how to make printer wireless (Printer Connected Procedure)

Making your printer wireless is a convenient way to print from any device in your home or office without the need for a physical connection. There are several ways to make your printer wireless, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Wireless printing has become an essential feature in modern times as it provides convenience and flexibility to users. A wireless printer allows you to print from anywhere within the range of the wireless network, without the need for cables or cords.

If you have a printer that does not have built-in wireless capabilities, there are various methods to make your printer wireless.  In this article, we will discuss 10 ways to make your printer wireless and provide a detailed description of each method.

How to Make Printer Wireless

1. Use a wireless adapter: You can connect a wireless adapter to your printer’s USB port to make it wireless. This is a cost-effective option that works well with most printers.
2. Connect to a wireless router: You can connect your printer to your wireless router using an Ethernet cable. This will make your printer wireless and accessible to all devices connected to the same network.
3. Use Wi-Fi Direct: Some printers support Wi-Fi Direct, which allows you to connect your printer to your device without the need for a router. This is a great option for printing from mobile devices.
4. Connect to a print server: A print server is a device that connects to your printer’s USB port and makes it accessible over the network. This is a good option for connecting multiple printers to the same network.
5. Use a Bluetooth adapter: You can connect a Bluetooth adapter to your printer’s USB port to make it wireless. This is a good option for printing from mobile devices.
6. Connect to a computer: You can connect your printer to a computer using a USB cable and then share the printer over the network. This is a good option if you have a spare computer that you can use as a print server.
7. Use Google Cloud Print: Google Cloud Print is a service that allows you to print from anywhere using any device connected to the internet. This is a great option for printing from mobile devices.
8. Connect to a network-enabled printer: Some printers come with built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity, allowing you to connect them directly to the network without the need for any additional devices.
9. Use a wireless print adapter: A wireless print adapter connects to your printer’s USB port and allows you to print wirelessly. This is a good option for older printers that do not have built-in wireless connectivity.
10. Connect to a wireless print hub: A wireless print hub is a device that connects to your printer’s USB port and makes it accessible over the network. This is a good option for connecting multiple printers to the same network.

“Use a wireless adapter”

Using a wireless adapter is one of the simplest ways to make a printer wireless. A wireless adapter, also known as a wireless print server, is a small device that plugs into the USB port of a printer and connects it to a Wi-Fi network. Here are the steps to use a wireless adapter:

1. Purchase a wireless adapter that is compatible with your printer. Some popular brands include TP-Link, Netgear, and D-Link.
2. Install the wireless adapter software on your computer. This will vary depending on the brand of the adapter, but typically involves inserting a CD or downloading the software from the manufacturer’s website.
3. Connect the wireless adapter to your printer’s USB port. Make sure the adapter is securely plugged in.
4. Connect the wireless adapter to your Wi-Fi network. This typically involves entering your Wi-Fi network name and password into the adapter’s software.
5. Print a test page to ensure that your printer is now connected to the Wi-Fi network.

Once your printer is connected to the Wi-Fi network, you can print wirelessly from any device that is also connected to the same network. Simply select the wireless printer from the list of available printers on your device, and print as you normally would.

Keep in mind that not all printers are compatible with wireless adapters, so be sure to check the compatibility before purchasing an adapter. Additionally, some adapters may have limited compatibility with certain operating systems or devices, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s website for details.

“Connect to a wireless router”

Connecting a printer to a wireless router is one of the most common ways to make a printer wireless. This method allows multiple users to access the printer wirelessly, making it an ideal option for home and office use. Here are the steps to connect your printer to a wireless router:

1. Turn on your printer and make sure it is connected to your computer via a USB cable.
2. Connect your wireless router to your computer via an Ethernet cable.
3. Open your web browser and enter the IP address of your wireless router. This information can be found in the documentation that came with your router or by searching online for the default IP address of your router.
4. Enter the username and password to access the router’s settings. Again, this information can be found in the documentation that came with your router or by searching online for the default login credentials of your router.
5. Once you are logged in to the router’s settings, navigate to the wireless settings page.
6. Enable the wireless network and create a new SSID (Service Set Identifier) for your network. Make sure to use a strong password to protect your network.
7. Once the wireless network is enabled, disconnect the Ethernet cable from your computer and connect your computer to the wireless network you just created.
8. Navigate to the printer settings on your computer and select “Add Printer.”
9. Choose the option to add a network printer and follow the prompts to locate and connect to the printer on the wireless network.
10. Once the printer is connected, print a test page to ensure that it is working properly.

By following these steps, you can easily connect your printer to a wireless router and make it accessible to multiple users on your network. Keep in mind that the steps may vary slightly depending on the make and model of your router and printer.

“Use Wi-Fi Direct”

Wi-Fi Direct is a technology that enables wireless communication between devices without requiring a wireless network or internet connection. It allows two or more devices to connect directly with each other using Wi-Fi Direct.

