How to connect a printer to Wi-Fi via an ASUS RT router: a complete guide from A to Z

Connecting a printer to a home network via ASUS RT Wi-Fi router — a convenient solution for printing from multiple devices without unnecessary wires. However, not all users know how to properly set up such a connection, especially when it comes to router models with a proprietary interface. ASUSWRTIn this article, we'll cover every step: from choosing a connection protocol to diagnosing potential problems.

The main difficulty is that printers and routers ASUS support different wireless printing standards - WPS, Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint (for Apple devices) and classic connection via IP addressWe'll cover each method in detail, highlighting their pros and cons, and provide recommendations for optimizing your network for stable operation. If you've previously encountered errors like "printer not found" or "no connection to device," you'll find solutions here.

Important: these instructions apply to all modern router models. ASUS RT (For example, RT-AX88U, RT-AC68U, RT-N66U), but some menu items may differ slightly depending on the firmware version. Older devices (manufactured before 2018) may require a firmware update.

1. Preparation: what you will need for connection

Before you begin setting up, make sure you have everything you need:

• 📶 ASUS RT router with the latest firmware (check in Administration → Firmware Update).
• 🖨️ Wi-Fi enabled printer (there should be a button on the body WPS or an inscription Wi-Fi Direct).
• 💻 Tuning device: Windows/Mac or a smartphone with access to the router's web interface.
• 📡 Stable internet connection (to download printer drivers, if necessary).

Also, prepare your router control panel login details in advance. By default, these are:

• Address: 192.168.1.1 or router.asus.com.
• Login/Password: admin/admin (if you haven't changed it).

⚠️ Attention: If the printer was previously connected to a different network, reset it to factory settings. This is usually done by holding the button. Reset (or Wi-Fi) for 10–15 seconds.

For printer models HP, Canon or Epson You may need to install proprietary software (for example, HP Smart or Epson Connect). Download it in advance from the manufacturer's official website.

2. Choosing a connection method: WPS vs. Wi-Fi Direct vs. manual setup

There are three main ways to connect a printer to a router. ASUS RTEach of them has its own characteristics:

For most users, the optimal solution will be manual tuning - it is universal and safe. Exception: If your printer only supports Wi-Fi Direct (for example, some models Brother), and the router does not see it on the network, you will have to use a direct connection.

Tip: If you choose WPS, make sure that the function is enabled in the router settings (Wireless Network → WPS). After connecting the printer, disable WPS for security.

3. Connecting the printer via WPS (the fastest way)

Method WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect a printer to a router ASUS RT without entering a password. Instructions:

1. Make sure your router is turned on and distributing Wi-Fi.
2. Find the button on the printer. WPS (can be combined with Wi-Fi) and hold it for 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing.
3. For 2 minutes press the button WPS on the router ASUS (located on the rear panel).
4. Wait until the lights on both devices stop flashing (usually takes 30-60 seconds).

If the connection is successful, the printer will appear in the list of network devices. You can check this in the router's web interface (Network Map → Devices).

⚠️ Attention: Some printer models (eg. Xerox or old ones Samsung) may require additional WPS activation in their menu. Check the device's manual!

If the printer does not connect:

• 🔄 Restart your router and printer.
• 📶 Make sure the distance between devices does not exceed 5 meters (WPS is signal-sensitive).
• 🔧 Update your router firmware (in Administration → Firmware Update).

Make sure WPS is enabled in your router settings|

Check that the printer supports WPS (there is a button on the body)|

Place devices in one room|

Prepare an alternative method (in case of failure)-->

4. Manually connecting the printer to the ASUS router's Wi-Fi network

If your printer does not support WPS Or if you prefer a more reliable method, use manual configuration. To do this:

1. Turn on the printer and put it into Wi-Fi setup mode (usually by holding the button Wi-Fi or via the menu on the display).
2. On your computer or smartphone, find the printer network (the name will be similar to DIRECT-xx-HP-OfficeJet or CANON-ij-xxxx).
3. Connect to this network. Once connected, open your browser—the setup wizard usually launches automatically.
4. In the wizard, select your main Wi-Fi network (the one that distributes ASUS RT) and enter the password.

For printers without a display (e.g. Brother HL-L2350DW) may require:

5. Install proprietary software (for example, Brother iPrint&Scan).
6. In the program, select “Wireless network setup” and follow the instructions.

After successful connection, the printer will receive IP address From the router. You can find it out:

• In the router's web interface: Local Area Network → DHCP.
• By printing a test settings page (usually through the printer menu).

5. Configuring the ASUS RT router for stable printer operation

To ensure that the printer is always available on the network, it is recommended to assign a static drive to it. IP addressThis will prevent failures during automatic address assignment (DHCP). How to do it:

1. Go to the router's web interface (192.168.1.1).
2. Go to Local Network → DHCP Server.
3. In the "IP Reservation by MAC Address" section, add a new rule:
• Please specify MAC address printer (can be found on the sticker or in the device settings).
• Ask IP address outside the DHCP range (eg 192.168.1.100).

Save the settings and reboot the router.

