How to install a Wi-Fi module on a printer: a complete guide with photos and tips

Wireless printing saves time and eliminates tangled cables, but not all printers come with the module. Wi-FiIf your model supports optional wireless connectivity, you'll just need to purchase an adapter and complete a simple setup. However, if your printer is older than 5-7 years, you may need to use an external one. Wi-Fi receiver or a special adapter.

In this article we will look at all the installation methods. Wi-Fi module From built-in solutions to universal adapters that work with most brands, you'll learn how to check hardware compatibility, where to buy original and third-party modules, and how to avoid common setup mistakes. We'll also cover printer-specific nuances. Canon, HP, Epson And Brother, since each manufacturer has its own approach to wireless technologies.

1. How to check if your printer supports Wi-Fi module installation

Before purchasing an adapter, make sure your printer model is wirelessly compatible. There are three options:

• 🔍 Built-in Wi-Fi slot - there is a connector with an inscription on the back or side panel Wireless, WLAN or an antenna icon. More common in mid-range and premium office MFPs.
• 🔧 Removable lid with internal slot - some printers (for example, HP LaserJet Pro M404n) have a hidden compartment for the module, which opens after unscrewing 1-2 screws.
• ⚠️ Only via USB adapter - if there is no slot or compartment, the option with an external one remains Wi-Fi dongle, but it does not fit all models (more on that below).

The most reliable way to check is to look into user manual (chapter Wireless Setup or Network Configuration). If there is no documentation, use the manufacturer's online database:

Important: Budget printers (priced under 8,000 rubles) often lack Wi-Fi hardware support, even if the specifications indicate "wireless printing capability." In such cases, it's a matter of technology. Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection to the device), and not about a full connection to the router.

2. Types of Wi-Fi modules for printers: which one to choose

If your printer supports the module, all you need to do is select the appropriate adapter. There are three types:

2.1. Original modules from the manufacturer

The most reliable, but also the most expensive option. These modules are guaranteed to be compatible with your model and are automatically updated upon first connection. Examples:

• 🖨️ Canon WU10 — for series PIXMA MG, MAXIFY and some laser printers.
• 🖨️ HP Jetdirect 2900w - universal for most LaserJet Pro And OfficeJet.
• 🖨️ Epson WF-100 - suitable for WorkForce And EcoTank with a connector Type-A.

2.2. Universal USB adapters

A cheap solution (from 500 ₽), but does not work with all printers. Suitable for models with USB Type-A port, if there is an option in the settings Wireless LAN via USBPopular models:

• 🔌 TP-Link TL-WN725N (chip RTL8188EU) - compatible with 70% of office printers.
• 🔌 Edimax EW-7811Un — works with Brother and some Xerox.
• 🔌 ASUS USB-N10 Nano — requires manual driver configuration.

Warning: USB adapters often conflict with printers manufactured before 2018. Before purchasing, check the compatibility list on the adapter manufacturer's website.

2.3. External print servers

If none of the above options are suitable, the remaining option is print server — a device connected to the printer via USB or Ethernet, which automatically distributes Wi-Fi or connects to your network. The downside is the high price (from 3,000 rubles) and printing delays. Examples:

• 📡 TP-Link TL-PS310U - supports up to 5 devices simultaneously.
• 📡 D-Link DP-301U+ — works with printers without Wi-Fi drivers.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to install a Wi-Fi module on a printer

The installation process varies depending on the module type. Below are general instructions suitable for most cases. If your printer model requires specific steps, they will be listed separately.

3.1. Installing the original indoor module

Let's take a printer as an example. HP LaserJet Pro M404n and module HP Jetdirect 2900w:

1. 🔌 Turn off the printer and unplug the power cable.
2. 🔧 Remove the back cover (usually it is attached with latches or one screw).
3. 📶 Find the slot for the Wi-Fi module - it's marked as WLAN or Wireless.
4. 🔄 Carefully insert the module until it clicks into place (do not force it!).
5. 🔌 Connect the power and turn on the printer.

After turning on, the printer should automatically detect the new module and prompt you to configure it. If this doesn't happen, go to the menu Settings → Network → Wireless and select Setting up Wi-Fi.

