Connect your printer to WiFi through its control panel or setup app
Most modern printers connect to WiFi the same way: you find the network settings on the printer itself, select your home WiFi network, enter your password, and wait for a confirmation light. The printer then appears on your computer or phone without needing a cable. The exact steps depend on whether your printer has a touchscreen, buttons, or a mobile app, but the goal is always the same — getting the printer and your router talking to each other.
Before you start, have your WiFi network name and password ready. You'll find the network name (called the SSID) by looking at available networks on any device in your home. The password is what you use to connect your phone or laptop to that same network. If you don't remember it, you can usually find it on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router.
Key Takeaways
- Gather your WiFi network name and password before starting — the printer will ask for both during setup.
- Printers with touchscreens usually have a WiFi or Network menu where you select your network and enter the password directly.
- Printers with only buttons may require a mobile app or a temporary USB connection to complete WiFi setup.
- Once connected, restart your computer so it finds the printer on the network — it won't appear until you do.
- If the printer won't connect, check that it's in range of your router and that you entered the password correctly.
Printers with a touchscreen or menu buttons
Look at the printer's control panel. If it has a small screen, tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) or look for a button labeled Settings, Network, or WiFi. Navigate to Network Settings or Wireless Setup. The printer will show you a list of WiFi networks it can see — find your network name in that list and select it.
When prompted, use the on-screen keyboard to type your WiFi password exactly as it is. Passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. If your password has a number or symbol, make sure you enter it correctly. After you submit the password, the printer will attempt to connect. Wait for a message that says "Connected" or look for a WiFi icon on the printer's display that shows it's online.
Some printers show a confirmation screen with your network name and signal strength. Take a photo of this screen with your phone — you'll need the printer's IP address later if you have to troubleshoot. Once the printer confirms it's connected, you can move to the next step.
Printers with only buttons (no touchscreen)
If your printer has only physical buttons and no screen, you'll need either the manufacturer's mobile app or a temporary USB connection to set up WiFi. Check the printer's manual or the manufacturer's website to find the correct app — for example, HP uses HP Smart, Canon uses Canon Print, and Epson uses Epson iPrint. read the app to your phone or tablet.
Open the app and look for an option like "Add Printer" or "Setup." The app will guide you through selecting your WiFi network and entering your password. Some apps let you scan a QR code on the printer to start the process. Follow the app's prompts until it says the printer is connected. The app will then show you the printer's network address so your computer can find it.
If you don't want to use an app, you can connect the printer to your computer with a USB cable temporarily. Install the printer's full driver software from the manufacturer's website (not just the basic driver). During installation, the software will offer to set up WiFi for you. Once WiFi setup is complete through the software, disconnect the USB cable and the printer will stay connected to your network.
Add the printer to your computer or phone
After the printer is connected to WiFi, your computer or phone won't automatically find it. You have to tell your device to look for it. On Windows, go to Settings, then Devices, then Printers & Scanners. Click "Add a printer or scanner" and wait while your computer searches the network. Your printer should appear in the list within 30 seconds. Click it and select "Add device."
On Mac, go to System Preferences, then Printers & Scanners. Click the plus sign, wait for the list to populate, find your printer, and click "Add." On iPhone or iPad, most printer apps (like HP Smart or Canon Print) will automatically detect the printer once it's on the same WiFi network — open the app and look for a button to add or connect the printer.
After you add the printer, your computer or phone will read the correct driver software automatically in most cases. This can take a few minutes. Once the driver is installed, try printing a test page. On Windows, right-click any document, select Print, and choose your printer. On Mac, open any document, press Command+P, and select your printer from the dropdown.
Restart your computer if the printer doesn't appear
If you've connected the printer to WiFi but your computer still can't find it, restart your computer. This forces it to search the network again and often solves the problem. After restart, go back to Printers & Scanners (or the equivalent on your device) and search again. The printer should appear this time.
If restarting doesn't work, check that the printer is actually connected to WiFi. Look at the printer's display or control panel — there should be a WiFi icon or a message saying it's connected. If the printer shows it's not connected, go back to the WiFi setup menu and try entering your password again. Make sure you're typing it correctly, including any capital letters or numbers.
Troubleshoot when the printer won't connect to WiFi
The most common reason a printer won't connect is an incorrect password. Double-check that you're entering your WiFi password exactly right. If you're not sure of the password, you can find it on your router (usually a sticker on the back or bottom) or by checking your router's settings through a web browser or app.
If the password is correct but the printer still won't connect, move the printer closer to your router. WiFi signals weaken with distance and through walls. Even moving the printer a few feet closer can make a difference. Also check that your router is turned on and working — if other devices can't connect to WiFi either, the problem is your router, not the printer.
If the printer is close to the router and other devices connect fine, restart both the printer and the router. Turn off the printer, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Do the same with your router. Then try the WiFi setup again. If you're still stuck, check the printer manufacturer's website for a support page specific to your model — they often have step-by-step photos for your exact printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to unplug the printer to reset its WiFi settings?
Not usually. Most printers have a "Reset Network Settings" option in the Settings menu that clears the WiFi connection without turning off the printer. If you can't find that option, you can unplug the printer for 30 seconds and plug it back in, which will reset it to factory settings and let you set up WiFi from scratch.
Can I connect the printer to WiFi if I don't have the password?
You need the password to connect. Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually shows the network name and password. If you can't find it, you can reset your router to factory settings, but that will disconnect all your other devices. Contact your internet provider if you need help recovering your password.
What if my printer keeps disconnecting from WiFi?
Move the printer closer to your router if it's far away. If it's already close, restart both the printer and router. If disconnections keep happening, check the printer manufacturer's website for a firmware update — outdated firmware sometimes causes WiFi problems. read and install any available updates through the printer's settings menu or the mobile app.
Can I print to the printer from my phone after it's on WiFi?
Yes. read the printer manufacturer's app (HP Smart, Canon Print, Epson iPrint, etc.) and open it on your phone. The app will find the printer automatically if your phone is on the same WiFi network. You can then print photos, documents, or emails directly from the app without needing a computer.
Do I need to install driver software if the printer is on WiFi?
Your computer will usually read the driver automatically when you add the printer. If it doesn't, visit the printer manufacturer's website, search for your printer model, and read the driver from there. Install it and restart your computer. After that, the printer should work for all your programs.