It's hard to imagine a modern office or home desk without wireless technologies that eliminate unnecessary wires and give you freedom of movement. However, it often happens that the previously purchased printer Since most printers lack a built-in wireless module, users are forced to rely on being tethered to a single computer. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to make a printer with Wi-Fi using various methods, from specialized adapters to software solutions and sharing settings. You can transform your old device into a fully-fledged network resource, accessible for printing from smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
Before we get started, it's important to clearly understand what exactly is meant by the phrase "making a printer with Wi-Fi." It's technically impossible to simply "turn on" Wi-Fi in a device that doesn't have the appropriate hardware inside. Wi-Fi module It's a physical chip with an antenna, and if the manufacturer didn't install it at the factory, it can't be accessed through software. However, there are proven ways to circumvent this limitation by making the device accessible over the network through an intermediary.
We'll cover several scenarios: using a USB Wi-Fi adapter (if supported by your model), configuring a router as a print server, sharing via a Windows computer, and using specialized IoT devices. Each method has its own advantages, hardware requirements, and setup complexity. Choosing the best option depends on the ports available on your device, the router model you have, and your willingness to spend time fine-tuning your network.
⚠️ Caution: Do not attempt to disassemble the printer case or solder antennas or modules unless you are a qualified engineer. This will void the warranty and may cause a short circuit or fire.
Checking hardware compatibility and hidden features
The first step should always be a thorough diagnosis of your existing equipment. Many users mistakenly believe their device lacks wireless functionality, when in fact the manufacturer simply skimped on the box or forgot to include an adapter. Carefully inspect the back panel of your MFP or laser printer. Check for the presence of a connector. USB Type "A" (the square connector that typically plugs into the printer-to-PC cable) is required for most connection methods.
Go to the device's menu if it has a display. Navigation options are often hidden in submenus. Network, Wireless or Network settingsIf you see options there related to Wi-Fi Direct or infrastructure setup, but they are inactive. Perhaps the problem can be solved by simply installing the missing USB dongle. Some models, such as HP LaserJet or Canon Pixma Certain series have a reserved space on the board where you just need to insert the original adapter.
If the menu completely omits any mention of wireless networks, and the specifications on the official website show a dash next to the "Wireless" section, then there's no built-in module. In this case, external methods are the only option. It's also important to check the device's firmware version. Sometimes the manufacturer adds support for new adapters or protocols through a software update.
How to find out the exact printer model?
Press a key combination on the control panel or print a configuration report. The model is often listed on a sticker on the back or under the cartridge cover. Knowing the exact model (e.g., HP LaserJet P1102w vs. P1102) is critical, as the letters at the end indicate the presence of a wireless module.
It's also worth mentioning that even the lack of a screen on a printer isn't a barrier. Many budget models are controlled exclusively via computer software, and all network settings are configured in the driver interface. Therefore, a display is a convenience, but not a requirement for networking a printer.
Using a USB Wi-Fi adapter for your printer
The most straightforward way to set up a printer with Wi-Fi is to connect a special USB adapter directly to the device's port. However, there's a key caveat: a regular USB Wi-Fi adapter purchased for a computer is 99% unlikely to work. Printers have their own operating systems (often Linux-based or proprietary), which don't work with standard Windows network card drivers.
You will need to find an original adapter made specifically for your model or line of devices. For example, for Brother There are models of WN series adapters for HP — modules. These devices contain the necessary firmware that the printer understands. After physically connecting such a device to the port USB Host, the device will usually automatically recognize it and a menu will appear that will allow you to select your network.
- 🔌 Find the original USB Wi-Fi adapter for your printer model (search by part number).
- 🔌 Insert the adapter into a USB port on the front or back of the device.
- 🔌 Wait until the wireless indicator flashes, which indicates that the module has been detected.
- 🔌 Using the printer menu or the PC setup utility, select your network and enter the password.
If the original adapter is unavailable (and they're often discontinued or prohibitively expensive), this method is out of the question. Trying to use third-party adapters will only cause the USB indicator to light, but the system will either display an error or simply ignore the device. In this case, we turn to more versatile methods, albeit ones that require additional equipment.
Configuring a router as a print server
The most reliable and professional way to make a printer with Wi-Fi without a built-in module is to use the function Print Server (Print server) built into your Wi-Fi router. Most modern routers Keenetic, Asus, TP-Link And Mikrotik have a USB port on the rear panel, designed specifically for connecting printers or external hard drives.
The method involves the router acting as an intermediary. The printer is connected to the router via a standard USB cable, and the router broadcasts it to the network as a network device. Computers and smartphones see the printer not as a USB device, but as an IP address on the local network. This allows printing even when the computer used for the initial setup is turned off.
☑️ Setting up a print server on a router
To configure it, you need to log into the router's web interface. This is usually done by entering the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 In your browser. Find the section for USB applications or print server. Enable this feature. Afterwards, the router may require a reboot. It's important to note that not all printers are compatible with all routers. MFPs with scanners are especially sensitive in this regard—via USB, only printing often works through the router, but scanning remains unavailable.
| Router manufacturer | Function name | Menu location | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keenetic | USB → Printers | Applications → Printers | Automatic driver installation, AirPrint support |
| Asus | USB Application | USB Printer | Requires installation of the Printer Utility on your PC. |
| TP-Link | USB Settings | Printer Server | Basic support, manual port configuration possible |
| Mikrotik | Print Server | Services | Requires advanced setup skills (Raw queue) |
After enabling the feature on your router, you need to add the printer to your computers. In Windows, this is done via "Devices and Printers" → "Add a Printer" → "The printer I want is missing" → "Add by IP Address." Enter your router's IP address as the address. The protocol is usually selected. RAW, and the port is 9100.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces are frequently updated. The location of USB settings may differ from what's described. If you can't find the desired option, refer to the manual for your specific router model or look for screenshots of the interface for your firmware version.
