You've just bought a wireless printer, but you don't know how to print over Wi-Fi? Are you looking for helpful information to get the most out of your new device?
We're here to help with this article, which will guide you through the steps to properly configure a Wi-Fi printer! Ready to get started? Let's go!
Wireless printer: the user guide
Have you just bought a new wireless printer? Here's how to install and configure it via Wi-Fi :
- Take the printer out of its packaging
- Use the power supply cable to connect the printer to an electrical outlet
- Carefully insert the ink or toner cartridges into the designated slots. Please refer to your printer's manual for instructions on how to complete this step
- Finally, choose the appropriate connection so that your printer is connected via WIFI and starts working.
How to connect a printer via Wi-Fi? Two possible methods!
There are many ways to connect a wireless printer for Wi-Fi printing. Here, we present two of the most common and efficient methods.
However, before getting to the heart of the matter, we invite you to watch this very explanatory video tutorial which shows you how to do it.
Let's now look at the two procedures;
First method: Connect a printer via Wi-Fi using the WPS button
WPS connection is the configuration that allows you to easily connect your device to WIFI without having to go through a computer or enter a password!
If you want to connect a printer via Wi-Fi using WPS, you need to gather these important elements:
- A printer with WIFI and WPS capabilities
- A router with a WPS button
- A wireless network with a WPA or WPA2 password.
Follow the steps below to successfully connect via the WPS button:
Step 1: Press and hold the printer's WPS button curved signals on the sides ) until it flashes.
Step 2: After activating the printer's WPS button, press the WPS button on your router until the small LED light starts flashing, then wait a few moments.
The printer should normally connect to the WIFI automatically!
Second method: Connect a printer via Wi-Fi on Windows through your computer's settings
To connect a printer via Wi-Fi using your computer's settings,
Step 1: your computer's settings or access the " Control Panel
Step 2: Select the options “ Devices ” >> “ Printers and scanners ”
Step 3: Add a printer option , then locate the wireless printer you want to connect via Wi-Fi on Windows
Step 4: Once the printer appears in the list, select it and then click on the “ Next ”
Step 5: Please wait a few moments while your computer installs the necessary files for the printer to function correctly. Once the installation is complete, your PC will confirm that your wireless printer has been successfully configured.
It's done! You've just connected your printer to your PC. To check that it's working, try printing a page of a document over Wi-Fi!
Connecting a printer via Wi-Fi: Proceed to device setup
You now know how to install and connect a printer via Wi-Fi. You now need to ensure that it can communicate properly with all your other devices.
Whether you have a Mac, a smartphone, or a tablet, you can use any of them to print. Not sure how? Follow these tips:
Tip 1: Connect your wireless printer to a Mac
Just like with Windows, it is possible to connect your printer wirelessly to your Mac.
Step 1: Access the “ Apple ” menu located in the upper left corner of the screen
Step 2: System Preferences ” option
Step 3: Printers and scanners " icon
Step 4: Tap the " Add (+) "
Step 5: Search for and then select your device from the list of nearby devices.
Step 6: Then click “ Enter ” to finalize the operation. If you cannot find your printer in the list, we suggest you enter its IP address .
Good to know: If you are having trouble connecting your printer wirelessly to a laptop, consider using a Wi-Fi repeater at home; it can improve the Wi-Fi reception of a laptop .
Tip 2: Connect your wireless printer to an Apple mobile device (iPhone or iPad)
To pair a wireless printer with an Apple mobile device
Step 1: Open the application from which you want to print
Step 2: Click the “ Share ” or “ Configure ” icon to access the application's printing options.
Step 3: Print " option.
Step 4: Access your printer (which supports AirPrint functionality) and then enter its password or IP address.
Tip 3: Connect your printer wirelessly to an Android smartphone or tablet
If you want to connect a wireless printer to an Android smartphone or tablet, here's what you need to do:
Step 1: Go to the settings of your smartphone or tablet
Step 2: In the search bar, type “ printing ”
Step 3: Check the “ Printing Service ” box to activate this option on your device, then click on the “ Add a service ”
Step 4: You will be redirected to a Google Play page. Here, you must choose the cloud service associated with your printer's brand (HP, Canon, Samsung, etc.). If you prefer, you can also choose a generic cloud service.
Step 5: Configure the Cloud by entering the password or IP address of your printer.
Printing over Wi-Fi: Problems you may encounter and their solutions
Here are the most common problems encountered when connecting your printer to print via Wi-Fi:
1. The Wi-Fi printer is unable to connect to the network
If your printer is unable to connect to the network, we recommend checking your router settings and configuration. Typos or incorrectly selected options can easily prevent the printer from establishing a smooth Wi-Fi connection.
2. My printer's IP address cannot be found
Generally, a wireless printer with a built-in Ethernet port has a menu button. This button allows you to see its assigned IP address. If this seems difficult, connect your printer to your Windows computer and follow these steps:
Step 1: Right-click on the Windows and click on the " Control Panel "
Step 2: Click respectively on the options " Hardware and Audio " >> " Devices and Printers "
Step 3 : Right-click on your printer's name and then click on " Properties ".
Step 4 : Select the " Port " tab and expand the first part to display your printer's IP address.
3. The wireless printer is out of network range
In a large space with many walls or computers, the printer may not be within direct range of the Wi-Fi router. Concrete walls are the most common obstacle. The printer will therefore struggle to connect to the Wi-Fi network , preventing it from functioning correctly. So, during installation, we recommend keeping it close to the router to facilitate data transmission and enable Wi-Fi printing. Another option? Install a Wi-Fi repeater! This is a Wi-Fi antenna that extends the network's range.
4. The printer does not have access to the print request
The printer installation and configuration were successful. It can access the Wi-Fi network, but you can't print? The problem is most likely due to your computer's firewall. To resolve this, temporarily disable it and then try printing again. Also, using certain third-party applications can cause numerous problems, including viruses and other Trojans.
Therefore, avoid installing software with low ratings and a relatively low trust score. If you have specific questions or error codes, please contact your printer manufacturer.
What is the best wireless printer on the market?
For wireless printing, the best Wi-Fi printer is the one best suited to your industry and, above all, your intended use. To help you make the perfect choice, we've selected the best wireless printer models currently available on Amazon:
