Connecting Two Laptops to One Printer via Wi-Fi: 3 Working Methods

Printing documents from multiple devices is a standard task in the office or at home. But when you only have one printer and two (or more) laptops, the question arises: how to organize simultaneous access without constantly reconnecting cables? The solution is wireless printing via Wi-Fi, but there are some nuances: not all printers support multi-user mode, and network settings may conflict.

In this article we will analyze three proven methods connecting two laptops to one printer via Wi-Fi: via network printer (if the device supports Wi-Fi Direct or WPS), through public access on one of the laptops (for printers without Wi-Fi) and through router (a universal method for most models). We'll also look at common errors, such as when the printer is visible on the network but doesn't print, or when a second laptop doesn't see the device after connecting the first.

Important: If your printer is older than 2015, there's a good chance it doesn't support modern wireless printing protocols. In this case, you'll need USB print server (cost from 1,500 ₽) or switching to a wired connection via hub.

1. Method: Connecting via Wi-Fi Direct (for printers that support this function)

Wi-Fi Direct — a technology that allows devices to connect directly, without a router. Most modern printers (HP Envy, Canon PIXMA MG, Epson EcoTank) support this mode. The main advantage: no need to configure the router, and the data transfer speed is higher than when connected via a router.

To check support Wi-Fi Direct, find the button with the icon on the printer body Wi-Fi Direct or look in the settings menu (usually Network → Wireless → Wi-Fi Direct). If there is no function, go to method with a router.

• 🔍 Step 1. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on the printer. The network name will appear on the display (for example, DIRECT-xx-HP_Envy_5055) and password.
• 💻 Step 2. On the first laptop, connect to this network as you would a regular Wi-Fi hotspot. Enter the password if required.
• 🖨️ Step 3. Install the printer driver (if not already installed). In most cases, the system (Windows 10/11 or macOS) will find the device automatically.
• 🔄 Step 4. Repeat steps 2-3 on the second laptop. Please note: Only one device can connect to Wi-Fi Direct at a time.To print from a second laptop, you will have to temporarily disconnect the first one.

⚠️ Attention: Some printers (Brother DCP-T520W, Xerox B210) limit the number of connections to Wi-Fi Direct one device. If you need to print from two laptops simultaneously, use the router method.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Quick connection without router settings.
• 🔒 Secure connection (password generated automatically).
• 📱 Suitable for laptops, smartphones and tablets.

Flaws:

• 🚫 Simultaneous printing is not possible (you will have to reconnect).
• 📶 The signal may be interrupted at a distance of more than 10 meters.

Method 2: Sharing the printer via the main laptop

If your printer does not support Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct, but there is USB port, you can set up network printing through one of the laptops. This method works even for older models (HP LaserJet 1020, Canon LBP2900), but requires that the main laptop was always on.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Connect the printer to the first laptop via USB and install the driver (you can download it from the manufacturer's website, for example, support.hp.com For HP).
2. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers (Windows) or System Preferences → Printers & Scanners (macOS).
3. Right-click on the printer → Printer Properties → Access → Check Share this printer.
4. Specify a name for the network printer (for example, HP_OfficeJet_Shared).
5. On the second laptop, add the printer via Adding a network printer, specifying the IP address or name of the first laptop (for example, \\192.168.1.100\HP_OfficeJet_Shared).

⚠️ Attention: If the second laptop does not see the printer, check:

• 🔌 Both laptops are connected to one network (via Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
• 🔒 It's disabled on the main laptop Windows Firewall or an exception for public access has been added.
• 🖥️ In the network settings (Network and Sharing Center → Advanced Sharing Settings) is included Network discovery And File and Printer Sharing.

Both laptops are on the same network|The printer is connected to the main laptop via USB|The printer drivers are installed on the main laptop|Network discovery is enabled in Windows settings|The firewall is not blocking sharing-->

Advantages of the method:

• 💰 Does not require the purchase of additional equipment.
• 🖥️ Works with any printer, even without Wi-Fi.