Here are the steps to use Wi-Fi Direct to connect your printer wirelessly:

1. Check if your printer supports Wi-Fi Direct: Most modern printers support Wi-Fi Direct, but you should check your printer’s documentation to make sure.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct: On your printer’s control panel, navigate to the Wi-Fi Direct option and turn it on.
3. Enable Wi-Fi Direct on your computer: Go to your computer’s Wi-Fi settings and enable Wi-Fi Direct.
4. Search for the printer: Once Wi-Fi Direct is enabled on both your printer and computer, your computer will detect the printer. Select the printer from the list of available devices.
5. Enter the Wi-Fi Direct password: If prompted, enter the Wi-Fi Direct password displayed on your printer’s control panel.
6. Install the printer driver: If you haven’t already installed the printer driver on your computer, you will need to do so before you can print wirelessly.
7. Start printing: Once your printer is connected via Wi-Fi Direct, you can start printing wirelessly from your computer.

Using Wi-Fi Direct is a simple and convenient way to connect your printer wirelessly without the need for a wireless network or internet connection.

“Connect to a print server”

Connecting a printer to a print server is another way to make it wireless. A print server is a device that connects a printer to a network, allowing multiple computers or devices to print to it wirelessly.

Here are the steps to connect your printer to a print server:

1. Check if your printer is compatible with the print server. Print servers work with many printers, but some may not be compatible. Check the print server’s documentation or website for a list of compatible printers.
2. Connect the print server to your network. Most print servers connect to your network via Ethernet, so you’ll need an Ethernet cable and an available port on your router or switch. Follow the instructions that come with your print server to connect it to your network.
3. Connect the printer to the print server. Depending on the print server and printer, you may need to use a USB cable or parallel cable to connect the printer to the print server. Again, consult the print server’s instructions for the specific steps.
4. Install the print server software. Most print servers come with software that you need to install on your computer. This software allows you to configure the print server and manage print jobs. Insert the software CD into your computer and follow the instructions to install the software.
5. Add the printer to your computer. Once the print server is connected to the network and the printer is connected to the print server, you can add the printer to your computer. Go to “Devices and Printers” in your computer’s Control Panel, click “Add a printer”, and select the option to add a network printer. Follow the on-screen instructions to locate and install the printer.
6. Test the connection. Once the printer is added to your computer, print a test page to make sure the connection is working properly.

Connecting a printer to a print server can be a more complex process than some of the other wireless printing options, but it offers a reliable and flexible way to share a printer among multiple users on a network.

“Use a Bluetooth adapter”

Using a Bluetooth adapter is another way to make your printer wireless. Here’s how to do it:

1. Check your printer: Before you start, make sure your printer has Bluetooth capabilities. If it doesn’t, you won’t be able to use this method.
2. Purchase a Bluetooth adapter: If your printer doesn’t have Bluetooth built-in, you can purchase a Bluetooth adapter to connect it to your computer wirelessly. Look for an adapter that’s compatible with your printer and has good reviews.
3. Install the adapter: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the adapter on your printer. You may need to use screws or adhesive to attach the adapter to your printer.
4. Enable Bluetooth on your computer: Make sure your computer has Bluetooth capabilities and that it’s turned on. You can usually do this through your computer’s settings.
5. Pair your computer and printer: Once your printer and computer are both Bluetooth-enabled, you can pair them. Follow the instructions that came with your Bluetooth adapter to do this.
6. Print wirelessly: After you’ve paired your printer and computer, you should be able to print wirelessly. Just make sure your printer is turned on and in range of your computer.

Keep in mind that using a Bluetooth adapter may not be the most reliable way to make your printer wireless. Bluetooth can be finicky and may not always work as expected. However, if you don’t have any other options, this is still a viable solution.

“Connect to a computer”

Connecting a printer to a computer is an important aspect of setting up a wireless printer. It enables the printer to communicate with the computer and print documents wirelessly. Here are the steps to connect a wireless printer to a computer:

1. Turn on your printer and make sure it is in the range of your computer’s Wi-Fi network.
2. On your computer, click on the Start menu and select “Settings”.
3. In the Settings menu, click on “Devices”.
4. In the Devices menu, click on “Printers & Scanners”.
5. Click on the “Add a printer or scanner” option.
6. Windows will start searching for available printers.
7. If your printer is detected, click on it and select “Add device”.
8. If your printer is not detected, click on “The printer that I want isn’t listed”.
9. Select the “Add a Bluetooth, wireless, or network discoverable printer” option.
10. Windows will start searching for available printers again.
11. Select your printer from the list of available devices and click on “Add device”.
12. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
13. Once the installation is complete, you can start printing wirelessly from your computer.

Connecting a printer to a computer using a wireless connection is a simple and easy process. It enables you to print documents from your computer without the need for any cables or wires. If you face any issues while connecting your printer to your computer wirelessly, you can refer to the user manual of your printer or contact the manufacturer’s customer support for further assistance.

