How to Turn a Simple Printer into a Wi-Fi Device: A Complete Guide

Many users encounter a situation where a high-quality printer lacks built-in wireless network support. This creates inconvenience, as they have to constantly switch cables or transfer files to a flash drive. However, a regular USB printer into a network device is quite possible with the help of additional gadgets.

There are several proven methods for integrating printing equipment into a home network. The choice depends on your router model, your computer's operating system, and your budget for the upgrade. In this article, we'll cover all the options, from free ones to those requiring hardware purchase.

Modern technologies make it possible to print from any device in the apartment, be it a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Wireless communication It allows freedom of movement and eliminates unnecessary cables, which is especially important for small offices or studio apartments. Let's look at how to achieve this.

Using the router's USB port to connect

The easiest and often free way is to use your router's functionality. Many modern router models, even budget ones, are equipped with a USB port that allows you to connect external drives and printersIf your device supports the Print Server feature, it can receive print jobs over the network and transmit them to connected equipment.

First, check the router for a USB port and ensure its firmware supports the peripherals. You'll need a USB Type AB cable (a standard printer cable). Connect the device to the router, then log in to the administrator's web interface through a browser.

⚠️ Note: Not all routers support USB printing. Some ports are only for 3G modems or hard drives, so be sure to check the technical documentation for your router model.

After connecting, you usually need to activate the corresponding service in the router settings. Often, you need to download and install special drivers or utilities from the router manufacturer's website on the computers that will be printing. TP-Link, Asus And Keenetic have their own programs for setting up such connections.

It's important to understand that printing speeds via a router may be slower than with a direct connection, especially if using an older Wi-Fi standard. However, for home use, where printing volumes don't amount to thousands of pages per day, this is a perfectly acceptable solution.

Setting up shared printing in Windows

If your router doesn't have a USB port or doesn't support printers, you can use one of the computers on your network as a print server. This method requires host computer was turned on and connected to the network at the time of printing. The method involves sharing (opening public access) a connected USB printer with other network users.

To implement this method, go to the Device Control Panel on the primary computer to which the printer is connected. Find your printer in the list, right-click, and select "Printer properties." On the "Sharing" tab, check the "Share this printer" box.

After this, you need to add the network printer to other devices (laptops, PCs). In Windows, this is done through "Devices and Printers" -> "Add a printer" -> "The printer I want isn't listed." Select "Search by name" and enter the path to the computer in the following format: \\ComputerName\PrinterName.

The main drawback of this method is its dependence on the main computer. If it is turned off, in sleep mode, or disconnected from the network, printing from other devices will be impossible. Furthermore, this places an additional load on the main computer when processing large documents.

Using external Wi-Fi adapters for printers

There are special devices called Print Server Print servers, which are small boxes with a USB port and a Wi-Fi antenna, connect directly to the printer and broadcast it to the network as a standalone device. This is the most self-contained solution, not requiring a computer to be turned on.

These adapters come in a variety of form factors, from large boxes with antennas to miniature "whistles" resembling flash drives. Popular brands include D-Link, TP-Link And Canon, offer various models. It's important to choose a device that supports the required protocols (for example, AirPrint for Apple or Mopria for Android).

Setting up a print server is usually done through a dedicated app on your smartphone or through the device's web interface. You connect to the adapter's temporary network, configure your home Wi-Fi settings, and after a reboot, the printer becomes accessible to everyone.

Print server compatibility issues

Not all print servers work correctly with multifunction devices (MFPs). Often, they can only print but not scan, as scanner drivers require a direct USB connection or specific software.

The cost of these adapters varies, but they allow you to save an old but high-quality printer from the trash by giving it a second life on a wireless network. This is an excellent solution for those who want a standalone printing station without being tethered to a PC.

Using Raspberry Pi as a Print Server

For enthusiasts and those who love unconventional solutions, a single-board computer is the ideal option. Raspberry PiIt's a credit card-sized minicomputer that can run as a full-fledged Linux server, running your printer 24/7 with minimal power consumption.

