A complete guide to connecting the printer to WiFi: guide to get rid of the shackles of data cables
Every time I see the messy USB cable on the desktop, I really want to connect the printer to WiFi, which not only makes the desktop tidy, but also enables wireless printing on multiple devices such as mobile phones, tablet PC, and laptops. Today I will share my experience with you.
Preparation before connection
First, check whether the printer supports WiFi. This is very simple. Check whether there is a wireless network logo on the printer, or whether there is the word “Wireless” on the packaging or manual.
Secondly, make sure that the router is working properly. It is best to place the printer within the signal coverage of the router. I recommend that the distance should not exceed 5 meters. If there is a wall, the signal will be greatly attenuated. Remember to prepare the WiFi name (SSID) and password, which will be used later.
The three most commonly used connection methods
Method 1: Use the printer control panel to set up (suitable for novices)
This method is the most intuitive, just as simple as setting up a mobile phone to connect to WiFi:
Turn on the printer power and find the “Wireless Settings” or “Network Settings” option on the control panel (different brands may call it slightly different).
Select “Wireless Setup Wizard” and the printer will automatically search for nearby WiFi networks.
Find the WiFi name in the list, click it and enter the password.
Wait for the prompt that the connection is successful, usually there will be a WiFi icon that is always on.
Method 2: One-click connection via WPS (fastest)
If your router has a WPS button, this method is very convenient:
First press the WPS button on the router (press it once and release it, no need to press it for a long time).
Within 2 minutes, find the WPS button on the printer and press it.
Wait for the two to pair automatically, which usually takes 1-2 minutes to complete.
The biggest advantage of this method is that you don’t need to enter the WiFi password. However, please note that some older models of printers may not support this function.
Method 3: Use a computer to assist in setup (suitable for complex network environments)
Sometimes the office network is complex, or the printer screen is too small to operate, you can use a computer to help:
First, temporarily connect the printer and computer with a USB cable.
Install the printer driver (usually comes with a setup tool).
Select “Wireless Network Setup” in the setup tool and follow the wizard.
After the setup is complete, you can unplug the USB cable.
Although this method has many steps, it is more stable. Dozens of printers in our company are configured using this method, which is particularly suitable for batch setup.
Common problems and solutions
Problem 1: Cannot find WiFi network
Check if the distance between the printer and the router is too far.
Confirm that the router does not hide the SSID (if it is hidden, you need to enter the name manually).
Try to restart the router and printer.
Problem 2: The password is correct but the connection fails
Pay attention to the case of the password, especially when it contains mixed letters and numbers.
Check if the router has set MAC address filtering.
Try to change the WiFi band (some old printers only support 2.4GHz).
Problem 3: Connection is successful but cannot print
Make sure the computer/mobile phone and printer are connected to the same WiFi network.
Check if the firewall settings block printer communication.
Update the printer driver to the latest version.
Tips for use
After successfully connecting, I have a few tips to improve the user experience:
Set a fixed IP for the printer: Fix the printer’s IP address in the router background, so that you can quickly find the device every time you turn it on, avoiding connection problems caused by IP changes.
Mobile printing is more convenient: Download the exclusive APP of the printer brand (such as HP Smart, Epson iPrint), you can directly use the phone to select photos or documents to print, and you can also check the ink level.
Multi-device sharing: Set up printer sharing on your computer so that other computers on the same network can also use it, which is especially suitable for home or small office environments.
Check the connection regularly: If you don’t use it for a long time, the printer may automatically go into deep sleep, and you may need to reawaken the WiFi connection when you use it again.
Summary:
Remember that printers from different brands may differ in details, but the overall idea is the same. If you really can’t figure it out, take a look at the manual or check the tutorial on the official website, and you can usually find the answer. I am now completely accustomed to the convenience of wireless printing. I no longer have to turn on the computer specifically to print a document. Isn’t it better to operate it directly on the mobile phone?
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