Setting up a wireless printer lets you print from anywhere without cables. This guide shows you how to connect any printer brand to WiFi on Windows, Mac, or mobile devices. Works with all major brands including HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother printers.
What You'll Need
- WiFi network name (SSID) - Found on router or device WiFi settings
- WiFi password - Your network security key (WPA2/WPA3)
- Printer powered on - Plugged in and turned on
- Device on same network - Computer, tablet, or phone connected to WiFi
- Printer model number - For downloading correct software
Note: Most wireless printers only support 2.4GHz WiFi. If your router has both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, connect to 2.4GHz during setup.
Method 1: Printer Control Panel Setup (Easiest)
Most modern printers have a built-in wireless setup wizard on the control panel or LCD screen.
- Access printer Settings, Menu, or Setup on control panel
- Navigate to "Network", "Wireless", or "WiFi Setup"
- Launch "Wireless Setup Wizard" or "Network Setup"
- Select your WiFi network (SSID) from the scanned list
- Enter WiFi password using printer keypad or touchscreen
- Wait 1-3 minutes for connection to establish
- Verify WiFi icon or network status shows connected
Method 2: WPS Setup (Fastest - No Password)
If your router and printer support WPS, this is the quickest method - no password needed.
- Find WPS button on router (labeled "WPS" or WiFi icon)
- Press and hold router WPS button for 2-3 seconds, release
- Within 2 minutes, press and hold printer WPS button (on control panel or physical button)
- Wait 30-60 seconds for automatic connection
- Check printer display for WiFi connection indicator
Note: WPS must be enabled on router. Some routers disable it by default. If WPS doesn't work, use Method 1 or 3.
Method 3: Manufacturer Software (Recommended)
Manufacturer apps simplify wireless setup and ensure latest drivers are installed.
HP Printers - HP Smart App
For HP printers including LaserJet, OfficeJet Pro, DeskJet, and Envy series (e.g., HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e, HP LaserJet Pro M404dn):
- Download HP Smart from Microsoft Store, App Store, or HP website
- Launch → "Add Printer" or "Set Up New Printer"
- Follow wizard - HP Smart auto-detects printer
- Select WiFi network → Enter password
- HP Smart configures printer and installs drivers
Alternative: HP Printer Assistant for older HP LaserJet models
Canon Printers - Canon PRINT App
For Canon PIXMA, imageCLASS, and MAXIFY series (e.g., Canon PIXMA TR8620, Canon PIXMA G6020):
- Download Canon PRINT from Canon website or app store
- Ensure printer powered on, WiFi light flashing
- Launch → "Add Printer" → "Wireless Setup"
- Select WiFi network → Enter credentials
- Wait for setup and driver installation
Alternative: Canon Easy-WebPrint EX or Canon IJ Network Tool
Epson Printers - Epson Connect Setup
For Epson EcoTank, Expression, and WorkForce series (e.g., Epson EcoTank ET-2720, Epson Expression Home XP-4100):
- Download Epson Connect Printer Setup from Epson support site
- Run installer → Follow wizard
- Select "Wireless Connection"
- Choose network or enter details manually → Enter password
- Complete setup and driver installation
Alternative: Epson iPrint app for mobile
Brother Printers - Brother iPrint&Scan
For Brother MFC, HL, and DCP series (e.g., Brother MFC-L2750DW, Brother HL-L2350DW):
- Download Brother iPrint&Scan from Brother website or app store
- Launch → "Add Printer" or "Network Setup"
- Choose "Wireless Setup"
- Select WiFi network → Enter password
- Follow prompts to complete
Alternative: Brother Printer Setting Tool or control panel
Add Printer to Windows
- Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners
- Click "Add a printer or scanner"
- Windows searches network → Select printer when it appears
- Windows auto-installs drivers → Print test page
If printer doesn't appear: Click "The printer that I want isn't listed" → "Add printer using IP address" → Enter printer IP (from network configuration page).
Add Printer to Mac
- System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS) → "Printers & Scanners"
- Click "+" → Mac searches network
- Select printer → macOS auto-selects driver
- Click "Add" → Print test page
Mobile Device Setup
Use manufacturer apps to print from smartphones or tablets:
iPhone/iPad Apps
- HP Smart (HP printers) - App Store
- Canon PRINT (Canon printers) - App Store
- Epson iPrint (Epson printers) - App Store
- Brother iPrint&Scan (Brother printers) - App Store
Install app → Ensure phone on same WiFi → App auto-detects printer.
Android Apps
Same apps available on Google Play Store. Android also supports Google Cloud Print (if enabled on printer) for remote printing.
Common Setup Problems and Solutions
Printer Can't Find WiFi Network
- Move printer closer to router (within 10-15 feet)
- Ensure router's 2.4GHz band is enabled
- Enter SSID manually if network is hidden
- Restart printer and router
- Check router isn't in bridge/access point mode
"Incorrect Password" Error
- Double-check WiFi password (case-sensitive)
- Use WiFi password, not router admin password
- Type password in text editor, copy-paste if printer supports it
- Check for special characters that may not display correctly
- Reset printer network settings and retry
Printer Connects But Can't Print
- Verify printer and device on same WiFi network
- Check Windows Firewall isn't blocking printer
- Ensure printer drivers installed correctly
- Restart print spooler (Windows) or print queue (Mac)
- Remove and re-add printer in device settings
- Check printer IP address hasn't changed
Connection Drops Frequently
- Move printer closer to router or use WiFi extender
- Reduce WiFi interference (microwaves, cordless phones)
- Update router firmware
- Change router WiFi channel
- Disable printer sleep mode or extend timeout
- Use wired Ethernet if printer supports it
Test Your Connection
- Print test page from printer settings menu
- Print from computer - open any document and print
- Check printer status - should show "Online" and "Ready"
- Test from mobile - print photo/document using manufacturer app
If test prints work, your wireless printer setup is complete.
Security Tips
- Use WPA2/WPA3 encryption - Ensure WiFi network has strong security
- Change default passwords - Update printer admin passwords if available
- Update firmware regularly - Install security patches
- Disable unused features - Turn off cloud printing if not needed
- Network isolation - Consider guest network for printers
Need Expert Help?
Wireless printer setup can be tricky with complex networks or older models. Our certified technicians can configure your printer wirelessly, troubleshoot connections, set up multi-device printing, optimize your network, and install drivers. Call +1-888-423-7757 for 24/7 assistance.