Flaws:

• 🔌 The main laptop must be turned on for printing.
• 🐢 Print speed is lower than with direct connection.
• 🔒 There may be problems with access rights in Windows (especially in corporate networks).

Method 3: Connecting via a router (universal method)

The most reliable way for simultaneous printing from two (or more) laptops - connect the printer to Wi-Fi routerThis works if the printer supports it. WPS or has a menu item Wireless network (Wi-Fi). Most modern routers (TP-Link Archer, ASUS RT-AX, Keenetic) support this mode.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Make sure the printer and router are turned on. On the printer, go to the menu Settings → Network → Wi-Fi (or WLAN).
2. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password. Alternatively, click the button WPS on the router, then on the printer (if supported).
3. Once connected, the printer will receive IP address on the network (for example, 192.168.1.105). You can find out by printing it out. Network report (usually in the printer menu).
4. On each laptop, add a printer via Devices and Printers → Add a Printer → Network Printer, specifying its IP address.

If the printer does not connect to the router:

• 🔄 Restart your router and printer.
• 📶 Check that the router is working in mode 802.11n/ac (old printers do not support 802.11ax).
• 🔑 Make sure client isolation is disabled in your router settings (AP Isolation or Client Isolation).

What should I do if my printer is connected to Wi-Fi but won't print?

Make sure the correct driver is installed on your laptop (download it from the manufacturer's website, rather than using the default Windows driver). Also, make sure the "Work offline" box is unchecked in the printer settings.Printers → Properties → Ports). If the problem persists, try manually specifying the printer's IP address when adding it (instead of using automatic search).

4. Setting up a printer on macOS: features

Connecting the printer to MacBook via Wi-Fi has its own nuances. For example, macOS does not always correctly detect network printers, especially if they are connected via Wi-Fi DirectLet's look at the step-by-step instructions for macOS Ventura/Sonoma:

1. Make sure the printer is connected to the same network as MacBook. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.

2. Click + → select a tab IP (if the printer does not appear in the list).

3. Enter:

• Address: Printer IP (for example, 192.168.1.103).
• Protocol: Line Printer Daemon - LPD or HP Jetdirect (for printers HP).
• Queue: usually lp or print.
• Name: arbitrary (for example, HP_OfficeJet_WiFi).
• Location: optional (for example, Home office).

4. Select the driver from the list (if your model is not available, download it from the manufacturer’s website and install it manually).

If the printer does not print:

• 🔄 Reboot MacBook and a printer.
• 📋 Check the print queue: open Printers and scanners, select the printer → Open the print queue → delete "frozen" tasks.
• 🔧 Update macOS: Some older versions have bugs with network printers.

⚠️ Attention: IN macOS The "Printer not responding" error may occur when printing large files (e.g. PDF >50 MB). Solution: split the document into parts or convert it to .jpg before printing.

5. Troubleshooting connection issues

Even after proper setup, errors may still occur. Let's take a look the most common and ways to eliminate them:

• 🔴 "Printer unavailable":
  • Check that the printer and laptops are connected to one network (not to the guest or 5 GHz, if the printer only supports 2.4 GHz).
  • Turn it off VPN on a laptop - it can block local traffic.
• 🟡 "Driver not found":
  • Download the driver from the official website (Canon, HP, Epson).
  • IN Windows try installing the printer as Local, then manually specify the port Standard TCP/IP Port from the printer's IP.
• 🟢 "Printing is going very slowly.":
  • Reduce the print quality in your printer settings (e.g. 1200 dpi to 600 dpi).
  • Disable duplex printing (Duplex) - it slows down wireless transmission.

If the printer Canon or Epson gives an error 0x00000002 or E04This usually indicates a problem with the cartridge or paper. However, sometimes the error is caused by a Wi-Fi module failure. Solution:

1. Turn off the printer for 30 seconds.
2. Reset network settings: Menu → Settings → Network Reset.
3. Reconnect the printer to the router.

