How to Connect to a Printer That's Connected to Another Computer via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide

Do you want to print a document, but the printer is physically connected to another computer on your network? Or has a colleague in the office already set up a printer on their PC, and you need to use it without the hassle of wires? Connecting to a printer via Wi-Fi solves this problem—and it's easier than you think. In this article, we'll cover all the connection methods. network printer, which is already in use by another device, without purchasing additional hardware.

The main problem is that many users mistakenly believe that if a printer is connected to a computer via USB, it automatically becomes accessible to other devices on the network. In fact, this requires public access (sharing) via the operating system or setting up the printer as a network device. We'll cover both options, using standard tools. Windows And macOS Before manual configuration via IP address. And if something goes wrong, you'll find troubleshooting tips here, such as when the printer is visible on the network but doesn't print.

Important: If your printer supports Wi-Fi Direct or has its own network port, it's better to set it up as an independent device—this will make it easier to access from any gadget. But if this isn't possible (for example, on older models) Canon PIXMA MG2540 or HP DeskJet 1110), our instructions will help you bypass this limitation.

1. Checking prerequisites: what is needed to connect

Before setting up access, make sure your network and hardware meet the minimum requirements. Without these, the following steps will not work.

Mandatory conditions:

• 📡 Both computers are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. (or via Ethernet to a single router). If the networks are different, the printer will be unavailable.
• 🖨️ The printer is turned on and working. on the main computer. Check if it prints test pages locally.
• 🔄 Printer sharing is enabled on the main PC. (how to do this is in the next section).
• 🔒 Firewalls or antivirus software are disabled, blocking network traffic (for example, Kaspersky, Avast, built-in Windows Defender).

If the printer is connected to the computer via USB, and not over the network, it must first be "shared" (provided with general access). Modern printers with Wi-Fi or Ethernet (For example, Brother HL-L2350DW or Epson EcoTank ET-2800) usually don't require this—they're immediately visible on the network as separate devices. To determine your connection type, check:

• 🔌 On the back of the printer: if there is a port LAN (RJ-45) or button Wi-Fi, it can be connected directly to the router.
• 📄 In the instructions or on the manufacturer's website: look for mentions network printer or "Wireless".

⚠️ Attention: If the host computer to which the printer is connected is turned off or in sleep mode, network access to the printer will be lost. This limitation applies to USB printers shared via Windows/macOS.

2. Set up printer sharing on the main computer (Windows)

If the printer is connected to the PC with Windows 10/11 via USB, it needs to be made a network device. To do this:

1. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers (or type in Windows search printers).

2. Find your printer in the list and click on it. right mouse button and select Printer properties (not to be confused with Properties!).

3. Go to the tab Access and put a check mark next to Share this printer.

4. Ask network name (For example, HP_OfficeJet_Pro) and press OK.

The printer should now appear on the network. However, to ensure full functionality, please check the additional settings:

• 🔧 In Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center make sure the network is marked as Private (Not Public), otherwise public access may be blocked.
• 👥 In Settings → Network & Internet → Sharing options turn on:
  • Network discovery;
  • File and printer sharing;
  • Disable password protection (or remember the password if it is required).

Printer sharing is enabled|Network is marked as "Private"|Network discovery is enabled|Password protection is disabled (or password is known)|Firewall is not blocking port 139/445-->

If after these steps the printer does not appear on other devices, restart both computers and the router - this will reset the network connection cache.

3. Connecting to a shared printer from another computer (Windows)

When the printer is shared, you can connect to it from another PC in two ways: via web search or manual path entry.

Method 1: Automatic search

1. On the second computer, open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.

2. Click Add a printer or scanner.

3. Wait for the system to find the printer on the network. If it appears in the list, select it and click Add a device.

Method 2: Manual connection (if automatic search did not work)

1. In the same window (Add a printer or scanner) click The printer you need is not listed..

2. Select Add a printer by its TCP/IP address or hostname.

3. In the field Name or IP address enter:

   • For Windows: \\COMPUTER_NAME\PRINTER_NAME (For example, \\DESKTOP-ABC123\HP_LaserJet).
   • For direct IP: Router IP address (if the printer is networked).

If the system asks for drivers, download them from the printer manufacturer's website (for example, for Epson — epson.com, For Canon — canon.ru). Install full version of the software, and not just the driver - this ensures that all functions work correctly.

⚠️ Attention: If an error appears when connecting 0x0000000d or Windows cannot connect to the printer., check that the protocol is enabled on the main computer SMB 1.0 (V Control Panel → Programs and Features → Turn Windows features on or off). However, this protocol is not secure - use it only on trusted networks.

4. Setting up printer access on macOS

On Mac Connecting to a network printer is slightly different, but no more difficult. The main thing is to know the IP address of the host computer or the printer itself.

Step 1: Find the IP address of the printer or host computer

• 🖥️ On Windows: open Command line and enter ipconfig — look for IPv4 address.
• 📱 On Mac: System Preferences → Network → Wi-Fi → Advanced → TCP/IP.
• 🖨️ On the printer itself: print network report (usually through the menu Settings → Network Settings).

Step 2: Add a Printer to Your Mac

1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.

2. Click + (add printer).

3. Select a tab IP and enter:

   • Address: IP of the printer or computer (for example, 192.168.1.105).
   • Protocol: Line Printer Daemon - LPD (for most printers).
   • Queue: leave blank or specify the printer name (eg. lp or print).

In the field Name Please specify any convenient name (for example, Office printer).

Select the driver from the list or click Other...to download it from the manufacturer's website.

If the printer is not added, try changing the protocol to Internet Printing Protocol - IPP or HP Jetdirect - Socket (for printers HP).