The Raspberry Pi runs an operating system (usually Raspberry Pi OS) and CUPS (Common UNIX Printing System) software. CUPS is a powerful printing system that allows you to manage queues, configure access rights, and support a wide range of printer models, even very old ones.

The advantage of this method is its flexibility. You can set up AirPrint to print from iPhones and iPads, or use Google Cloud Print (via emulators). You can also send documents to print via email or web interface from anywhere with internet access.

To implement this, you'll need the Raspberry Pi board itself, a power supply, a memory card, and possibly a USB hub with an external power supply if the printer draws a lot of current. While setup requires basic Linux knowledge, there are plenty of ready-made scripts and system images available online that simplify the process.

Comparison of printer connection methods to a network

To help you choose the best method, we've prepared a comparison chart. It will help you weigh the pros and cons of each method based on your needs and available equipment.

Each method has its own unique features in terms of setup complexity, implementation cost, and functionality. For example, if you only need to print documents from a laptop, shared access will suffice. However, if you need to print photos from guests' smartphones, you'll need AirPrint or an equivalent.

Please note that implementing this method with a Raspberry Pi may be more expensive than purchasing an inexpensive Wi-Fi adapter, but the Raspberry Pi's functionality is incomparably broader. Meanwhile, the Windows sharing method is the cheapest, but the least user-friendly.

Setting up printing from smartphones and tablets

One of the main goals of creating a wireless printing network is to enable the use of mobile devices. Android and iOS each have their own standards and apps that must be taken into account during setup. Without proper configuration, the phone may simply not see the printer on the network.

For Apple devices (iPhone, iPad) a protocol is required AirPrintIf your router or print server supports it, you don't need to install any drivers. Just make sure your phone and printer are on the same network, click "Share" -> "Print," and the device will be found automatically.

Android users often need an app Mopria Print Service or a proprietary app from the printer manufacturer (HP Smart, Epson iPrint, Canon PRINT). These apps can search for devices on the local network and transfer documents, photos, and web pages to them.

If you have a guest Wi-Fi network configured, devices in the guest segment may not be able to access the printer due to client isolation. In such cases, you should either disable isolation or connect the phone to the main network.

Common problems and solutions

Even with proper setup, problems may still occur. The printer may become unavailable, get stuck in the queue, or print gibberish. Most often, the problem lies with IP addresses or drivers. If the printer is connected via a router or print server, it is advisable to assign it static IP address.

With a dynamic IP (DHCP), the device's address may change after a router reboot, and computers will lose connection to the printer because they will search for it at the old address. You can reserve an IP address in the router settings under LAN/DHCP Server by binding the address to the MAC address of the printer or adapter.

⚠️ Note: Router and operating system interfaces are constantly being updated. The location of menu items may differ from what's described. If you can't find the setting you need, use the settings search or refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

Another common issue is driver incompatibility. When connecting over a network, Windows may attempt to automatically search for the driver and fail. In this case, it's best to manually install the driver from the manufacturer's website, selecting the "Network Printer" connection type during installation and specifying the IP address.

If printing is very slow, check your Wi-Fi signal. Printers with Wi-Fi adapters often have weak antennas. You may need to move the router closer or use a Wi-Fi repeater to improve coverage where the printer is installed.

Is it possible to connect a printer without a router?

Yes, some modern printers have Wi-Fi Direct. This allows the device to create its own wireless network, which your phone or laptop can connect to directly, without a router. However, this will cause the connected device to lose internet access.

Does Wi-Fi printing work on older printers?

Yes, if you use external solutions: USB adapters (Print Server) or a shared computer. The printer itself can be 10 years old, as long as it works properly via a USB cable.

Is it safe to share a printer from the internet?

Sharing a printer with the Internet (for printing from the home office) requires setting up port forwarding and passwords. Without proper security, this can become a backdoor for hackers. For home use, it's safer to limit the printer to a local network or use the manufacturer's cloud services (such as HP ePrint), which have built-in security.

Why can't my computer see my printer on the network?

Check that network discovery and file and printer sharing are enabled in the Windows Network and Sharing Center. Also, make sure your firewall isn't blocking the connection. Restarting the Print Spooler service can sometimes help.