3.2. Connecting the USB adapter

For USB modules, the algorithm is simpler, but requires preliminary configuration:

1. 🔌 Insert the adapter into USB port printer (it is advisable to use the port USB 2.0, if there is one).
2. 🖥️ On your computer or smartphone, connect to the printer's temporary network (its name is usually indicated on a sticker, for example, DIRECT-xx-HP OfficeJet Pro 9010).
3. 🌐 Open your browser and enter the printer's IP address (by default it is 192.168.223.1 For HP or 192.168.1.1 For Canon).
4. 🔧 In the printer's web interface, go to the section Network or Wireless and select your home Wi-Fi network.
5. 🔐 Enter your router password and save the settings.

⚠️ Attention: If the printer does not detect the USB adapter, try:

• 🔄 Restart the printer with the adapter connected.
• 🔌 Connect the adapter via USB hub with external power supply (sometimes the port power is not enough).
• 📥 Update your printer firmware through the manufacturer's official website.

3.3. Setting up via a print server

For external print servers (e.g. TP-Link TL-PS310U):

1. 🔌 Connect the print server to the printer via USB or Ethernet.
2. 🔌 Connect the print server to the router via LAN port or configure it as a Wi-Fi client.
3. 🖥️ Install the print server driver on your computer (download from the manufacturer's website).
4. 📶 In the print server settings, specify the IP address of the printer (usually 192.168.0.10 by default).
5. 🔧 Add the printer to the system as a network printer (in Windows: Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add a Printer → Network Printer).

What should I do if my printer doesn't print after connecting to Wi-Fi?

If your printer is connected to Wi-Fi but won't print, check:

1. Connection status in the printer menu (should be "Connected" or "Online").

2. Printer IP address — it must be in the same subnet as your computer (for example, if the router distributes an IP address of the type 192.168.1.x, then the printer must also have the address 192.168.1.y).

3. Firewall or antivirus — They may be blocking network printing. Try temporarily disabling the protection.

4. Printer driver — Uninstall the old version and install the latest version from the official website, selecting the "Network Printer" option.

4. Setting up Wi-Fi on printers of popular brands

Each manufacturer uses its own protocols and interfaces for setting up wireless printing. Below are brief instructions for the most common brands.

4.1. Canon (PIXMA, MAXIFY, imageCLASS series)

For printers Canon with module support WU10:

1. Install the module into the slot (located on the right or back).
2. Press and hold the button Wi-Fi on the printer panel until the indicator blinks.
3. Connect to the Internet on your computer or smartphone CANON_XX:PIXMA (password - 12345678 by default).
4. Open http://192.168.1.1 in your browser and select your Wi-Fi network.

For models with Wi-Fi Direct (For example, Canon PIXMA TS3440):

• 📱 On your smartphone, turn on Wi-Fi and connect to the printer's network (the name is indicated on the display).
• 📲 Install the application Canon PRINT and follow the instructions.

4.2. HP (LaserJet, OfficeJet, DeskJet series)

For printers HP with module Jetdirect:

1. After installing the module, click Setup → Network → Wireless.
2. Select Wireless Setup Wizard and follow the prompts.
3. Enter your Wi-Fi password (use the keyboard on the printer display).

For models with HP Smart App (For example, HP DeskJet 2700):

• 📱 Download the app HP Smart on your smartphone.
• 📡 Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and follow the instructions in the app to set up Wi-Fi.

4.3. Epson (EcoTank, WorkForce series)

For printers Epson with module WF-100:

1. Install the module into the port USB Type-A (usually in front).
2. Click Home → Wi-Fi Setup → Start Setup.
3. Select your network and enter the password using the on-screen keyboard.

For models with Epson Connect (For example, Epson EcoTank L3250):

• 🌐 Register your printer on the website epsonconnect.com.
• 📧 Confirm your email and follow the instructions to set up remote printing.

4.4. Brother (DCP, MFC, HL series)

For printers Brother with module WL-8350:

1. Install the module into the slot Wireless (usually under the lid on top).
2. Click Menu → Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard.
3. Select Infrastructure (to connect to a router) or Ad-hoc (for direct connection).

For models with Brother iPrint&Scan:

• 📱 Install the app on your smartphone and connect to the printer's network (DIRECT-BRWXXXX).
• 🔧 In the app, select Setting up Wi-Fi and specify your network.

5. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with a properly installed module, problems may arise. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

⚠️ Attention: If the printer starts to get hotter than usual after installing the Wi-Fi module, unplug it immediately! This indicates an incompatibility between the module and the power supply. In such cases, an external print server is required.

