Connect your printer to WiFi by putting it in pairing mode, then selecting it from your computer or phone's network list

Most modern printers connect to WiFi the same way your phone does — they scan for networks, you pick yours, you enter the password, and they join. The printer itself has a small screen or button panel where you do this, or you use the printer's app on your phone. Once connected, your computer and printer talk over WiFi instead of a cable, so you can print from anywhere in your home without walking to the printer.

The exact steps depend on your printer model, but the process is nearly identical across brands like HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother. If your printer is already plugged in and turned on, you are ready to start.

Key Takeaways

  • Most printers have a WiFi or network button on the control panel that puts them in pairing mode for a few minutes.
  • You enter your WiFi network name and password directly on the printer's screen, or use the printer's mobile app to do it remotely.
  • After the printer connects, your computer finds it automatically in most cases, or you add it manually through your system settings.
  • If the printer cannot find your network, move it closer to the router, restart both devices, and check that you are entering the password correctly.
  • Some printers print a network status page that shows whether they are connected and what their IP address is.

Find the WiFi button and put the printer in pairing mode

Look at your printer's control panel — the buttons and screen on the front or top. You are looking for a button labeled WiFi, Network, or a symbol that looks like radio waves. Press and hold this button for three to five seconds until a light blinks or the screen shows a message like "WiFi pairing mode" or "Ready to connect".

Some printers do not have a dedicated WiFi button. If yours does not, look in the menu on the printer's screen. Press the Menu or Settings button, scroll to Network or WiFi, and select "Connect" or "Pairing Mode". The printer will stay in pairing mode for about two minutes, so you need to move quickly to the next step.

If your printer has no screen at all — some basic models do not — check the manual or the manufacturer's website for your exact model number. You can usually find the model number on a sticker on the back or bottom of the printer. The manual will tell you whether you need to use the printer's app instead.

Enter your WiFi network name and password on the printer

While the printer is in pairing mode, its screen will show a list of WiFi networks it can see. Find your network name in that list and select it. Your network name is the same one you see when you connect your phone or laptop to WiFi.

The printer will ask you to enter your WiFi password. Use the arrow buttons or touchscreen to type it in carefully — passwords are case-sensitive, so capital letters matter. If you are not sure of your password, check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router, or log into your router's settings page from a computer to see or reset it.

Once you enter the password, the printer will attempt to connect. This usually takes 30 seconds to a minute. The screen will show a message like "Connected" or display a checkmark. If it shows an error, the most common cause is an incorrect password — try again, or restart the printer and repeat the pairing process.

Use the printer's app if the printer has no screen

If your printer has no display panel, read the manufacturer's app on your phone — search for "HP Smart", "Canon Print", "Epson iPrint", or "Brother iPrint&Scan" depending on your brand. Open the app and look for an option to add a new printer or connect to WiFi.

The app will scan for printers on your network. Select your printer from the list, and the app will walk you through entering your WiFi password. The printer does not need to be in a special pairing mode for this — the app handles the connection on your behalf. Once the app shows "Connected", your printer is on WiFi.

Add the printer to your computer or phone

After the printer is connected to WiFi, your computer or phone usually finds it automatically. On Windows, open Settings, go to Devices, then Printers & Scanners, and click "Add a printer or scanner". Wait a few seconds — your printer should appear in the list. Click it and select "Add device".

On a Mac, go to System Preferences, select Printers & Scanners, click the plus button, and your printer should appear. Select it and click "Add".

On an iPhone or iPad, most apps that print — like Mail, Photos, or Safari — have a share button. Tap it, scroll to Print, and your WiFi printer will appear in the list of available printers. Android works the same way: open the app you want to print from, tap the menu, select Print, and choose your printer.

If your printer does not appear in the list, restart both the printer and your computer, wait 30 seconds, and try again. Sometimes the devices need a moment to find each other on the network.

Troubleshoot if the printer will not connect to WiFi

If the printer cannot find your network or keeps disconnecting, move the printer closer to your router. WiFi signals weaken over distance and through walls. Even moving the printer a few feet can make the difference between a weak signal and a strong one.

Restart both the printer and your router. Turn off the printer, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Once both devices have restarted, try the pairing process again.

Check that you are entering your WiFi password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive — if your password is "MyPassword123", typing "mypassword123" will fail. If you are not sure, reset your WiFi password through your router's settings page or your internet provider's app, then use the new password on the printer.

If the printer connects but your computer cannot find it, make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network. Some routers have a separate 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz network — older printers may only work on 2.4 GHz. Check your router settings or ask your internet provider which network your printer should use.

Print a network status page to confirm the connection

Most printers can print a page that shows whether they are connected to WiFi and what their network address is. On the printer's control panel, look for a button labeled Information, Status, or Network. Press it and select "Print Network Status" or "Print Configuration Page". The printer will print a page with details about its connection.

Look for a line that says "WiFi Status: Connected" or shows an IP address like "192.168.1.100". If it shows "Not Connected" or no IP address, the printer is not on WiFi yet. Go back to the pairing steps and try again.

If the page shows the printer is connected but your computer still cannot find it, the IP address on the status page can help. You can manually add the printer by typing this address into your computer's printer settings. On Windows, go to Devices > Printers & Scanners, click "Add a printer or scanner", select "The printer that I want isn't listed", and choose "Select a shared printer by name". Type the IP address and click Next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use a cable to set up WiFi on my printer?

No. Most modern printers connect to WiFi wirelessly during setup. If your printer has never been on WiFi before, you can still do it without a cable — just use the printer's control panel or app to enter your network name and password.

Can I print from my phone once the printer is on WiFi?

Yes. Once the printer is connected to your WiFi network, any phone or computer on the same network can print to it. Open the app you want to print from, tap the share or menu button, select Print, and choose your printer from the list.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

Check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router — it usually shows the network name and password. If the sticker is worn off, log into your router's settings page from a computer using the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) and your router's admin password, which is also on the sticker. You can reset the password there.

Why does my printer keep disconnecting from WiFi?

The most common cause is a weak signal — move the printer closer to the router. Other causes include the printer overheating, outdated firmware, or interference from other devices. Restart the printer and router, and check the manufacturer's website to see if a firmware update is available for your model.

Can I connect my printer to a 5 GHz WiFi network?

Some newer printers can, but many older models only work on 2.4 GHz networks. Check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website for your model. If your router broadcasts both, you may need to connect the printer to the 2.4 GHz network instead of the 5 GHz one.