Connection

How to connect your printer to Wi-Fi

6 min read · Updated 2026-07-10 · PrinterErrors editorial team

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Overview Before you begin Connect from the printer panel Add the printer on your computer or phone Troubleshooting When to get help

Overview

This guide gets most home and small-office printers onto Wi-Fi. Exact menu names vary by brand, so we note the differences inline. Have your Wi-Fi password to hand and keep the printer within good range of the router during setup.

Before you begin

Two things prevent most setup failures: the right network band and good signal during pairing.

01Confirm the printer is on and shows a ready screen.

02Place the printer near the router during setup. You can move it afterwards.

03Most printers connect only to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, so use that band (not a 5 GHz-only network).

04Have your network name (SSID) and password ready, and avoid guest networks.

Connect from the printer panel

If your printer has a screen, this is the most reliable route.

01Open the printer’s Network or Wireless setup menu.

02Choose “Wireless Setup Wizard” (or WPS if your router has a WPS button).

03Select your network from the list and enter the password exactly, respecting upper/lowercase.

04Wait for the wireless light to become steady, then print a network/test page to confirm.

Add the printer on your computer or phone

Once the printer is on Wi-Fi, add it to each device.

01Windows: Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners › Add device.

02macOS: System Settings › Printers & Scanners › Add Printer, then pick the AirPrint/Bonjour entry.

03Phone: install the maker’s app (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson Smart Panel) and follow the guided setup, or use AirPrint (iOS) / built-in print (Android).

Troubleshooting

If it will not connect, restart both the printer and the router, keep them close during setup, and confirm you are on the 2.4 GHz band. Guest and “isolated” networks block printer discovery. If the printer connects but the computer can’t find it, a reserved (static) IP on the router keeps it stable.

When to get help

If the printer never appears after a full restart and re-setup, check for a firmware update in the maker’s app, then run a guided diagnosis for a tailored next step.

PEPrinterErrors editorial teamUpdated 2026-07-10

PrinterErrors editorial team

Last updated 2026-07-10 · Content is independent and not sponsored by any manufacturer.

Sources & methodology

Microsoft: Install a printer in Windows OS vendor
Apple: Add a printer (macOS) OS vendor

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