Organizing sharing via a computer (Windows)
If your router doesn't have a USB port or doesn't support print server functionality, there's a software-based way to create a Wi-Fi printer. This involves using one computer on the network as a permanent server. This computer must be always on and connected to the printer via USB so that other devices can send print jobs through it.
To implement this method on a Windows computer, you need to enable sharing. Go to Settings → Devices → Printers & ScannersSelect your USB printer, click "Manage," and go to "Printer Properties." On the "Sharing" tab, check "Share this printer" and give it a meaningful network name.
Now other computers on the same local network (connected via Wi-Fi) can find this printer. They should go to "Network," find the name of the server computer, and connect to the shared printer. Windows will automatically install the necessary drivers. The downside of this method is obvious: if the host computer is turned off, asleep, or in hibernation mode, printing from all other devices will be impossible.
For mobile devices (Android, iOS), this method is more complex. You can't directly share a printer with a phone using standard Windows tools. You'll need to install additional software on the server PC, such as PrinterShare (paid version) or setting up cloud printing, if the drivers support it. There are also special utilities from router manufacturers that emulate a cloud service on the local network.
Application of IoT gateways and minicomputers
For enthusiasts and those who want the most independent and functional solution, single-board computers such as Raspberry Pi, or specialized IoT gateways like PrintNode or Star MicronicsThis turns a regular USB printer into a fully-fledged network device with support for modern protocols such as AirPrint (for Apple) and Mopria (for Android).
Raspberry Pi with the system installed CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) becomes a powerful print server. It consumes minimal energy, can run 24/7, and supports a huge number of printer models, even those without Windows drivers. Setting it up requires basic Linux knowledge, but the results are worth it: the printer becomes accessible throughout the home, and you can print photos from iPhones and documents from Android devices without installing drivers on the client devices.
- 🍓 Buy a single-board computer (e.g. Raspberry Pi Zero W) and a memory card.
- 🍓 Install the OS (Raspberry Pi OS Lite) and the CUPS printing system.
- 🍓 Connect the printer via USB and configure it via the CUPS web interface (port 631).
- 🍓 Enable AirPrint and Avahi support to automatically detect your device on the network.
There are also ready-made commercial solutions—small boxes with a USB port and Wi-Fi antenna, sold as "Wireless Printer Adapters." They work similarly to the Raspberry Pi, but are already configured by the manufacturer. You simply connect them to the printer, configure them via a smartphone app, and they create a virtual printer on the network. This is a paid solution, but the simplest for inexperienced users.
Troubleshooting and Common Errors
When setting up a Wi-Fi printer, technical difficulties may arise. One of the most common issues is that the printer is connected to the router, but the computer doesn't see it. First, check whether the devices are on the same subnet. It often happens that the computer is connected to a guest Wi-Fi network, and the printer is connected to the main network, or vice versa. Make sure both devices are connected to the same frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), although 2.4 GHz is more commonly used for printers.
Another common error is the incorrect port type during manual installation. If the router doesn't detect the printer automatically, try changing the port from LPT1 on Standard TCP/IP Port and enter the router's IP address. It's also worth checking your computer's firewall. Antivirus software may be blocking incoming connections to the print service, considering them suspicious.
If printing works, but the printer constantly displays the "Disconnected" or "Error" status, try assigning a static IP address to the printer in your router settings (DHCP Reservation). This will prevent the router from assigning a new address to the printer after a reboot, but the computer searching for it using the old one.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party adapters or DIY solutions (Raspberry Pi) may retain the printer's warranty, as you're not modifying its internals. However, if your experiments result in a burnt USB port due to a faulty adapter, this will be considered a warranty issue. Be careful with power supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to make a Wi-Fi printer from an old laser printer without a USB port?
Unfortunately, no. If your printer doesn't have a USB port (only a parallel LPT port), turning it into a network device using modern methods is virtually impossible due to the low speed and lack of support for such protocols in modern routers. You'll need to find specialized and rare print servers with an LPT port, which have almost disappeared from the market.
Will the scanner work if I connect the MFP to the router via USB?
In most cases, no. Router print server protocols are designed for transmitting print data (PCL, PostScript). Scanning requires two-way communication and specific drivers, which the router cannot support. Scanning will only be possible from the PC directly connected to the MFP, or by using the MFP's own network functions, if available.
What is the printing speed via Wi-Fi compared to cable?
For text documents, the difference is imperceptible. For large graphic files or photos, speeds may be lower due to the overhead of the wireless protocol and possible interference in the air. However, for a home office, Wi-Fi bandwidth (even N) is sufficient for comfortable work.
Do I need to buy a special router to connect a printer?
No, it's not necessary. Almost any modern router with a USB port will do. However, if your current router is underpowered or doesn't support the Print Server feature, you can purchase an inexpensive travel router (for example, TP-Link TL-WR702N or similar), configure it in client or access point mode and connect a printer to it.