Wireless printer setup has two parts. First, the printer must join your Wi-Fi network. Then your computer, phone, or tablet must add that printer. If the printer is not on Wi-Fi yet, clicking Add Printer on the computer will not help.
Does this affect you?
Use this guide for a new wireless printer, an older printer being added to a new network, or a setup that stalls halfway through.
Connect the printer to Wi-Fi first
Do this from the printer or setup app before adding it on the computer.
- Turn on the printer and make sure paper and ink or toner are installed.
- Open the printer Wireless or Network menu.
- Choose Wireless Setup Wizard, Wi-Fi Setup, or the brand equivalent.
- Select your Wi-Fi network and type the password carefully.
- Wait for a solid Wi-Fi icon or confirmation page.
- If the printer has no screen, use WPS if both printer and router support it.
Add the printer on Windows
Once the printer is on Wi-Fi, Windows can usually discover it.
- Open Settings.
- On Windows 11, go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. On Windows 10, go to Devices > Printers & scanners.
- Click Add device.
- Choose the printer when it appears and let Windows install it.
- If it does not appear, add manually by TCP/IP address using the IP from a printer network report.
- Print a test page.
Add the printer on Mac
macOS usually finds Wi-Fi printers automatically on the same network.
- Open System Settings or System Preferences.
- Open Printers & Scanners.
- Click the plus button or Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.
- Select the printer on the Default tab.
- Use AirPrint or the specific driver, then click Add.
- Print a test page from any app.
More control
Use the manufacturer app
HP Smart, Epson Smart Panel, Canon PRINT, and similar apps provide guided setup and often solve stalled manual setup faster.
Check 2.4GHz versus 5GHz
Most printers use 2.4GHz. If the printer connects but computers cannot find it, check whether router bands or guest networks are separating devices.
Reserve the printer IP
If the printer disappears after router restarts, reserve its IP address in the router DHCP settings.
No networks found
Move the printer near the router and make sure the router broadcasts its network name during setup.
Sources
- HP Support – Set up a wireless HP printer for the first time (2025)
- Epson Support – How to Set Up a Wireless Connection (2025)
- Canon Support – Setting Up a Wireless Connection for Your Printer (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Install a printer in Windows (2025)