Method 1: Connect the Printer to Your Wi-Fi Network (Best Option)
Most printers made in the last ten years can connect directly to your Wi-Fi network. Once connected, any computer or phone on the same network can print to it without any cables.
- 1On the printer, look for a Wi-Fi or Wireless Setup option in the printer's menu (usually accessed through buttons on the printer or a touchscreen).
- 2Select Wireless Setup Wizard or Wi-Fi Setup.
- 3Choose your home Wi-Fi network name from the list.
- 4Enter your Wi-Fi password.
- 5The printer will connect to your network. A Wi-Fi indicator light will confirm the connection.
Tip: If your printer has a WPS button, you can connect it to your router by pressing the WPS button on the router and then on the printer within two minutes — no password needed.
Adding a Wireless Printer to Windows
Once the printer is on your Wi-Fi network, add it to each Windows computer.
- 1Open Settings (Windows + I) → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
- 2Click Add device.
- 3Windows will search for available printers. Your printer should appear in the list.
- 4Click Add device next to your printer.
- 5Windows will install the necessary drivers automatically.
- 6Repeat on each computer that needs to use the printer.
Adding a Wireless Printer to a Mac
Adding a wireless printer to a Mac is similarly straightforward.
- 1Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs).
- 2Click Printers & Scanners.
- 3Click the + button to add a printer.
- 4Your printer should appear in the list. Select it and click Add.
- 5macOS will download and install the printer driver automatically.
Method 2: Share a USB Printer Through Windows
If your printer only has a USB connection (no Wi-Fi), you can share it through Windows. The printer must be connected to one computer, and that computer must be turned on for others to print.
- 1On the computer the printer is connected to: open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
- 2Click your printer, then click Printer properties.
- 3Click the Sharing tab.
- 4Check Share this printer and give it a name.
- 5Click OK.
Connecting to a Shared Windows Printer from Another Computer
Once the printer is shared, other computers on your network can connect to it.
- 1On the other computer, open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
- 2Click Add device.
- 3If the shared printer does not appear automatically, click The printer that I want isn't listed.
- 4Select Find a printer on the network and browse to find the shared printer.
- 5Select it and click Next to install.
Warning: The computer the printer is physically connected to must be turned on for other computers to print. If that computer is off or asleep, printing will fail.
Printing from a Phone or Tablet
If your printer is on your Wi-Fi network, you can also print from your phone.
- iPhone: use AirPrint — most modern printers support it. Open the document or photo, tap Share, and tap Print. Your printer should appear automatically.
- Android: use Google Cloud Print or your printer manufacturer's app (HP Smart, Epson iPrint, Canon PRINT, etc.). Download the app, connect to your printer, and print from within the app.
Troubleshooting: Printer Not Found on the Network
If a computer cannot find the printer on the network, try these steps.
- Make sure the printer is turned on and connected to Wi-Fi (check the printer's display or indicator lights).
- Make sure the computer and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Restart the printer and the router.
- On Windows, run the Printer troubleshooter: Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Printer.