Chromebooks connect to printers differently than Windows or Mac computers
A Chromebook does not install printer drivers the way a traditional computer does. Instead, it discovers printers on your network and sends print jobs through Google Cloud Print or your printer's native cloud service. For most home setups, you add a printer once in your Chromebook's settings, and it stays available to all apps that can print. The process takes about five minutes if your printer is already on the same Wi-Fi network.
The method depends on what printer you own. Newer printers (made in the last five to seven years) usually work when ready because they support Google Cloud Print or IPP Everywhere, a standard that lets devices find each other without extra software. Older printers may need a workaround, but even then, the Chromebook handles the connection without you installing anything manually.
Key Takeaways
- Most printers connect to a Chromebook through your Wi-Fi network without needing driver installation.
- You add a printer in Chromebook Settings under Devices, then select it from the print menu in any app.
- If your printer does not appear automatically, you can add it manually by IP address or through your printer manufacturer's app.
- Older printers may require Google Cloud Print, which Google shut down in 2021, so you may need to replace or upgrade the printer.
- Printing from a Chromebook works best when the printer and Chromebook are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Add a printer through Chromebook Settings
Open the Settings app on your Chromebook. Click the search icon in the bottom left, type "Settings," and press Enter. In the left sidebar, select Devices, then click Printers and scanners.
Your Chromebook will search for printers on your network. If your printer is on and connected to Wi-Fi, it should appear in the list within 10 to 15 seconds. Click the printer name, then click Add printer. That is all — the printer is now saved to your Chromebook and available in any app that can print.
To print a document, open the file in any app (Google Docs, Chrome, Photos, or others), press Ctrl+P on your keyboard, select your printer from the dropdown menu, and click Print. The job goes directly to your printer over Wi-Fi.
Add a printer manually if it does not appear automatically
If your printer does not show up in the automatic search, you can add it by its IP address. First, find your printer's IP address. On most printers, this is printed on a test page or shown on the printer's built-in screen. Check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website if you are unsure where to look.
In Chromebook Settings under Printers and scanners, click Add printer at the bottom of the list. Select Add manually by address, then type your printer's IP address in the field and click Add. Your Chromebook will connect to the printer directly.
Use your printer manufacturer's app for better control
Many printer makers offer their own apps for Chromebooks — Canon, HP, Epson, and Brother all have versions in the Google Play Store. These apps let you print directly from your Chromebook and sometimes offer extra features like scanning to your device or checking ink levels.
Search for your printer brand in the Google Play Store (the shopping bag icon on your Chromebook), install the app, and follow the setup steps. Once installed, the app usually adds your printer to your Chromebook's printer list automatically. You can then print through the app or through the regular print menu in any other app.
What to do if your printer is very old
Printers made before 2015 often relied on Google Cloud Print, which Google shut down in December 2021. If you own an older printer that does not appear in your Chromebook's printer search and has no manufacturer app, it likely cannot connect to a Chromebook without extra hardware.
Your options are to buy a newer printer that supports Wi-Fi printing, use a print server device (a small box that connects old printers to your network), or print to PDF and transfer files to another computer. For most households, replacing an old printer is simpler and cheaper than buying a print server.
Troubleshoot when printing fails
If your printer appears in Settings but will not print, first check that both your Chromebook and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your printer's settings menu or app to confirm the network name. If they are on different networks, connect the printer to your Chromebook's network and try again.
If the printer is on the correct network but still will not print, restart both devices. Turn off the printer, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your Chromebook by clicking the power icon in the bottom right and selecting Restart. After both devices restart, try printing again.
If the printer still does not work, remove it from your Chromebook and add it again. Go to Settings, Devices, Printers and scanners, click the printer name, and select Remove. Then add it again using the automatic search or manual IP address method.
Print to PDF if you cannot use a physical printer
Every Chromebook can print to a PDF file even without a physical printer connected. This is useful if your printer is broken, not on your network, or if you want to save a document before printing. Press Ctrl+P to open the print menu, click the dropdown where your printer name appears, and select Save as PDF. Choose where to save the file and click Save.
The PDF appears in your Downloads folder and can be printed later from another device, shared by email, or stored for your records. This method works in any app on your Chromebook that supports printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print from my Chromebook to a printer at work or a friend's house?
Only if you are on the same Wi-Fi network. Chromebooks print over local Wi-Fi, not the internet. If you need to print remotely, you can use Google Cloud Print through some printer brands' apps, but this requires the printer to support it and to be set up by the network owner.
Do I need to install anything on my Chromebook to use a printer?
No. Chromebooks do not use printer drivers like Windows or Mac computers. The printer connection is built into Chrome OS. You only need to add the printer in Settings once, and it works in all your apps.
What if my printer is connected to another computer on my network?
Shared printers connected to Windows or Mac computers usually do not work with Chromebooks unless the printer also has its own Wi-Fi connection. The best solution is to connect the printer directly to your Wi-Fi network instead of sharing it through another computer.
Can I print from my Chromebook to a printer that uses USB only?
Not directly. USB printers need to be connected to a computer or a device that bridges them to your network. If your printer has no Wi-Fi option, you would need to buy a print server device or upgrade to a Wi-Fi-capable printer.
Why does my printer keep disconnecting from my Chromebook?
This usually means the printer is losing its Wi-Fi connection. Move the printer closer to your router, check that it is still on your network in the printer's settings menu, and restart both devices. If it keeps disconnecting, your printer may have a weak Wi-Fi antenna or your router may be too far away.