printer drivers: Install the necessary printer drivers on your computer/device if you haven't already done so. These drivers can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. Make sure to select the correct drivers compatible with your operating system.
  4. Add the printer on your computer: Go to your computer's settings or control panel, and navigate to the "Printers" or "Devices" section. Click on "Add a printer" or "Add a device" and select the option to install a wireless or network printer. Your computer will search for available printers. When your printer's name appears, select it and follow any prompts to complete the installation.
  5. Test the connection: Print a test page or document to ensure that your printer is functioning properly over the wireless connection.
  6. Configure other devices (optional): If you have additional devices like smartphones or tablets, you can usually connect them to the printer using the same Wi-Fi network. Install the printer's app on your device, and follow the instructions provided to connect and print wirelessly.


Note: The specific steps may vary slightly depending on the make and model of the printer and computer/device you are using. It is recommended to refer to the instruction manual or the manufacturer's website for detailed instructions tailored to your specific equipment.

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