How to Convert a Printer to Wi-Fi: Methods and Instructions

A modern office or even an ordinary apartment rarely goes by without the need to print documents, tickets, or photographs. However, a situation where printer Having a cable connected to only one computer can be a major inconvenience, especially if you need to urgently print a file from a laptop in another room or from a smartphone. Converting your device to wireless operation is a solution that frees you from being tied to a specific workstation and makes your device accessible to all the devices in your home.

The process of transformation of the ordinary USB printer Connecting a network device may seem complicated at first glance. In fact, there are several proven methods for accomplishing this task, depending on the functionality of your router, your computer's operating system, and your available budget for additional equipment. In this article, we'll examine each option in detail so you can choose the one that best suits your infrastructure.

Before taking any action, it's worth assessing the technical condition of your existing equipment. Not every old device is worth upgrading, but if the printing mechanism itself is in good working order, adding new features is a good idea. Wi-Fi will extend its useful life. We'll explore options ranging from free software solutions to hardware modifications.

Using the router's built-in functions

The simplest and most cost-effective method, often overlooked by users, is the presence of a USB port on the router itself. Many modern router models from manufacturers like TP-Link, Asus or Keenetic are equipped with a "Print Server" feature. If your router has this port, you don't need to purchase anything extra; just configure the software correctly.

To begin, you need to connect the printer to the router via a USB cable and log in to the network administrator's web interface. The login address is usually located on a sticker on the bottom of the device, most often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1In the settings menu, find the section for USB applications or print server and enable the corresponding option. Once enabled, the router begins broadcasting the connected device over the network, making it visible to all computers.

⚠️ Please note: Not all routers support drivers for complex multifunction printers. The Print Server feature often only works with simple laser printers, and the scanner may not be accessible over the network.

However, driver compatibility is important to consider. The router only acts as an intermediary, transmitting data but not processing complex scanning or fax commands. If your model is supported, setup will only take a few minutes. Otherwise, you'll have to look for alternative solutions.

Organizing printing from a Windows computer

If your router doesn't have a USB port or doesn't support printing, you can use one of the computers on your network as a server. This method requires that the PC to which the printer is connected be turned on for printing from other devices. To implement this method, your operating system must be configured. Windows There is a built-in sharing mechanism.

The first step is to connect the printer to your computer and install all the necessary drivers. Make sure the device is working correctly in local mode. Then, go to the Device Control Panel, select your printer, and open its properties. On the "Sharing" tab, check the "Share this printer" box and give it a descriptive network name, such as HomePrinter.

Next, you need to configure the network settings. In the Network and Sharing Center, enable network discovery and file and printer sharing. Without these settings, other computers simply won't see the device in the list of available resources. After applying the settings on the host computer, you can proceed to connecting clients.

To connect from another laptop or PC, open "Devices and Printers" and select "Add a new device." The system will begin searching for available printers on the local network. If the automatic search fails, you can select "The printer I want isn't listed" and manually specify the path using the host computer's IP address, for example: \\192.168.1.50\HomePrinter.

Using external Wi-Fi adapters for printers

For those who want to make their printer completely independent from their computer, there are special devices called Wi-Fi printing adapters. These are small boxes with a USB port for connecting the printer cable and an antenna for communicating with the router. These adapters are often called "Print Servers" or "Wireless Adapters."

The operating principle of such devices is quite simple: the adapter receives data via Wi-Fi and transmits it to the printer's USB port, emulating a direct connection. Popular brands such as TP-Link (TL-PS series models) or D-Link, offer solutions compatible with most inkjet and laser printer models. Before purchasing, be sure to check the list of supported devices on the adapter manufacturer's website.

Setting up such an adapter is usually done through a dedicated installation wizard on your computer or through the device's web interface. You'll need to temporarily connect the adapter to your PC via Ethernet or USB to transfer your Wi-Fi network information (SSID and password). After this, the adapter reboots and begins operating independently.

Power is an important consideration. Some high-power laser printers may consume more power than the adapter's USB port can handle. In such cases, a powered USB hub with its own power supply may be required to ensure stable operation.

Problem with adapter drivers

If the adapter doesn't detect the printer, try power cycling the printer after the adapter has booted up. Some models don't support USB hotplugging.

Wi-Fi modules from the printer manufacturer

Many major printing equipment manufacturers, such as HP, Canon, Brother And Epson, produce their own external modules for their models. These devices are designed specifically for specific printer lines and guarantee full compatibility, including operation with the scanner and control panel.

