Connecting a printer to a computer via Wi-Fi: video + instructions 2026

Connecting a printer to a computer wirelessly via Wi-Fi saves desk space, eliminates cable clutter, and allows printing from multiple devices simultaneously. However, many users encounter difficulties: the printer isn't connected to the network, drivers won't install, and manufacturer instructions are often complex. This article will help you understand the connection process from scratch. — from preparing equipment to solving typical errors.

We will take a detailed look at two main methods: direct connection to the router and using technology Wi-Fi Direct (for printing without a router). At the end of the article you will find a unique table of printer and operating system compatibility, as well as answers to frequently asked questions with video instructions. If you prefer a visual format, below are links to proven videos with step-by-step instructions for various models.

Before you begin, make sure your printer supports wireless connectivity. This is usually indicated on the box or in the model specifications (look for the labels Wi-Fi, Wireless or AirPrintOlder devices (manufactured before 2015) may require an additional adapter, which will have to be purchased separately.

1. Preparing the printer and computer for connection

Before setting up wireless communication, complete the basic steps to avoid any errors later. Start by checking the printer's packaging: the box should contain a network cable (for initial setup), a driver disc, or instructions with a QR code for downloading them. If you don't have a driver disc, don't worry; you can download the drivers from the manufacturer's official website.

It is important to check three things:

1. The printer is plugged into a power outlet and is in ready mode (the power indicator is green or blue).
2. The computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which you plan to connect the printer.
3. VPNs and proxy servers are disabled on the PC - they can block detection of devices on the local network.

If the printer is new, please follow the steps below initial setup according to the instructions: install the cartridges, load the paper and select the interface language. For models HP Smart Tank or Canon PIXMA G This process may take up to 10 minutes - do not interrupt it. For printers Epson EcoTank Pre-filling of ink is required (use only original bottles to avoid clogging the print head).

Make sure the printer is plugged into a 220V power supply.

Check the Wi-Fi lights on the printer panel|

Disable Windows Firewall during setup|

Download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website-->

2. Method 1: Connecting via a router (infrastructure mode)

This is the most reliable method, as the printer becomes part of your home network and is accessible to all connected devices. These instructions apply to most models. Brother, Xerox And KyoceraFirst, find the button on your printer. Wi-Fi or Net — it's usually marked with an antenna icon. Press and hold it for 3–5 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing.

There are two possible scenarios for how events will develop:

• 🔍 WPS method (fastest): press the button WPS on the router within 2 minutes after activating Wi-Fi on the printer. Suitable for routers TP-Link, ASUS And Keenetic.
• 📡 Manual password entry: If WPS is disabled, select your network from the list on the printer and enter the Wi-Fi password. On models Canon MG3640 or HP DeskJet 2720 This is done via the touch screen or buttons on the panel.

After successful connection, print test sheet with network settings (usually the option is called Network Configuration or Wi-Fi Report). The sheet will indicate Printer IP address - write it down, you will need it for setting up on your PC.

⚠️ Attention: Some printers (eg HP OfficeJet Pro 9015) require pre-registration with the manufacturer's cloud service. Without this, Wi-Fi may not activate. For details, please refer to the user manual.

3. Method 2: Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection without a router)

This method is useful if you don't have a router or need to quickly print a document from your laptop. Wi-Fi Direct creates a direct network between the printer and the computer, but has limitations: only one device can be connected at a time, and the data transfer speed is lower than through a router.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct on the printer (in the menu Settings → Wireless Network).
2. On your computer, open the list of available networks and find the name of your printer (usually starts with DIRECT-xx- or HP-Print-xx-).
3. Connect to this network. The default password is on the printer sticker or in the instructions (e.g. 12345678 For Canon SELPHY).
4. Install the printer as a local device in the system (more on this in the next section).

After printing, don't forget to reconnect to the main Wi-Fi network, otherwise the internet on your computer won't work. For devices Epson WorkForce There is a useful feature: they automatically switch between Wi-Fi Direct and regular Wi-Fi, if the mode is activated in the settings Auto Switch.

How is Wi-Fi Direct different from Ad-Hoc mode?

Ad-Hoc mode is a legacy standard that creates an access point on the computer, while Wi-Fi Direct is a modern protocol for direct data exchange between devices without an intermediary. The latter supports WPA2 encryption and high transfer rates (up to 250 Mbps), while Ad-Hoc is limited to 54 Mbps and often requires manual IP address configuration.

4. Setting up the printer on your computer (Windows 10/11 and MacOS)

Once the printer is connected to Wi-Fi, it needs to be added to the system. Windows 10/11 This is done through the menu Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners → Add a printer or scannerThe system will automatically find the device on the network if the drivers are installed. For MacOS the path is this: System Preferences → Printers & Scanners → Add (+) → IP tab.

