How to Connect a Wired Printer to Wi-Fi: 5 Proven Methods

You bought a printer with a connector USB or Ethernet, but want to print wirelessly from your laptop, tablet, or smartphone? This problem can be solved—even if your model doesn't support Wi-Fi out of the box. In this article, we'll explore all the working methods: from using Wi-Fi adapters before setup network printer via a router. You won't need to buy a new device or call a technician.

The main advantage of a wireless connection is the ability to print from any device on your home network. For example, you can print a document from your smartphone. Samsung Galaxywhile you work on MacBook in another room. And if the printer is connected to the office router, all employees can use it without unnecessary wires.

We tested all methods on printers HP LaserJet Pro M404n, Canon PIXMA G3411 And Epson EcoTank L3250 — they work stably when configured correctly. Important: some methods require access to the router admin panel, so check your login/password with your provider or on the device sticker in advance.

Method 1: Using a Wi-Fi adapter for the printer

The most universal method is to connect to a printer external Wi-Fi adapterIt converts a wired signal to a wireless one, allowing you to print from any device on the network. Adapters come in two types:

• 🔌 USB adapters (For example, TP-Link TL-WPS510U or Edimax EW-7811UTC) - connect to the port USB printer. Suitable for most models HP, Canon And Brother.
• 🌐 Ethernet adapters (For example, Netgear WNCE2001) - connect to the printer via LAN-port. Optimal for office MFPs with a network port.

How to choose an adapter? Please note:

• 📋 Compatibility with your printer model (check on the adapter manufacturer's website).
• 🔄 Support for Wi-Fi standards (better 802.11n or newer for speed).
• 🔒 Availability of WPS (simplifies connection to the router).

Connect the adapter to the printer (USB or Ethernet)

Plug the adapter into a power outlet (if power is required)

Press the WPS button on the router (if supported)

Install drivers on your PC (if necessary)

Check the connection in the printer settings-->

Once the adapter is connected, the printer will appear in the list of available devices on all gadgets. For example, on Windows 11 it can be found in Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & ScannersOn . Android use the app Google Cloud Print or a standard printing module.

Method 2: Connecting the printer to the router via USB

Many modern routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U, TP-Link Archer C6 or Keenetic Ultra) have USB port to connect a printer. This allows you to make it network-ready without additional adapters.

Instructions:

1. Connect the printer to the router with a cable USB-A — USB-B (usually included in the kit).
2. Log into your router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
3. Find the section USB applications or Network printer (the name depends on the model).
4. Turn on the function printer sharing and save the settings.

If the printer is not detected

Make sure your router supports your model (a list of compatible devices is usually included in the documentation).

Try disabling/enabling the "Print Server" function in your router settings.

Update your router firmware to the latest version (instructions on the manufacturer's website).

Once configured, the printer will be accessible via its local IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.100:631). To add it to your computer:

1. On Windows: Settings → Printers & Scanners → Add a Printer → Select "Add a local printer" and enter the IP.
2. On macOS: System Preferences → Printers & Scanners → Add (+) → IP.

⚠️ Attention: Some routers limit the print speed when connected via USB. If your document gets stuck in the queue, try reducing the print resolution in your driver settings.

Method 3: Setting up the printer as a network printer via Ethernet

If your printer has LAN port (For example, Brother HL-L2350DW or Xerox Phaser 3020), it can be connected directly to the router via a network cable. This is the most stable method for offices that require high printing speeds.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect the printer to the router with a cable Ethernet (patch cord).
2. Find the menu on the printer Net or Wi-Fi settings (usually in Setup → Network).
3. Select manual IP configuration or DHCP (automatic address acquisition).
4. If required, enter the IP address of the router (for example, 192.168.1.1) and subnet mask (255.255.255.0).

To find a printer on the network:

• 🖥️ On Windows: use the utility ping in the command line:

  ping 192.168.1.101

  (Replace IP with your printer's address.) If there's a response, the device is accessible.

• 📱 On Android/iOS: download the app PrinterShare or HP Smart (for printers HP).

⚠️ Attention: If the printer doesn't receive an IP address automatically, check your router's DHCP settings. The range of addresses allocated may be exhausted (for example, if there are many devices connected to the network).

ASUS

TP-Link

Keenetic

Zyxel

D-Link

Other-->

Method 4: Using a second computer as a print server

If you have an old PC or laptop, you can turn it into print serverThis method is suitable for printers without network interfaces (for example, Canon LBP6030 or Pantum P2500W).

How to set up:

1. Connect the printer to the PC via USB.
2. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers (on Windows).
3. Right-click on the printer → Printer Properties → Access.
4. Check the box Share this printer and set a name (for example, HP_Office).
5. On other devices, add the printer via \\computer_IP\printer_name (For example, \\192.168.1.50\HP_Office).