These modules often look like small dongles that plug into a special slot on the back or side of the printer. Unlike universal adapters, they don't require complex IP address configuration—the process is often automated through the printer's menu. For example, HP may call this technology HP Jetdirect or simply Wireless USB Adapter.

To find out if your printer supports such a module, find the exact model of your device (indicated on the front panel or a sticker on the back) and search for "Wi-Fi module for [printer model]." If an official module exists, this will be the most reliable, though not always the cheapest, solution.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing used modules at auctions, make sure they are not locked to a specific organization or firmware version, otherwise they may not work for you.

The cost of original modules can be high, sometimes accounting for a significant portion of the price of a new budget printer. Therefore, it's worth comparing the cost of a module with the cost of purchasing a new MFP with built-in Wi-Fi, especially if your current device has already printed a large number of pages.

Using single-board computers (Raspberry Pi)

For enthusiasts and those who love technological solutions, the ideal option would be to use a single-board computer, such as Raspberry PiThis miniature device turns any USB printer into a powerful network print server that supports modern protocols, including AirPrint for Apple devices.

The basis of such a system is software CUPS (Common Unix Printing System), which is installed on the Raspberry Pi OS. CUPS allows you to manage print queues, configure access, and ensure compatibility with virtually any printer for which Linux drivers exist.

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install cups
sudo usermod -a -G lpadmin pi

After installing the packages, you need to open the CUPS web interface at http://localhost:631 and add a printer. The system automatically recognizes the connected USB device. The main advantage of this method is the ability to print from iPhone and iPad via AirPrint without installing additional drivers, provided you additionally configure the package. Avahi.

Although this method requires the initial investment of a board and microSD card, as well as basic Linux knowledge, it offers maximum flexibility. You can set up logging, restrict printing by user, and even send email notifications upon completion.

Setting up mobile printing and cloud services

Modern users often want to print directly from a smartphone or tablet. If the printer is already connected to the network using one of the methods described above, all that remains is to set up access for mobile devices. This is where technology comes in handy. Google Cloud Print (although support is gradually being phased out, analogues remain) Apple AirPrint and manufacturer applications.

For Android devices, the most universal solution is to use the Mopria plugin or proprietary applications such as HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson iPrintThese applications automatically find printers on the local network. If the printer is older and doesn't have built-in cloud support, you can use a Windows computer as a gateway by installing specialized software for cloud printing.

The AirPrint protocol deserves special attention. If your network printer (via a router or Raspberry Pi) isn't visible to your iPhone, you may need to configure the Avahi auto-service, which broadcasts the printer's presence in a format understandable to Apple devices. If using routers, Keenetic or Asus, this feature is often built-in and only requires activating a checkbox in the interface.

⚠️ Please note: When printing via cloud services, the document passes through third-party servers. Do not use this method to print sensitive data, such as bank statements or passport information.

Also worth mentioning are virtual printer services that allow you to send a document to print via email. This is convenient when you're away from home but your home printer is connected to the internet. You send an email with an attachment to a special address, and the printer automatically prints it when you return home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a computer, using only a phone?

Connecting your phone directly to a USB printer via an OTG cable is possible, but this won't make the printer network-ready. For the printer to be accessible via Wi-Fi, an intermediate device (a router, adapter, or PC) is required to act as a print server. Your phone can only be used for initial setup if the device supports Wi-Fi Direct.

Why does my printer print slowly through a router?

Network printing speed depends on Wi-Fi bandwidth, router CPU load, and file size. Large photos or PDFs with graphics may take longer to transfer. The printer's power-saving mode, which requires time to warm up after receiving a print job, can also cause delays.

Will the scanner work if I convert the printer to Wi-Fi?

In most cases, using simple Print Server adapters or the router's functionality only works for printing. Network scanning requires more complex protocols (TWAIN over Network), which are supported either by the manufacturer's original Wi-Fi modules or by specialized software running on the server PC.

Do network settings reset when there is a power outage?

No, modern network adapters, routers, and printers store Wi-Fi settings and IP addresses in non-volatile memory. Once power is restored, the device will automatically attempt to connect to the last known network.

How to find the IP address of a printer on the network?

The easiest way is to print a network configuration report from the printer's menu (usually the "Report" button or a combination of buttons). You can also view the client list in the router's web interface or use network scanning utilities such as Advanced IP Scanner.