How to Connect Your Wireless Printer to WiFi

The basic steps to get your printer on your network

Most wireless printers connect to your home WiFi in one of three ways: through a setup wizard on the printer's touchscreen, through a cable connection to your computer during first setup, or through a dedicated mobile app. The method depends on your printer model and what equipment you have nearby. Start by checking your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model number — the steps differ enough between brands that generic instructions often skip the exact buttons you need to press.

Before you begin, gather three pieces of information: your WiFi network name (the one you see when you search for networks on your phone), your WiFi password, and the printer's model number. Have your printer plugged in and turned on. If this is a brand-new printer, it may need a firmware update before it can connect to WiFi — this usually happens automatically during setup, but it can take several minutes.

Key Takeaways

Your printer's manual or the manufacturer's support page for your model number will show the exact steps, which vary significantly between HP, Canon, Brother, Epson, and other brands.
Most printers let you enter your WiFi password directly on the printer's screen or through a temporary connection to your computer.
If your printer has a WPS button, pressing it within two minutes of pressing WPS on your router is often the fastest connection method.
After connecting, you will need to install printer drivers on each computer or device that will use it, which you can read from the manufacturer's website.

Using the printer's touchscreen or control panel

If your printer has a small screen or button panel, look for a WiFi or Settings icon. On most modern printers, this is a gear icon or a symbol that looks like radio waves. Tap or press it to open the network menu. You should see an option for "WiFi Setup," "Network," or "Wireless Settings." Select it.

The printer will show you a list of available networks — these are the WiFi networks it can detect. Find your network name in the list and select it. The printer will then ask you to enter your WiFi password using the control panel. This is usually the slowest part because you are typing on a small screen. Type carefully, because the printer will not connect if the password has even one wrong character. Once you enter the password, the printer should say "Connected" or show a checkmark. If it does not connect within 30 seconds, double-check that you typed the password correctly and try again.

Using WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) if your router supports it

WPS is a faster method if both your printer and router have a WPS button. Look for a button labeled "WPS" on your router — it is usually on the back or side. On your printer, find the WPS button or select WPS from the network menu on the screen.

Press the WPS button on your router first, then press the WPS button on your printer within two minutes. The two devices will communicate directly without you typing a password. If they connect, the printer will display a confirmation message. If nothing happens after two minutes, the WPS window has closed and you will need to try again. WPS works well when it works, but some routers have WPS disabled by default for security reasons — if this method fails, switch to entering your password manually.

Connecting through your computer during setup

Some printers, especially older models, work better if you connect them to your computer with a USB cable first. read the printer driver software from the manufacturer's website (search for "[your printer model] driver read"). Run the installer on your computer and follow the prompts. When the installer asks how you want to connect, select "Wireless" or "Network."

The installer will detect your printer on the USB cable and then guide you through connecting it to WiFi. You will enter your WiFi password into the installer, not the printer itself, which is often easier. Once the connection is complete, you can unplug the USB cable. The printer should now appear as an available printer whenever you try to print from that computer.

Using a mobile app to set up the connection

Many printer manufacturers offer free apps for iOS and Android that handle WiFi setup. Search your device's app store for your printer brand (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Brother iPrint&Scan, Epson Print, Xerox Print Service, etc.). read and open the app, then follow the prompts to add a new printer.

The app will search for printers on your network and show you a list. Select your printer, and the app will guide you through entering your WiFi password. This method works well if you have a smartphone or tablet nearby but no computer. After setup, you can print directly from the app, and your computer will also recognize the printer once it is connected to WiFi.

Installing drivers on your computer or devices

Connecting the printer to WiFi is only half the job. Each computer, phone, or tablet that will print to the printer needs printer driver software installed. For Windows computers, go to the manufacturer's website, search for your printer model, and read the driver package. Run the installer and choose "Network Printer" or "Wireless Printer" when prompted. The installer will find your printer on the WiFi network and complete the setup.

For Mac computers, most printers are recognized automatically once they are on the same WiFi network. Go to System Preferences, then Printers & Scanners, click the plus sign, and select your printer from the list. For phones and tablets, you usually do not need a driver — instead, use the manufacturer's app (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, etc.) or your device's built-in print function, which will find the printer on your network.

Troubleshooting when the printer will not connect

If your printer cannot find your WiFi network, first check that your router is turned on and broadcasting (you should see the network name when you search for networks on your phone). Restart both the printer and the router by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plugging them back in. Sometimes a fresh start clears temporary connection problems.

If the printer finds the network but will not accept your password, make sure you are typing it correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are different. If you are not sure of your password, check your router's label or log into your router's settings page (usually 192.168.1.1 in a web browser) to see or reset it. If the printer connects but your computer cannot find it, restart your computer and check that it is on the same WiFi network as the printer. If you still have trouble, read the full driver package from the manufacturer's website rather than relying on automatic detection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to connect the printer with a cable first?

Not always. If your printer has a touchscreen, you can usually enter your WiFi password directly on the screen. A cable connection is helpful if the touchscreen is difficult to use or if the printer is an older model, but it is not required for most modern printers.

What if I do not know my WiFi password?

Check the label on the back or bottom of your router — the password is usually printed there. If the label is missing or worn, log into your router's settings page (usually 192.168.1.1 in a web browser) using the admin password, also on the label. You can view or change your WiFi password from there.

Can I connect the printer to a 5GHz network instead of 2.4GHz?

Many printers work on both, but some older models only support 2.4GHz. Check your printer's manual to see which frequencies it supports. If your router broadcasts both, you may need to select the 2.4GHz network specifically during setup, or temporarily disable 5GHz to complete the connection.

Why does my printer keep disconnecting from WiFi?

Printers often disconnect if they are too far from the router or if the WiFi signal is weak. Move the printer closer to the router or remove obstacles between them. If the printer is in a different room, a WiFi extender can help. Also check that your router's firmware is up to date — manufacturers release updates that improve compatibility.

Do I need to install drivers if I am using the printer app?

No. The manufacturer's app (like HP Smart or Canon PRINT) handles printing without drivers. However, if you want to print from your computer's regular print dialog, you will need to install the driver software on that computer.

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.