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Sharing.
2. Turn on Printer sharing.
3. On others Mac add printer via System Preferences → Printers & Scanners → Add (+).

The downside of this method is that the server computer must be constantly on. If this is inconvenient, consider purchasing cheap mini-PC (For example, Raspberry Pi) for these purposes.

5. Method: Cloud printing (Google Cloud Print, HP ePrint)

If your printer supports cloud services (For example, Google Cloud Print or HP ePrint), you can print from any device via the internet. This method is convenient for remote work.

How to connect Google Cloud Print (available for printers that support Google Cloud Ready):

1. Connect the printer to the PC via USB.
2. Open Chrome and go to the page chrome://devices.
3. In the section Classic printers click Add printers.
4. Select your printer and confirm registration in Google Account.

For HP ePrint:

1. Register your printer on the website hpeprintcenter.com.
2. Activate the function Web Services in the printer menu.
3. Send documents for printing via email (the printer is assigned an address of the following type printer123@hpeprint.com).

⚠️ Attention: Service Google Cloud Print Officially discontinued as of December 31, 2020, but some printers still support it through alternative methods. For new devices, use HP Smart, Canon PRINT or Epson Connect.

Comparison of connection methods: which one to choose?

The method you choose depends on your needs and equipment. The table below will help you decide:

If your printer was released before 2015 and does not have network interfaces, the only working options are a Wi-Fi adapter or a print server on a PC. For models newer than 2018, all methods are usually available, including cloud printing.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Users encounter common issues when setting up wireless printing. Let's look at the most common ones:

• 🔴 The printer is not online:
  • Check that the printer and the device are connected to one Wi-Fi network.
  • Restart your router and printer.
  • Disable the function on your router Isolation of clients (if enabled).
• 🔴 The document is stuck in the queue:
  • Clear the print queue on your PC: Control Panel → Devices and Printers → View print queue.
  • Reinstall the printer driver (download from the official website).
  • Try printing from another device - if it works, the problem is with your PC.
• 🔴 Slow Wi-Fi printing speed:
  • Switch the router to a channel 5 GHz (less interference).
  • Reduce the print resolution in the driver settings.
  • Connect the printer via Ethernet, if a wire is possible.

If your printer is connected via an adapter and periodically disconnects, try:

• 📶 Move the adapter closer to the router (or vice versa).
• 🔌 Connect the adapter via Powered USB hub (if there is not enough energy).
• 🔄 Update the adapter firmware (instructions on the manufacturer's website).

⚠️ Attention: Wi-Fi settings on printers Canon And Epson Sometimes reset after a firmware update. Before updating, write down your current network settings.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to connect an old printer? HP LaserJet 1020 to Wi-Fi?

Yes, but only through Wi-Fi adapter (For example, TP-Link TL-WPS510U) or print server on PCThis model doesn't have a built-in network interface, so other methods won't work. An adapter will cost about 2,500 rubles, but check compatibility before purchasing—some older printers don't support external Wi-Fi modules.

Do I need to buy an original Wi-Fi adapter from the printer manufacturer?

No, this is not necessary. Universal adapters (for example, from TP-Link or Edimax) work just as well as the originals, but are 2-3 times cheaper. The main thing is to choose a model that supports your printer (the compatibility list is usually available on the adapter's website). The exception is printers. Brother, which sometimes require proprietary modules for full functionality.

How to print from iPhone to a wired printer?

There are three options:

1. Connect the printer to the router via USB or Ethernet (if the router supports AirPrint).
2. Use print server on PC with public access enabled (on macOS must be enabled Printer sharing).
3. Install the manufacturer's application (for example, HP Smart, Canon PRINT) - many of them support cloud printing.

If your printer is connected via an adapter, make sure it supports AirPrint (For example, TP-Link TL-WPS510U).

Why does my printer print blank pages when connected via Wi-Fi?

This problem is usually related to:

• 🖨️ Incorrect driver — download the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.
• 📡 Poor Wi-Fi signal — try connecting the printer with a cable or move the router closer.
• 📄 Incompatible document format - save the file in PDF and try again.

Also check your print settings: sometimes the default mode is Draft or Text only, which is why the document is not displayed.

Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a router (in access point mode)?

Yes, some printers (eg. HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e or Canon PIXMA TR8620) support the regime Wi-Fi DirectIn this case:

1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct in the printer menu.
2. Connect to its network from your smartphone/laptop (the network name is usually shown on the printer display).
3. Start printing using standard tools or the manufacturer's application.

The downside of this method: only one device can connect to the printer at a time. For continuous use, it's better to set up a connection through a router.