How to connect a printer to a Huawei WiFi AX3 router: all the methods + troubleshooting

Connecting a printer to a router Huawei WiFi AX3 It allows you to print from any device on your home network without the hassle of wires. However, many users encounter difficulties: the router doesn't detect the printer, drivers don't install, or printing is erratic. In this article, we'll cover all the current connection methods—from standard Wi-Fi to rarely documented features. AX3, and we will also solve typical problems.

Peculiarity Huawei AX3 in that it supports both classic network connection of printers via WPS And Wi-Fi Direct, as well as more rare scenarios—for example, using a router's USB port for extended printer access. We tested all methods on models Canon PIXMA, HP LaserJet And Brother DCP, so the instructions are adapted to real devices.

Important: If your printer was manufactured before 2018, check its compatibility with modern Wi-Fi standards (802.11ac/ax). Older models may require additional configuration on your router.

1. Preparation: What to check before connecting

Before connecting the printer to Huawei AX3, follow 3 key steps:

  • 🔌 Power and network: Make sure the printer is turned on and within Wi-Fi range (no more than 5 meters from the router for the first connection). There should be no red error lights on the printer panel.
  • 📋 Drivers: Download the latest drivers for your model from the manufacturer's official website. For printers HP use the utility HP Smart, For CanonIJ Network Tool.
  • 🔄 Reset settings: If the printer has already connected to a different network, reset the network settings. On most models, this requires holding down the button. Wi-Fi (or Wireless) 10–15 seconds.

On the router Huawei AX3 check:

  • 🌐 Wi-Fi mode: Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Basic settings and make sure the mode is turned on 802.11 b/g/n/ac (for maximum compatibility) Disable 802.11r (Fast Transition), if active, it may interfere with the connection of older printers.
  • 🔒 Safety: Recommended encryption type - WPA2-PSK. WPA3 May not be supported by printers older than 2020.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using a guest network on Huawei AX3, the printer won't be able to connect to it—the guest network isolates devices from each other. Connect the printer only to the main network.

2. Method 1: Connecting the printer via WPS (the fastest method)

Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your printer to your router without entering a password. This works if the printer has a button on the body. WPS or the corresponding menu item.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Press and hold the button WPS on the back panel Huawei AX3 (The WPS indicator will start flashing).
  2. Within 2 minutes, activate WPS mode on the printer:
    • For HP: hold down the button Wi-Fi until the indicator blinks.
    • For Canon: go to Settings → Wireless → WPS.
    • For Brother: click Menu → Network → WLAN → WPS.
  • Wait until the lights on both devices stop flashing (usually takes 30-60 seconds).
  • If the connection fails:

    • 🔄 Restart your printer and router.
    • 📶 Make sure the distance between devices does not exceed 3 meters.
    • 🔧 In the router settings (More → WPS) turn on the mode PBC (Push Button Configuration).

    Print a network settings test sheet|Check the printer's IP address in the menu|Make sure the Wi-Fi indicator is green|Try printing a test document-->

    ⚠️ Attention: Some printers (eg Epson EcoTank) require WPS to be activated in their menu beforehand. Without this, the button on the router won't work.

    3. Method 2: Connecting via the printer menu (manual password entry)

    If your printer doesn't support WPS or the connection fails, use the manual method. To do this, you'll need:

    • 📝 The name of your Wi-Fi network (SSID).
    • 🔑 Wi-Fi password.
    • 🖨️ Printer control panel with screen or navigation buttons.

    Instructions for printers with a screen:

    1. On the printer, go to Settings → Network settings → Wi-Fi.
    2. Select your network (SSID) from the list. If there is no network, click Refresh the list or Manual search.
    3. Enter your Wi-Fi password. Use the keyboard on the printer screen (for Canon) or buttons +/ (For Brother).
    4. Confirm the connection. Wait for the message. Connected or Ready.

