If you want to connect your printer to Wi‑Fi, make sure it’s on, near the router, and that you know your network name and password. You can use the printer’s control panel, the manufacturer’s app, or WPS to send credentials. I’ll guide you through the simplest methods and common fixes—let’s start with the basics.
Preparing Your Printer and Network
Before you start, what do you need to check? Make sure the printer supports Wi‑Fi and has the latest firmware; update via USB or temporary Ethernet if needed.
Confirm the network name (SSID) and Wi‑Fi password, and decide whether you’ll use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz — many printers prefer 2.4 GHz.
Position the printer near the router and power it on.
Disable any temporary firewall or VPN on your computer that could block setup.
Ensure your router’s SSID broadcast is enabled and MAC filtering is off, or add the printer’s MAC address to allowed devices.
Install or update printer drivers on your computer beforehand.
If your network uses enterprise authentication (WPA‑Enterprise), check compatibility or consult your network admin.
You’ll also note IP settings for advanced network setups, too.
Connecting the Printer From Its Control Panel
How do you get the printer onto your Wi‑Fi? Use the printer’s control panel to set network settings directly.
Turn the printer on and open Setup or Network settings, then choose Wireless Setup Wizard or Wi‑Fi Setup.
If your router supports WPS, pick WPS Push Button and press the router’s WPS button within two minutes.
Otherwise select your SSID from the list and enter the network password using the panel’s keypad; confirm to connect.
Wait for a connection message or Wi‑Fi icon.
Print a Network Configuration or Wireless Report to verify the assigned IP address.
If connection fails, recheck SSID/password, move the printer closer to the router, then retry.
You’ll see the Wi‑Fi icon and can print wirelessly.
Using a Computer or Mobile App to Set Up Wi‑Fi
If you’d rather set up Wi‑Fi from your computer or phone, most printers let you use the manufacturer’s setup utility or a mobile app to configure network settings faster and with easier typing.
Install the official app or download the desktop installer from the support page, then launch it and follow on‑screen prompts.
The software detects nearby printers, guides you to select your Wi‑Fi network, and asks for the password.
Some apps create a temporary hotspot to transfer credentials; others use WPS or a USB cable for initial pairing.
After configuration the printer joins your network and the app confirms connection and installs drivers. You can add the printer to your devices, enable cloud printing features, and print a test page to verify setup.
Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
Connection issues usually trace back to three areas: the network, the printer, or your credentials.
Start by confirming your router is online and that other devices access the internet; restart the router and modem if needed.
Verify the printer is within range, powered on, and showing a Wi‑Fi indicator; run its network check or reconnect through its settings menu.
Confirm you’re using the correct SSID and password, paying attention to case and special characters.
If your network uses a guest or enterprise profile, switch to a standard home network.
Update the printer firmware and the app or driver on your computer.
Finally, temporarily disable firewalls or security software to test connectivity, then re-enable them once you’ve identified the cause. Contact support if problem persists.
Alternative Wireless and Temporary Connection Methods
When your main Wi‑Fi isn’t available, you can use several alternative wireless and temporary options to keep printing.
Use your phone’s hotspot to connect the printer—enable hotspot, join it from the printer’s Wi‑Fi settings, and print directly. For short runs, connect via Bluetooth if both devices support it; pairing is quick and avoids network setup.
Use Wi‑Fi Direct or P2P mode to print without a router; enable Wi‑Fi Direct on the printer and connect from your computer or phone. If wireless fails, plug in via USB or Ethernet for temporary stable access.
Consider using a portable travel router to create a local network. Always secure temporary networks with strong passwords and disable them when you’re done. Keep firmware updated to avoid compatibility issues now.
Conclusion
With your printer powered, nearby to the router, and your Wi‑Fi name and password ready, you can walk through the control‑panel wizard or use the manufacturer app to send credentials and confirm connection. If that fails, try WPS, Ethernet/USB setup, or temporary hotspot and consult the network report for errors. You’ll usually resolve issues by checking band, SSID broadcast, MAC filtering and restarting devices, then reattempting the setup and contact support if problems persist immediately.