If automatic detection does not work:

• 🖥️ Specify Printer IP address manually (you will find it on the test sheet printed earlier).
• 🔄 Restart the print service: in Windows, open Services (type in search), find Print Manager and restart it.
• 📥 Install the driver manually by downloading it from the manufacturer's website (for example, for Brother DCP-T720DW I need a utility Brother iPrint&Scan).

On MacBook Additional firewall configuration may be required. Open System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Firewall and temporarily disable it if the printer is not detected. For models HP It is also useful to install the utility HP Easy Start - it will automatically configure all parameters.

⚠️ Attention: When connecting a printer to MacOS via Wi-Fi Direct, the error "Failed to connect to printerSolution: Disable the protocol in the printer settings. IPv6 and use only IPv4.

5. Solving common problems

Even after proper setup, errors may still occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If the printer is connected, but the document is stuck in the print queue, clear it: open Control Panel → Devices and Printers, right-click on the printer and select View Print Queue → Clear Queue. For Linux-systems (Ubuntu, Mint) use the command:

sudo cancel -a -x

For devices Xerox And Ricoh Sometimes network settings get lost after a firmware update. In this case, reset the network settings: hold down the button Stop/Reset for 10 seconds until the indicators start flashing alternately.

6. Video instructions for popular models

A visual guide can often help you better understand the process. Below is a selection of verified videos with step-by-step connection instructions for various brands:

• 🎥 HP DeskJet/OfficeJet: HP Smart setup video (valid for 2020–2026 models).
• 🎥 Canon PIXMA: Connecting via Canon PRINT Utility (includes solution for error E04).
• 🎥 Epson EcoTank: Wi-Fi Direct and cloud printing (with subtitles).
• 🎥 Brother DCP: Manual IP address configuration (for office networks).

Please note: in the video for Samsung Xpress or Xerox Phaser may mention outdated software (eg Samsung Easy Printer Manager). For current models, use SmartThings (for Samsung) or Xerox Print Portal.

If you haven't found a video for your model, search YouTube for: [printer brand and model] + "wi-fi setup 2026"Give preference to videos from official channels of manufacturers or trusted technical bloggers (for example, Techmoan or Linus Tech Tips).

7. Additional features: cloud printing and mobile devices

Modern printers support online printing, even when you're away from home. For example, services Google Cloud Print (closed in 2020, but there are alternatives) HP ePrint or Canon PRINT Allows you to send documents from your phone or tablet. To do this:

1. Register your printer with your manufacturer account (e.g. HP Connected or Epson Connect).
2. Install the mobile app (for iOS: AirPrint, for Android: Mopria Print Service).
3. Send the document to print via email (to a special printer address) or directly from the application.

For printers Brother there is a unique feature Brother iPrint&Scan, which allows you to scan documents directly to cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox). And the devices Xerox AltaLink support voice typing via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant - suffice it to say: "Alexa, print my shopping list.".

⚠️ Attention: When using cloud printing, documents are temporarily stored on the manufacturer's servers. If you work with sensitive data, disable this feature in the printer settings or use a local network only.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

🔹 Why does my printer connect to Wi-Fi but not print from my computer?

Most likely, the problem lies with the drivers or firewall settings. Remove the printer from the list of devices, restart the PC, and reinstall the driver. Also, check if your antivirus software (e.g., Kaspersky or Avast) printer network traffic.

🔹 Is it possible to connect an old printer (without Wi-Fi) wirelessly?

Yes, you need it for that. Wi-Fi adapter for printer (For example, TP-Link TL-WPS510U or Edimax PR1101W). It connects to the printer's USB port and converts it into a network device. An alternative is to use Raspberry Pi as a print server.

🔹 How do I connect a printer to Wi-Fi if I forgot my network password?

There are two options:

1. Temporarily connect your computer to the printer via USB and set up Wi-Fi using the manufacturer's software (e.g. HP Smart allows you to change the network without entering a password).
2. Reset your router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel) and set up a new network.

🔹 Why does my printer periodically disconnect from Wi-Fi?

The reasons may be different:

• Weak router signal - move the printer closer or use a repeater.
• Printer energy saving mode - disable it in the settings (Sleep Mode → Off).
• IP address conflict - assign a static IP to the printer in your router settings.

🔹 How do I check if my printer is connected to Wi-Fi?

Print it out network report (usually the option is called Wireless Test Report or Network Configuration). The report will show the connection status, network name, and IP address. You can also access the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1) and see the list of connected devices.