    For printers without a screen (eg. HP LaserJet P1102w):

    1. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi (or Wireless) 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
    2. Press the button again and the printer will print a sheet of paper. WPS PIN.
    3. In the router's web interface (192.168.3.1) go to WPS → PIN code and enter this code.
    Printer model Path to Wi-Fi settings Peculiarities
    Canon PIXMA MG3640 Setup → Wireless LAN → Standard setup Requires installation IJ Network Tool on PC
    HP DeskJet 2620 Settings → Wireless → Setup Wizard Supports HP Auto Wireless Connect
    Brother HL-L2350DW Menu → Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard May require disabling IPv6 on the router
    Epson EcoTank L3150 Home → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Setup Network reset: hold Wi-Fi 3 sec.

    Via WPS|Manual password entry|USB cable|Wi-Fi Direct|Not connected-->

    4. Method 3: Connecting the printer via the router's USB port (for sharing)

    Huawei WiFi AX3 has a USB port that can be used to connect a printer and organize network printingThis is convenient if your printer does not support Wi-Fi or the network connection is unstable.

    What you will need:

    • 🔌 A printer with a USB port (most laser and inkjet models).
    • 📀 USB AB cable (usually included with the printer).
    • 💻 Computer for initial setup.

    Step-by-step setup:

    1. Connect the printer to the USB port Huawei AX3 cable.
    2. In the router's web interface (192.168.3.1) go to Advanced → USB Settings → Print.
    3. Enable the option Sharing a USB printer and save the settings.
    4. Install the printer driver on your computer by selecting it from the list of ports. Standard TCP/IP Port.
    5. Enter the router's IP address (192.168.3.1) and port 9100.

    Important: When connecting via USB, the router automatically assigns a virtual port to the printer. 9100If printing does not work, check that this port is not blocked by Windows Firewall or antivirus software.

    How to check if the router recognizes the printer?

    In the web interface Huawei AX3 go to USB Settings → DevicesIf the printer is detected, its model and status will be displayed. Ready. If the status Unknown device, try a different USB cable or reboot your router.

    ⚠️ Attention: When connecting via USB, printing speeds may be slower than via Wi-Fi, especially for large color documents. For office use, we recommend combining both methods.

    5. Method 4: Connecting via Wi-Fi Direct (for printing from a smartphone)

    Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect your smartphone or tablet directly to the printer, bypassing the router. This is convenient for quickly printing photos or documents from mobile devices.

    How to set up:

    1. Activate on the printer Wi-Fi Direct:
      • For Canon: Settings → Wi-Fi Direct → Enable.
      • For HP: hold the button Wi-Fi Direct 3 seconds.
  • On your smartphone, turn on Wi-Fi and connect to the printer's network (the name will contain the model, for example DIRECT-xx-HP OfficeJet Pro 9015).
  • Launch the printer manufacturer's application (HP Smart, Canon PRINT) and select the document to print.
  • Limitations of the method:

    • 📵 While printing, the smartphone will be disconnected from the Internet (if it does not support Wi-Fi Dual Band).
    • 🖼️ Not all applications (for example, Word or Google Docs) support printing via Wi-Fi Direct without proprietary utilities.

    6. Solving typical connection problems

    Even after proper setup, your printer may still not print. Let's look at the most common errors and their solutions:

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    The router doesn't see the printer on the network. Incompatible Wi-Fi settings Turn it off WPA3 And 802.11r in the settings AX3
    Printing gets stuck in the queue Incorrect driver or port Remove the printer in Devices and printers and add it again
    An error occurs when printing. 0x00000002 Port blocking 9100 firewall Add a port exception in Windows Firewall
    When connected via USB, the red indicator flashes. Lack of power on the router port Use a USB hub with external power

    If the printer is connected but does not print:

    1. Check it out IP address printer (print a test sheet with network settings).
    2. In the printer settings on your PC, update the port to Standard TCP/IP Port indicating the printer's IP.
    3. Turn it off Toner savings in the driver settings - this often solves the problem of "blank" sheets.

