Chromebooks no longer use Google Cloud Print, which shut down at the end of 2020. Current Chrome OS prints directly to many modern printers over Wi-Fi, USB, or standard network printing protocols.
Does this affect you?
Use this guide if your Chromebook cannot find a printer, you are adding one for the first time, or an older printer needs a manufacturer print app.
Add a Wi-Fi printer automatically
This works for many AirPrint, Mopria, or IPP Everywhere printers.
- Turn on the printer and connect it to the same Wi-Fi as the Chromebook.
- Click the time in the bottom-right corner and open Settings.
- Go to Device > Printers and scanners.
- Wait while the Chromebook scans.
- Select the printer when it appears and save it.
Add a printer manually by IP address
Use this if automatic discovery does not find the printer.
- Find the printer IP address from its network menu, configuration page, or router list.
- Open Settings > Device > Printers and scanners.
- Choose Add printer manually.
- Enter the IP address, choose IPP or IPPS unless the manual says otherwise, and name the printer.
- Print a test page from any app.
Install a manufacturer print app
This can help with older printers that lack newer network printing support.
- Open Google Play Store if your Chromebook supports Android apps.
- Search for the official print service, such as HP Print Service Plugin, Canon Print Service, or Epson Print Enabler.
- Install and enable it under Android or printing settings.
- Try printing again from an app.
More control
USB printers
A USB printer should appear when plugged into the Chromebook. Check Printers and scanners after connecting it.
Very old printers
A printer without USB support Chrome OS understands or standard network printing may need to be shared from a Windows or Mac computer.
Save as PDF
Every Chromebook print dialog can save as PDF, which is useful when you need a file rather than paper.
Sources
- Google Chromebook Help – Set Up a Printer (2025)
- Google Chromebook Help – Print Your Files, Photos, and Emails (2025)
- HP Support – Print from a Chromebook (2025)