A network printer connects to Wi-Fi or Ethernet so every device on the home network can print without a USB cable. Setup has two parts: get the printer online, then add it on each phone or computer.
Does this affect you?
Use this for wireless or Ethernet printers on a home network when you want Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Android devices to print to the same machine.
Connect the printer to Wi-Fi
Most modern printers include a wireless setup wizard on the control panel.
- Turn on the printer and find the Wireless or Wi-Fi icon.
- Open Settings or Network Setup on the printer.
- Choose Wireless Setup Wizard or the closest matching option.
- Select your home Wi-Fi name and enter the Wi-Fi password.
- Wait for the printer to show a connected Wi-Fi icon or print a connection confirmation page.
- If the printer has no screen, use WPS only if both printer and router support it: press WPS on the router, then the printer WPS button within about two minutes.
Add the printer on each device
After the printer joins the network, add it once per device.
- Windows: open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, click Add device, and choose the printer.
- Mac: open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click the plus button, and select the printer.
- iPhone or iPad: use Share > Print in an app. AirPrint-compatible printers appear automatically on the same Wi-Fi.
- Android: open Settings > Connected devices > Printing and make sure Default Print Service is on, or install the printer brand app for extra features.
Print a short test page from each device so you know the connection works before you need it.
More control
Reserve the printer IP address
If a printer disappears later, its local IP may have changed. Set a DHCP reservation or address reservation in the router using the printer MAC address.
Rename the printer
Change a vague factory model name to something clear such as Kitchen Printer or Office Printer, especially if more than one printer appears in the print dialog.
Use Ethernet when the printer is near the router
A wired printer connection is steadier and skips wireless setup. Many printers detect Ethernet automatically.
Cloud printing can help away from home
Brand apps such as HP Smart, Canon PRINT, and Epson Connect can send print jobs over the internet if you need remote printing.
Sources
- Microsoft Support – Install a printer in Windows (2025)
- Apple Support – Add a printer to use with your Mac (2025)
- HP Support – Connect a printer to a wireless network (2025)