Additional recommendations for stability:

• 📶 Disable Wi-Fi energy saving on the printer (in its settings).
• 🔄 Activate it in your router IGMP Snooping (Local Area Network → Routing) - this improves the performance of multicast traffic (necessary for some MFPs).
• 🛡️ If the printer supports WPA3, enable this standard in the router's security settings (Wireless Network → Authentication).

⚠️ Attention: If your network uses guest Wi-Fi, the printer won't be able to connect to it—the guest network is isolated from local devices. Use the primary network.

How to find the MAC address of a printer?

The MAC address is usually located on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device (look for a line like MAC: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E). If there is no sticker, print the settings page:

1. On the printer, press and hold the cancel button (❌) for 5–10 seconds.
2. Or select "Print Report"/"Network Configuration" from the menu.

6. Connecting the printer to computers and mobile devices

After connecting the printer to the router ASUS RT It needs to be added to the devices 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 listed, click "The printer I want isn't listed" and enter IP address manually.

For macOS:

1. Go to System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click "+" and select the printer from the list Bonjour or add by IP address.

For Android/iOS:

• 📱 Install the official app of the printer manufacturer (for example, HP Smart, Canon PRINT).
• 🔍 In the app, select "Add Printer" - the device should be detected automatically.
• 🖨️ For AirPrint (iPhone/iPad) it is enough that the printer and the Apple device are on the same network.

If the printer is not found:

• 🔄 Restart your router and printer.
• 📡 Check that the router is turned on multicast traffic (Local Area Network → Routing).
• 🔧 Update the printer drivers on your computer.

7. Troubleshooting common problems

Even after proper setup, errors may still occur. Let's look at the most common ones:

If the printer is connected, but printing is artifact-ridden or interrupted:

• 🖼️ Check the toner/ink levels.
• 📄 Set the printer driver to Draft mode for test printing.
• 🔌 Connect the printer to the router with a cable Ethernet (if there is a port) - this will help diagnose the problem with Wi-Fi.

8. Additional features: cloud printing and remote access

Modern printers support cloud printing, which allows you to send documents for printing from anywhere in the world. To do this:

1. Register your printer with the manufacturer's service (for example, HP ePrint, Epson Connect, Google Cloud Print).
2. Set up port forwarding on your router ASUS (if required):
• Go to Internet → Port Forwarding.
• Add a port rule 9100 (or another one specified in the printer instructions).

Install a mobile app to manage printing.

For Google Cloud Print (if the printer supports):

1. Connect your printer to your Google account via web interface.
2. In the router settings ASUS make sure it's turned on UPnP (Local Area Network → UPnP).

⚠️ Attention: Cloud printing requires static IP addresses or services DDNS (if your provider provides a dynamic IP). Configure DDNS in the router (Internet → DDNS) or use services like No-IP.

To improve security:

• 🔐 Set up VPN server on the router ASUS (VPN → VPN server) and connect to your home network remotely.
• 🛡️ Disable internet access to your printer if you don't use cloud printing.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting a printer to the ASUS RT

My printer doesn't support Wi-Fi. Can I connect it via a router?

Yes, there are two options:

1. Use USB print server (For example, TP-Link TL-PS110U), which connects to the port USB router ASUS RT (if the model supports this function).
2. Connect the printer to your computer and turn it on. public access in Windows (Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Printer Properties → Access).

Both methods allow you to print from other devices on the network, but the first is more reliable.

How do I connect a printer to an ASUS router if there is no WPS button?

Use manual tuning:

1. Find the network on the printer Wi-Fi Direct and connect to it from your computer.
2. Open your browser and the setup wizard should start.
3. Select your primary Wi-Fi network and enter the password.

If the wizard does not open, check IP address printer (usually 192.168.223.1 or 10.0.0.1) and enter it manually in the browser's address bar.

Why does my printer connect to Wi-Fi but won't print from my phone?

Possible causes and solutions:

• 📱 Protocol incompatibility: Install proprietary software (for example, Canon PRINT or HP Smart).
• 🔌 Port blocking: In the router settings (Firewall → Basic Settings) allow traffic to ports 9100, 515, 631.
• 📡 Multicast Issues: Turn on IGMP Snooping V Local Area Network → Routing.

How do I reset my printer if it won't connect?

Reset methods:

• 🔄 Software reset: Go to the printer menu and find “Reset settings” or “Restore Defaults”.
• 🔧 Hard reset: Hold the button Reset (or Wi-Fi + Cancel) 10–15 seconds.

After the reset, the printer will return to factory settings and can be reconnected.

Is it possible to connect multiple printers to one ASUS router?

Yes, a router. ASUS RT Supports connecting multiple printers simultaneously. Key features:

• 📡 Make sure each printer is unique IP address (set up a reservation in DHCP server).
• 🖨️ For stability, turn it off Wi-Fi Direct on printers if not in use.
• 📶 Place printers within range of a strong Wi-Fi signal.

Limitation: Some older router models (eg. RT-N12) may slow down when connecting three or more devices simultaneously. In this case, we recommend updating your firmware or router.