How to Connect a Printer to Your Chromebook

Chromebooks connect to printers through Google Cloud Print or direct USB, depending on your printer model

A Chromebook connects to a printer in one of three ways: through Google Cloud Print (the easiest for most people), by plugging in a USB cable, or through your home WiFi network if your printer supports it. The method you use depends on whether your printer is old or new, and whether it sits next to your Chromebook or in another room. Most modern printers work without any software installation — Chromebooks handle the driver automatically once you add the printer to your Google account.

The fastest route for a printer sitting next to your Chromebook is a USB cable. The simplest route for a printer anywhere in your home is Google Cloud Print, which works through your Google account and the internet. If your printer is WiFi-capable and relatively recent, you can also connect directly to your home network without using Google's service.

Key Takeaways

USB connection is the fastest option if your printer is within cable reach — just plug it in and print from any app.
Google Cloud Print works from anywhere on your home WiFi network and requires only your Google account, no software installation.
WiFi-direct connection works on newer printers and lets you print without Google's servers, but requires your printer to support it.
You can add the same printer to multiple Chromebooks using the same Google account, so everyone in your household can print to it.

Connecting via USB cable

Plug the USB cable from your printer into any USB port on your Chromebook. The Chromebook will recognize the printer automatically — you do not need to install drivers or software. Open any document or image you want to print, press Ctrl+P to open the print dialog, and select your printer from the list.

USB connection works with almost every printer made in the last fifteen years, even very old ones. The downside is that your Chromebook must be within cable length of the printer, which is usually not practical for a printer in another room. If your printer is in a shared space and you want to print from your bedroom or kitchen, use Google Cloud Print or WiFi connection instead.

Setting up Google Cloud Print

Google Cloud Print lets you print to your printer from anywhere — your Chromebook, a phone, a tablet, or even a computer that is not a Chromebook. Your printer does not need to be WiFi-capable; it can be connected to your Chromebook by USB or to another computer in your home by USB.

To set up Google Cloud Print on a Chromebook, open the Chrome menu (three horizontal lines in the top right), go to Settings, then click Printers and Devices on the left side. Click Add Printer. Your Chromebook will search for printers on your network and those connected by USB. Select your printer from the list and click Add Printer. Your printer is now registered to your Google account.

If your printer does not appear in the list, make sure it is turned on and connected to your Chromebook by USB or to your home WiFi network. If it is connected to another computer in your home (a Windows PC or Mac), you can still register it through Google Cloud Print by opening Chrome on that computer, going to Settings, and following the same steps. Once registered, you can print to it from your Chromebook even if the other computer is off.

To print using Google Cloud Print, open any document or image, press Ctrl+P, and select your printer from the list. The print job goes to Google's servers and then to your printer, so your Chromebook does not need to be near the printer. You can print from anywhere with an internet connection.

Connecting through WiFi without Google Cloud Print

Many newer printers can connect directly to your home WiFi network. If your printer supports this, you can print to it without using Google Cloud Print. Check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website to see if it has WiFi capability.

To connect your printer to WiFi, use the printer's control panel or buttons to access the network settings menu. Select your home WiFi network and enter your password. Once the printer is connected to WiFi, open your Chromebook's Settings, go to Printers and Devices, and click Add Printer. Your Chromebook should find the printer on the network. Select it and click Add Printer.

This method works well if you want to avoid using Google's servers, but it requires your printer to support WiFi and your Chromebook to be on the same network. If you travel or want to print from outside your home, Google Cloud Print is more flexible.

Troubleshooting when your printer does not appear

If your printer does not show up when you try to add it, first check that it is turned on and that the USB cable is plugged in firmly (for USB connection) or that it is connected to your WiFi network (for network printing). Restart your printer by turning it off, waiting ten seconds, and turning it back on.

If you are using Google Cloud Print and the printer is connected to another computer, make sure that computer is turned on and connected to the internet. Google Cloud Print requires the computer that the printer is plugged into to stay online so it can relay print jobs to the printer.

If your Chromebook still cannot find the printer, restart your Chromebook. Press and hold the power button until the shutdown menu appears, then select Shut Down. Wait a few seconds and turn it back on. Once it restarts, try adding the printer again.

For older printers that do not appear even after restarting, check the manufacturer's website to see if there is a specific driver or setup tool for Chromebooks. Most printers work without additional software, but some older models may require a workaround.

Printing from different apps and documents

Once your printer is added to your Chromebook, you can print from almost any app. In Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides, click File and then Print. In Gmail, click the three-dot menu and select Print. In Chrome, press Ctrl+P to print any webpage. In any of these, select your printer from the list and adjust settings like paper size, color, and number of copies.

If you are printing from a web browser and your printer does not appear in the list, make sure you are signed into your Google account. Google Cloud Print uses your account to find your registered printers, so you must be logged in to see them.

Managing multiple printers and shared printing

If you have more than one printer, you can add all of them to your Chromebook. Each one will appear in the print dialog when you try to print. You can set one as your default printer so it is selected automatically — in Settings, go to Printers and Devices, find your default printer, click the three-dot menu next to it, and select Set as Default.

If multiple people in your household use Chromebooks, each person can add the same printer to their own Google account. This works best with Google Cloud Print, since the printer is registered to the account that set it up, but anyone with a Google account can print to it. For USB-connected printers, only the Chromebook that the printer is plugged into can print to it directly, unless you use Google Cloud Print to register it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print to a printer that is plugged into my phone or tablet?

No, Chromebooks cannot print to printers connected to phones or tablets. You can only print to a printer that is connected to your Chromebook by USB, connected to your home WiFi network, or registered through Google Cloud Print on a computer that is turned on.

Do I need to buy special paper or ink for a Chromebook printer?

No. Any printer that works with a Windows PC or Mac will work with a Chromebook. You use the same paper, ink, and toner. Chromebooks do not require special supplies.

What happens if I print while my Chromebook is offline?

If you are using Google Cloud Print and your Chromebook loses internet connection, the print job will wait in a queue until your connection comes back. If you are using USB or direct WiFi connection, you must be connected to the same network as the printer to print.

Can I print in color on a Chromebook?

Yes, if your printer supports color printing. When you open the print dialog, you will see an option for color or black and white. Select color and your Chromebook will send the color version to your printer.

What if my printer is very old and does not appear when I try to add it?

Very old printers sometimes do not work with Chromebooks because they lack the necessary communication protocols. Try connecting it by USB first — most printers from the last fifteen years support USB. If that does not work, check the printer manufacturer's website for Chromebook compatibility information.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.