6. Alternative solutions: USB print server and cloud services

If none of the methods worked (for example, you have an old printer without Wi-Fi), consider alternatives:

• 🖇️ USB print server:

  The device connects to the printer via USB, and to the router - through Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Cost: from 1,500 ₽ (TP-Link TL-PS110U, D-Link DP-301U). Supports up to 5 simultaneously connected devices.

  ⚠️ Attention: Some USB servers are not compatible with printers that require special drivers (e.g. HP LaserJet P1102). Please check the list of supported models before purchasing.

• ☁️ Cloud printing:

  Services like Google Cloud Print (closed in 2020), HP ePrint or Epson Connect Allows you to print over the internet. To do this, the printer must support cloud technologies (usually this is indicated in the specifications).

  • Pros: Print from any device, even outside your home network.
  • Cons: Internet dependence, possible delays.
• 🔌 Wired switch (hub):

  If the printer is only with USB, and there are several laptops, you can use USB hub with switch (For example, Sabrent 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub). Cons: You'll have to physically switch the cable between laptops.

For offices with a large number of devices, the optimal solution would be network printer With Ethernet-port (for example, Brother HL-L2350DW or Xerox B210DNI). These models connect directly to the router via cable and support simultaneous printing from 10+ devices.

7. Wireless Printing Security: How to Protect Your Data

When setting up a network printer, it is important to consider security risks:

• 🔓 Open access: If the printer is connected to the router without a password, anyone within Wi-Fi range can connect to it.
• 📄 Leaked documents: Some printers store printed files in internal memory (especially MFP with scanning function).
• 🕵️ Traffic interception: When using Wi-Fi Direct data is transmitted without encryption (unlike when connecting through a router with WPA2/WPA3).

How to protect yourself:

1. Set up a separate network on your router for the printer with a unique SSID and password.
2. Turn it off WPS on the router - this protocol is vulnerable to hacking.
3. In the printer settings (Network → Security) turn on MAC address filtering, allowing only your laptops to connect.
4. Update your printer firmware regularly (via official software, for example, HP Smart or Epson Software Updater).

For corporate networks, it is recommended to use printers with support IPsec or SSL/TLS (For example, Xerox AltaLink or Ricoh MP C3004). These models encrypt traffic and support certificate authentication.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting two laptops to a printer

❓ Can I connect a Windows and Mac laptop to the printer at the same time?

Yes, but there are some nuances:

• If the printer is connected via router, both laptops will see it on the network (provided that the correct drivers are installed).
• When using Wi-Fi Direct Only one device can be connected at a time (you will have to switch).
• For macOS Manual driver installation may be required (especially for printers) Brother or Xerox).

❓ Why does the printer print from one laptop but not the other?

Possible reasons:

• The laptops are connected to different networks (for example, one to 2.4 GHz, another to 5 GHz).
• The second laptop does not have a driver installed (download from the manufacturer's website).
• It is enabled in the router settings. Client Isolation (AP Isolation) - turn it off.
• The printer has a static IP address that conflicts with the DHCP server. Solution: Assign a backup IP address to the printer in the router settings.

How do I connect a printer to a laptop without a router if there's no Wi-Fi Direct?

Options:

• Use public access via USB (described in Section 2).
• Buy USB print server (For example, TP-Link TL-PS110U) - it will create a local network for the printer.
• Set up ad-hoc network between laptops (in Windows: Network and Sharing Center → Set up a new connection → Set up a wireless ad hoc network).

Disadvantages of ad-hoc: low speed and unstable connection.

❓ Why does my printer print blank sheets or hieroglyphs?

This is a driver or encoding issue. Solutions:

• Uninstall the current driver and install it from the official website.
• In the print settings, select PCL instead of PostScript (or vice versa).
• Try printing a test page from the printer menu - if it is normal, the problem is in the laptop.

❓ Is it possible to connect a printer to a laptop via Bluetooth?

Technically yes, but in practice it is inconvenient:

• The data transfer speed is lower than Wi-Fi.
• Maximum distance: 10 meters (with interference).
• Not all printers support Bluetooth (usually only mobile models, for example, HP Sprocket or Canon Selphy).

For regular office printers Bluetooth does not fit - use Wi-Fi or USB.