6. How to boost your printer's Wi-Fi signal

If your printer is far from your router or walls are blocking the signal, use these tips:

• 📶 Use a repeater — place it between the router and the printer. An inexpensive model like TP-Link TL-WA850RE.
• 🔄 Change the location of the router - Place it on a raised surface (for example, on a cabinet) and point the antennas towards the printer.
• 🔌 Connect the printer via cable - If your Wi-Fi is constantly dropping out, use Powerline adapter (transmits internet through electrical wiring).
• 📡 Set up a mesh network - if you have a system Google Nest Wi-Fi or TP-Link Deco, the printer will automatically connect to the nearest access point.

For printers with support 5 GHz (For example, HP OfficeJet Pro 9025) Switch to this band—it's less crowded, but has a smaller coverage area. To change the frequency:

1. Go to the router's web interface (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Go to Wi-Fi Settings → Band.
3. Select 5 GHz and save the settings.
4. On the printer, reconfigure the Wi-Fi settings by selecting the network with the suffix -5G.

7. Security: How to protect your printer on a Wi-Fi network

A printer connected to Wi-Fi can become a weak point in your network. Follow these guidelines:

• 🔒 Change the default password - by default, many printers use admin/1234 to access the web interface. Set a strong password in the menu Settings → Administration.
• 📡 Disable WPS This feature simplifies connection, but is vulnerable to hacking. Disable it in your router settings. WPS.
• 🔄 Update your firmware Manufacturers regularly release patches to fix vulnerabilities. Check for updates every 3-6 months.
• 🌐 Configure MAC address filtering — in the router, allow the connection only for the MAC address of your printer (you can find it in the printer menu or on a sticker).

⚠️ Attention: If your printer supports printing via email (for example, via HP ePrint or Epson Connect), disable this feature if you don't use it. Attackers can send spam or malicious files to your printer.

8. Alternative wireless printing methods

If installing a Wi-Fi module is not possible or too difficult, consider these options:

• 📱 Cloud Printing - services like Google Cloud Print (for older printers) or Microsoft Print to PDF (saving the file as PDF and then sending it to the printer via email).
• 🖥️ Printer sharing - connect the printer to one computer via USB, and then open access to it over the network (Windows: Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Printer Properties → Access).
• 🔌 Bluetooth adapter - some printers (for example, Canon Selphy) support Bluetooth printing. A printer adapter is required (approximately 1,000 rubles).
• 📡 3G/4G printer — office MFPs (for example, Brother MFC-J6945DW) can connect to the mobile Internet via a SIM card.

For Android-devices also have applications like PrinterShare, which allow you to print on a USB printer via an OTG cable, bypassing Wi-Fi.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about installing Wi-Fi on a printer

Is it possible to install a Wi-Fi module on an old printer without a slot?

Yes, but with some caveats. Options:

• Use external print server (For example, TP-Link TL-PS310U).
• Connect the printer to router with a USB port (For example, ASUS RT-AC68U).
• Tune public access via a computer permanently connected to the printer via USB.

Please note that printing delays in such schemes can reach 10-30 seconds.

Which Wi-Fi module is compatible with the Canon PIXMA MG3640?

For this model, only the module is officially supported Canon WU10. Alternative USB adapters (eg. TP-Link TL-WN725N) may work, but require manual flashing, which voids the warranty. Cost WU10 — about 2,500 ₽.

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but the computer can't see it. What should I do?

Check the following:

1. The printer and computer are in one network (for example, both are connected to a router TP-Link_1234).
2. Installed on the computer network driver for the printer (download from the official website, selecting the model and OS).
3. It's enabled in the printer settings. SMB protocol (For Windows) or AirPrint (For Mac).
4. Firewall or antivirus does not block the port 9100 (used for network printing).

If the problem persists, try manually adding the printer by IP address (Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add a Printer → Add by TCP/IP Address).

Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a router (directly to a laptop)?

Yes, if the printer supports it Wi-Fi Direct or Ad-hocAlgorithm:

1. Activate the mode on the printer Wi-Fi Direct (usually on the menu Settings → Network).
2. On your laptop, connect to the printer's network (the name and password will be displayed on the printer's display).
3. Install the printer driver by selecting the "Local Connection" or "Wi-Fi Direct" option.

The downside of this connection is that the laptop will not have access to the Internet while connected to the printer.

How much does it cost to install a Wi-Fi module at a service center?

The cost depends on the module type and printer model:

• Installing the original module (For example, HP Jetdirect) — 1 500–3 000 ₽.
• Setting up a USB adapter — 1,000–2,000 ₽ (if firmware is required).
• Connecting via a print server — 2,000–4,000 ₽ (including network setup).

In most cases, you can do the installation yourself, saving on service fees.