Last updated: June 03, 2026 · 5 min read

How to Connect Printer to WiFi

Why Connect Your Printer to WiFi?

Connecting your printer to WiFi means you can print from anywhere in your home. No more plugging and unplugging cables every time you want to print something. You can send documents from your laptop in the bedroom, photos from your phone in the kitchen, or emails from your tablet on the couch.

According to AARP, 91% of adults 50+ now own a smartphone, yet many still struggle with everyday tech problems. WiFi printing is one of those features that feels complicated at first but becomes second nature once you set it up. Don’t worry — this is easier than it sounds.

What You Need Before You Start

Before you connect your printer, gather these three things. First, make sure your printer is plugged into power and turned on. Second, have your WiFi network name written down. This is the name you see when you connect your phone or tablet to the internet. Third, you’ll need your WiFi password. This is the password you entered when you first set up your home internet.

If you can’t find your WiFi password, check the sticker on your router. Many internet providers print it right on the side or bottom of the box. You can also call your internet company for help finding it. Write it down once you have it — you’ll use this password for many devices over the years.

How to Connect Using Your Printer’s Screen or Buttons

Most printers made in the last few years have either a small screen or a set of buttons on the front. This is the easiest way to connect to WiFi. Here’s exactly what to do:

1. Turn on your printer: Press the power button and wait about 30 seconds for it to warm up. You’ll usually see lights come on or hear a small noise as it gets ready.
2. Find the WiFi or Setup button: Look for a button with a wireless symbol or the words “Setup” or “Menu.” Press this button. Don’t worry if you press the wrong button — you can always press the back arrow to try again.
3. Select Wireless Setup or Network Settings: Use the arrow buttons or touchscreen to find an option that says “Wireless Setup,” “WiFi Setup,” or “Network.” Select it by pressing OK or tapping the screen.
4. Choose your WiFi network: Your printer will show you a list of nearby WiFi networks. Find your network name and select it. If you see many networks, scroll through the list slowly until you find yours.
5. Enter your WiFi password: Use the printer’s keypad or touchscreen keyboard to type in your password. Take your time with this step. Passwords are case-sensitive, which means capital letters and lowercase letters matter.
6. Confirm the connection: Press OK or Connect. Your printer will think for a moment, then show you a success message. Some printers will print a test page automatically to show it worked.

The whole process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. If the printer says “Connection Failed,” double-check your password and try again. Most connection problems happen because of a simple typo in the password.

How to Connect Without a Printer Screen

If your printer doesn’t have a screen, you can connect it using your computer instead. This method works for older printers or basic models. Here’s how:

1. Connect your printer to your computer with a USB cable: This is temporary, just to get WiFi set up. Plug one end into your printer and the other into your computer.
2. Install the printer software: Put the CD that came with your printer into your computer, or visit the printer manufacturer’s website to download the software. Look for a section called “Support” or “Downloads.”
3. Run the setup program: Follow the on-screen instructions. When it asks how you want to connect, choose “Wireless” or “WiFi.”
4. Enter your WiFi information: Type in your network name and password when the software asks for them. The software will send this information to your printer.
5. Remove the USB cable: Once the software says the connection is complete, you can unplug the USB cable. Your printer is now on WiFi.

If you need help downloading or installing printer software, Microsoft’s official guidance walks you through the process step by step.

How to Print After Your Printer Is Connected

Once your printer is on WiFi, printing becomes very simple. On your computer, open the document or photo you want to print. Click File, then Print. You should see your printer’s name in the list. Select it and click Print. That’s all there is to it.

On your phone or tablet, tap the Share button when you’re viewing what you want to print. Look for an option that says Print. Select your printer from the list and tap Print. Your device and printer talk to each other through your WiFi network, so you don’t need any cables or special setup.

You’ve got this. Most people who set up WiFi printing once never want to go back to using cables.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

Sometimes your printer might say “Offline” even though it’s connected to WiFi. This usually happens when your printer goes to sleep to save energy. Just send something to print, and it will wake up automatically. If that doesn’t work, turn your printer off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.

If your computer can’t find your printer, make sure both your computer and printer are on the same WiFi network. Some homes have multiple networks with similar names. Check that you connected both devices to the exact same one.

When you change your WiFi password, you’ll need to reconnect your printer using the new password. Just follow the same steps you used the first time. The printer doesn’t remember the old password, so you’ll start fresh.

For more detailed help with printer issues, our team at our printer help service can walk you through any problem you’re having.

Keeping Your Printer Connection Secure

When your printer is on WiFi, it’s important to keep your network password private. Don’t share it with people you don’t know or trust. A secure WiFi network protects all your devices, including your printer.

Make sure your printer firmware stays updated. Firmware is like the printer’s brain, and updates help it work better and stay secure. Most printers check for updates automatically, but you can also check manually through the printer’s menu or the manufacturer’s website.

The AARP Tech Help section offers additional tips on keeping your home technology safe and secure.

When Should You Ask for Help Instead of Fixing It Yourself?

Sometimes it makes more sense to call for help than to spend hours troubleshooting. Consider reaching out if:

• You’ve tried connecting three times and it still doesn’t work
• Your printer is several years old and the instructions don’t match what you see on screen
• You’re not comfortable entering passwords or changing settings
• The printer connects but your computer still can’t find it after 20 minutes

Getting help doesn’t mean you failed. It means you’re smart enough to know when a professional can save you time and frustration. We help people with printer connections every single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to keep my computer on to print wirelessly?

No, once your printer is connected to WiFi, it works independently. You can turn off your computer, and the printer will still receive print jobs from any device on your network whenever you need it.

Can I connect the same printer to multiple devices?

Yes, that’s one of the best parts of WiFi printing. Once your printer is on your home network, every computer, phone, and tablet in your house can print to it without any additional setup.

What if I don’t see my WiFi network name on the printer?

Move your printer closer to your WiFi router. Thick walls or long distances can make it hard for the printer to see your network. If it’s already close, try restarting your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

Will connecting to WiFi use up my internet data?

No, printing over WiFi uses your local home network, not your internet connection. You’re not using any data from your internet plan. Your printer and computer just talk to each other through your router.

How do I know if my printer is too old for WiFi?

If your printer was made before 2010, it probably doesn’t have WiFi built in. Check the printer for a WiFi symbol or look at the manual. You can also search your printer model number online to see if it supports wireless printing.