5. Connecting to a printer from Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora)

IN Linux The system is used to connect to a network printer CUPS (Common Unix Printing System). It supports most protocols, including SMB (for printers shared via Windows) and IPP.

Installing drivers (if required)

For most printers HP, Canon or Brother The drivers are already in the repositories. Install them via the terminal:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install printer-driver-all

For specific models (eg. Brother DCP-L2540DW) download the driver from the manufacturer's website and install it manually.

Adding a printer via CUPS

1. Open in browser http://localhost:631 (CUPS web interface).

2. Go to Administration → Add Printer.

3. Please select one of the options:

   • 🌐 Internet Printing Protocol (ipp) - if the printer is network (specify ipp://IP_address/ipp).
   • 🖥️ Windows Printer via SAMBA - if the printer is shared via Windows (smb://computer_IP/printer_name).
   • 🔌 LPD/LPR Host or Printer — a universal option for older printers.

Fill in the fields (name, location, driver) and save.

If the printer does not print, check the access rights to /etc/cups and restart the service:

sudo systemctl restart cups

6. 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 visible online but not printing, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the router and both computers.
• 📥 Remove the printer from the system and add it again.
• 🛠️ Update drivers via device Manager (for Windows) or CUPS (for Linux).

What to do if the printer prints blank sheets?

This could be due to several reasons:

1. Jammed cartridge - remove it and shake it gently (for inkjet printers).

2. Dried ink - Run the nozzle cleaning function in the printer settings.

3. Incorrect print settings — check that the correct profile is selected in the print dialog (for example, "Draft" instead of "High Quality").

4. Driver problems - Uninstall the current driver and reinstall it from the official website.

If the problem persists, try printing a test page directly from the printer control panel (without a computer).

7. Alternative connection methods (if standard ones don’t work)

If sharing via Windows/macOS doesn't help, try these methods:

1. Connecting the printer directly to the router

Many printers (eg Xerox Phaser 3260 or Samsung SL-M2020) have a port Ethernet or support Wi-FiConnect the printer to the router via cable or wirelessly, and then add it to all devices as a network printer. This will eliminate the dependence on the main computer.

2. Using Google Cloud Print (for older printers)

Although the service Google Cloud Print officially closed, some printers (eg HP Smart Tank) still support cloud printing via HP Smart App or Canon PRINTInstall the manufacturer's application on both computers and log in to the same account.

3. Remote printing programs

Utilities like PaperCut or PrinterShare Allows you to print to a shared printer even over the internet (not just a local network). The downside is that software installation is required on both devices.

4. Virtual machines (for advanced users)

If the main computer with the printer is running under Windows, and you need to print from Linux or Mac, you can deploy a virtual machine (for example, through VirtualBox) and share the printer through it. This method is suitable for corporate networks with strict restrictions.

8. Network Printer Security: How to Protect Data

Printer sharing is convenient, but potentially dangerous. An improperly configured printer can allow attackers to:

• 📄 Intercept printed documents (e.g. contracts or personal correspondence).
• 🖥️ Access other shared folders on your computer.
• 🔄 Use the printer to attack your network (for example, through firmware vulnerabilities).

Precautions:

• 🔐 Turn off sharingwhen the printer is not in use.
• 🛡️ Update your printer firmware (Go to the manufacturer's website and download the latest version).
• 🌐 Set up a guest network on the router and connect the printer to it, not to the main network.
• 👤 Use password to access to the printer (in the Windows sharing settings or through the printer's web interface).

For corporate networks it is recommended:

• 📊 News print log (who and when printed the documents).
• 🔗 Set up VLAN for printers (isolated network within the main one).
• 🔑 Use certificates for authentication (relevant for printers) Xerox or Ricoh with support IPPS).

⚠️ Attention: If the printer supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), disable this feature in the settings. Vulnerabilities in WPS allow someone to connect to the printer without a password in just a few minutes.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting to a network printer

Is it possible to connect to a printer if the main computer is turned off?

No, if the printer is connected to the computer via USB and shared via Windows/macOS. In this case, it only works when the host PC is turned on. Solution: connect the printer directly to the router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi (if the model supports network connection).

The printer is visible online, but it returns an error when printing. What's wrong?

Most often this is associated with:

• Incompatible drivers (download the latest version from the manufacturer's website);
• Stuck print queue (clear it in Control Panel → Devices and Printers);
• Blocking ports with a firewall (temporarily disable it for the test).

Also check that the printer has not entered into the mode Offline (click the button on it Cancel or reboot).

How to connect to a printer from a phone or tablet?

For Android or iOS use:

• Official manufacturer applications (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson iPrint);
• Function Seal on the menu Share (for example, in Google Docs or Photo);
• Cloud services (Google Cloud Print for old printers, Apple AirPrint for compatible models).

If the printer is shared via Windows, Android you can use the app PrinterShare (the paid version supports SMB).

Is it possible to connect to the printer via the Internet (not a local network)?

Yes, but it requires additional configuration:

1. On the main computer, turn on remote access (for example, through TeamViewer or AnyDesk) and share the printer.
2. Use a VPN (eg. WireGuard or built into the router) to connect to the local network from the outside.
3. Set up port forwarding on the router (ports 139, 445 For SMB or 631 For CUPS), but it is not safe without additional protection.

For permanent remote access, it is better to use cloud solutions (for example, HP ePrint or Google Cloud Print for supported models).

How to find out the IP address of a printer?

The methods depend on the model:

• 📄 Print network report (usually on the menu Settings → Network Settings → Print Configuration).
• 🖥️ Look in the router's web interface (in the section DHCP clients or Connected devices).
• 🔍 Use network scanning utilities:
  • For Windows: arp -a in the command line;
  • For Linux/macOS: nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24 (install nmap through brew install nmap or sudo apt install nmap).