A modern home network demands mobility, and being tied to wires for printing documents becomes a serious inconvenience. Many users face a situation where they only have a working USB printer, but connecting it directly to the router is impossible due to the lack of a LAN port. Turning an old device into a network resource isn't magic, but a completely solvable technical task, accessible even to inexperienced users.
There are several proven methods for setting up wireless printing, each with its own advantages and limitations in terms of speed and stability. In this article, we'll look at how to turn a printer into a WiFi printer using built-in router features, Windows operating system capabilities, or dedicated external adapters. You'll learn how to set up shared access and print documents from any device in your home.
Before you begin setup, you need to make sure your hardware is compatible with the upgrade method you choose. Old models may require more complex manipulations, while modern devices often support Wi-Fi Direct standards without additional intervention.
Using a router's USB port for printing
The easiest and most reliable way to network a printer without turning on your computer is to connect it via a USB port on your router. Many modern routers, including models from Asus, Keenetic And TP-Link, have a built-in print server. Simply plug the device's cable into the appropriate port on the router, and the system will automatically recognize the device.
After physically connecting, you need to log into the router's web interface, usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. In the settings menu, find the section responsible for USB applications or printers and activate the function. Print ServerThe system may prompt you to download drivers or install them automatically when the first client connects.
It's important to note that not all printers work correctly via routers' built-in servers, especially multifunction devices with a scanner. Network scanning is often unavailable, and only printing will work. Data transfer speeds may also be lower than with a direct connection to a PC, but this isn't a significant issue for text documents.
To connect a computer or laptop in this setup, you need to add a new printer through the control panel, selecting the TCP/IP address search. You enter the router's IP address, and the system finds the connected device and prompts you to install the standard driver.
Organizing shared access via a Windows computer
If your router doesn't have a USB port or doesn't support print server functionality, you can use a Windows computer as a gateway. In this case, the computer connected to the printer via USB must be constantly turned on and online to enable printing from other devices. This is a popular method that doesn't require purchasing any additional hardware.
To configure the printer, open the system settings and go to the "Devices" section, then select "Printers & Scanners." Find the desired device in the list, click on it, and select "Manage." Next, go to the printer properties and, in the "Sharing" tab, check the box next to "Printers & Scanners." "Public Access".
After activating sharing, the system will prompt you to set a network name that will be visible to other users. Remember this name or the full network path, as you will need it to connect mobile devices or other computers on the local network. Make sure the "Private" profile is selected in the network settings to allow device discovery.
☑️ Setting up sharing
A significant drawback of this method is its dependence on the main computer. If you turn off the PC or it goes into sleep mode, printing will become impossible. Furthermore, if you're printing large files, the main computer may temporarily reduce its performance while processing the print queue.
⚠️ Caution: When using PC sharing, ensure that the host computer does not have strict firewall rules blocking incoming connections to the print ports.
Using external WiFi adapters and print servers
For those who want to make their printer completely autonomous and not depend on a computer, there are special devices—external WiFi adapters or network print servers. These are small boxes with an antenna and a USB port that act as an intermediary between the printer and the wireless network. They are inexpensive and support most popular models.
The setup process for such an adapter typically begins with connecting it to a computer via USB for initial configuration. Using the included software or web interface, you select your home network and enter the WiFi password. Afterwards, the adapter saves the settings and can operate independently.
Adapter compatibility
Not all USB printers support third-party adapters. Simple laser printers work perfectly, but complex MFPs may require specific drivers, which aren't always built into inexpensive print servers.
When choosing an adapter, pay attention to the supported safety standards, such as WPA2 or WPA3to avoid creating a security breach in your home network. Cheap models may only support the outdated WEP, which leaves your network vulnerable to hacking.
Installing drivers on client devices in this case is the same as connecting a network printer via IP address. You create a new Standard TCP/IP port and specify the address assigned to the adapter by the router. This allows printing from any device within WiFi range.
Setting up Android and iOS devices for printing
Once the printer has become network-connected, the question of printing from smartphones and tablets arises. For devices based on Android And iOS There are built-in services and apps that simplify this process. If your router or adapter supports AirPrint, iPhone owners will be able to print without installing any additional software.
For Android devices, you most often need to install a plugin or application from the printer manufacturer, for example, HP Print Service Plugin or Canon Print ServiceAfter installing the plugin, you'll be able to select a network device in your phone's printing settings. In some cases, you may need to install the manufacturer's proprietary app.
It's important that the mobile device and printer are on the same subnet. If you have a guest WiFi network configured, a phone connected to it may not see the printer due to client isolation. In this case, you'll need to switch to the main network or change your router settings.
Comparison of connection methods and their characteristics
Choosing the best method depends on your needs, budget, and available equipment. To help you make your decision, we've compiled a comparison table of the main methods, highlighting their pros and cons.
| Method | Necessary equipment | PC addiction | Difficulty of setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB router | Router with USB | No | Low |
| Windows Sharing | Windows PC | Yes (constantly) | Average |
| WiFi adapter | External print server | No | High |
| WiFi Direct | The printer itself | No | Low |
As the table shows, using a router's USB port is the most balanced option for home use. It doesn't require constantly turning on the computer or incurring additional costs if the router already has the necessary port. However, if the router is underpowered, it may not be able to handle the data flow when printing large graphic files.
External adapters are a universal solution for older routers, but they require the purchase of additional hardware. Windows-based sharing is suitable for temporary use or in offices where the secretary's computer is on 24/7.
Solution and troubleshooting
During the setup process, you may encounter various errors, such as "Printer unavailable" or "Access denied." Often, the problem lies in incorrect firewall or antivirus settings that block network communication. You need to add an exception for the print service in your security settings.
Another common issue is a printer or router's IP address changing after a reboot if static addressing isn't configured. To avoid this, it's recommended to reserve an IP address for the printer or adapter's MAC address in the router settings. This will ensure the address remains consistent on the local network.
Problem with drivers
If Windows cannot find a driver for your network printer, download the full version of the software from the manufacturer's website and select "Network connection" during installation, manually specifying the IP address.
If printing is slow or drops out, check the WiFi signal strength where the printer or adapter is installed. For stable operation, it's best to place the device in a strong reception area, ideally within line of sight of the router or through one wall.
⚠️ Note: Router and operating system interfaces are constantly being updated. The location of settings may differ from those described, so please consult the documentation for your specific equipment model.
Is it possible to make a WiFi printer from an old USB printer without a router?
Yes, this is possible using a special USB-WiFi adapter (print server), which creates its own access point or connects to an existing network, regardless of the presence of a USB router.
Why doesn't the computer see the printer on the network after setup?
Most often, the problem lies with the "Public" network profile, which hides the device. It's also worth checking whether the "Print Spooler" service is enabled and whether your antivirus software is blocking the connection.
Will the scanner work when connected via a WiFi adapter?
Most budget solutions only support printing via USB adapters. Network scanning typically requires the printer itself to have a built-in network module or remote scanning software to be used on the host PC.
How to find the IP address of a network printer?
The IP address can be found in the router's web interface in the list of connected clients (DHCP clients) or by printing a network configuration report from the printer's panel, if this function is supported.