    7. Setting up printing from different devices

    After connecting the printer to Huawei AX3 It needs to be configured on each device you plan to print from.

    For Windows 10/11:

    1. Open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
    2. Click Add a printer or scanner.
    3. Select your printer from the list. If it is not there, click The printer you need is not in the list and enter the IP address manually.
    4. Install the driver (Windows usually downloads it automatically).

    For macOS:

    1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
    2. Click + and select the tab IP.
    3. Enter the printer's IP address, protocol Line Printer Daemon - LPD and queue lp.

    For Android/iOS:

    • Install the official printer manufacturer app (HP Smart, Epson iPrint etc.).
    • In the application settings, select Add a printer → Search the network.
    • If the printer is not found, enter its IP address manually.
    ⚠️ Attention: On iPhone/iPad, to print over a local network, the printer must support the protocol AirPrint. Most models HP And Canon After 2015 it is supported.

    8. Additional settings for stable operation

    To avoid printing problems in the future, we recommend performing several optimizations:

    • 📡 Reserve IP for printer:

      In the web interface Huawei AX3 go to DHCP → Address Reservation and bind the printer's MAC address to a fixed IP address. This will prevent problems when changing the address.

    • 🔄 Update your router firmware:

      Check the latest version at Settings → System → Software Update. For AX3 Critical fixes are released every 3-4 months.

    • 🛡️ Set up guest access:

      If you want to allow guests to print, create a separate network with limited rights (Guest Network → Allow access to local devices).

    Office optimization:

    • If the printer is used by several users, in the router settings (USB Settings → Print) turn on Print queue.
    • To speed up printing of large documents, disable Qos for the printer in Settings → Advanced → QoS.
    How to find out the MAC address of a printer?

    Print a test sheet with network settings (usually the button Information or Setup on the printer panel). The MAC address will be listed in the section Wireless LAN or Ethernet (for wired models).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting a printer to the Huawei AX3

    My printer connects to the router, but won't print from my phone. What should I do?

    Check:

    1. Is the printer manufacturer's proprietary application installed (e.g. Canon PRINT or HP Smart).
    2. Is your phone connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer (not a guest network!).
    3. Is the option enabled? General access in the printer settings (for USB connection via a router).

    If the problem persists, try reconnecting the printer via Wi-Fi Direct (see Method 4).

    My Huawei AX3 router doesn't see my printer in the device list. Why?

    Possible reasons:

    • The printer is connected to a different network (reset its settings using the button) Reset).
    • The MAC address filter is enabled in the router settings (Security → MAC Filter).
    • The printer uses an outdated standard. 802.11b - include its support in Wi-Fi Settings → Advanced.

    Also check if the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer is lit. If not, the problem is with the device itself.

    Is it possible to connect an old printer without Wi-Fi to the Huawei AX3?

    Yes, there are two options:

    1. Via USB: Connect the printer to the router's USB port and set up sharing (see Method 3).
    2. Via adapter: Buy Wi-Fi adapter for printer (For example, TP-Link TL-WPS510U) and connect it to the printer's USB port. Then configure it as a regular network device.

    For printers with a port Ethernet can be used USB-to-Ethernet adapter and connect it to the router via the LAN port.

    After changing the Wi-Fi password, the printer stopped working. How can I fix it?

    You need to reconfigure the printer connection:

    1. Reset the printer's network settings (hold down the button Wi-Fi 10 seconds).
    2. Reconnect the printer via WPS or enter a new password manually (see Method 2).
    3. On computers, remove and re-add the printer via Devices and printers.

    If the printer supports WPS, this is the fastest way - you don’t need to enter a password.

    How to check if the printer is actually connected to Huawei AX3?

    Verification methods:

    • Print it out Test sheet or Network settings on the printer itself - it will be indicated there IP address And SSID networks.
    • In the router's web interface (192.168.3.1) go to Devices → Connected devices — the printer should appear in the list.
    • Send a command from your computer ping [printer IP] V Command lineIf there is a response, the connection is working.