“Use Google Cloud Print” method

Google Cloud Print is a service offered by Google that enables users to print from their computer or mobile device to any printer connected to the internet. This service is particularly useful when you need to print something from a device that is not connected to your printer.

To use Google Cloud Print to make your printer wireless, follow these steps:

1. Check if your printer is compatible with Google Cloud Print: Visit the Google Cloud Print website and check if your printer is on the list of supported devices. If it is not, you may need to update your printer’s firmware or purchase a new printer that supports Google Cloud Print.
2. Connect your printer to your computer: You will need to connect your printer to your computer using a USB cable in order to set it up for Google Cloud Print.
3. Sign in to your Google account: Make sure you are signed in to your Google account on your computer.
4. Add your printer to Google Cloud Print: Open Google Chrome and go to the settings menu. Click on “Advanced Settings” and then “Google Cloud Print”. Click on “Manage Printers” and then “Add Printers”. Follow the prompts to add your printer to Google Cloud Print.
5. Print from any device: Once your printer is set up with Google Cloud Print, you can print from any device that is connected to the internet. Simply choose the Google Cloud Print option from the print menu on your device and select your printer.

Using Google Cloud Print is a great option for making your printer wireless, as it allows you to print from anywhere as long as your printer is connected to the internet. Additionally, Google Cloud Print is free to use and requires no additional hardware other than your printer and a computer or mobile device.

“Connect to a network-enabled printer”

Connecting to a network-enabled printer is an excellent way to make your printer wireless. This method allows you to print documents from anywhere in your home or office, as long as you are connected to the same network. Here are the steps to connect to a network-enabled printer:

Step 1: Turn on the Printer

Ensure that your printer is turned on and connected to the network. You can check your printer’s network settings to see if it is connected to your Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Add Printer to Your Computer

On your computer, click the “Start” button and select “Devices and Printers.” Click “Add a Printer,” and the computer will begin searching for available printers on the network. If your printer is already detected, select it and click “Next.” If not, click “The Printer That I Want Isn’t Listed” and follow the on-screen instructions to add the printer manually.

Step 3: Install the Printer Driver

Once your printer is detected and selected, your computer will automatically install the necessary printer drivers. This process may take a few minutes, so be patient.

Step 4: Test the Printer

Once the printer driver is installed, you can start printing. To test the printer, open a document and click “Print.” Choose the network-enabled printer from the list of available printers and click “Print.” The printer should begin printing the document.

Note: If you have trouble connecting to the network-enabled printer, make sure that your printer is connected to the same network as your computer. You may also need to adjust your printer’s network settings or update the printer driver on your computer.

“Use a wireless print adapter”

A wireless print adapter is a device that allows a non-wireless printer to connect to a wireless network. It works by plugging into the printer’s USB port and connecting to the wireless network, allowing multiple computers or devices to access the printer without being physically connected to it.

Here are the steps to use a wireless print adapter:

1. Choose a compatible wireless print adapter: Check the compatibility of the wireless print adapter with your printer model. You can find the compatibility information on the product packaging or the manufacturer’s website.
2. Install the wireless print adapter: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the wireless print adapter. Usually, it involves plugging the adapter into the printer’s USB port and connecting it to the wireless network.
3. Install the printer driver software: After installing the wireless print adapter, you will need to install the printer driver software on your computer. The software will allow your computer to communicate with the printer and send print jobs wirelessly.
4. Connect to the printer: Once the driver software is installed, you can connect to the printer wirelessly. Go to the Printers & Scanners settings on your computer and click the Add a Printer or Scanner button. Select the wireless printer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
5. Test the printer: After completing the setup, try printing a test page to make sure the printer is working correctly. If there are any issues, check the connection between the printer, the wireless print adapter, and the wireless network.

Using a wireless print adapter is an easy way to make a non-wireless printer accessible to multiple devices on a wireless network. It eliminates the need for cables and allows for more flexibility in printer placement. However, it is important to ensure the wireless print adapter is compatible with your printer model and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and setup.

“Connect to a wireless print hub”

Connecting a printer to a wireless print hub is another way to make your printer wireless. A wireless print hub, also known as a print server, acts as a central connection point for your printer, allowing multiple devices to use the printer wirelessly.

Here’s how to connect your printer to a wireless print hub:

1. Purchase a wireless print hub: Before you can connect your printer to a wireless print hub, you’ll need to purchase one that’s compatible with your printer.
2. Connect the print hub to your wireless network: Follow the instructions that came with the print hub to connect it to your wireless network. You’ll need to enter your network name and password to connect.
3. Connect your printer to the print hub: Once the print hub is connected to your wireless network, connect your printer to it using a USB cable. Plug one end of the cable into your printer and the other end into the print hub.
4. Install the print hub software: Install the software that came with the print hub on your computer. This software will allow your computer to communicate with the print hub.
5. Add the printer to your computer: Once the software is installed, add the printer to your computer by selecting “Add a Printer” in your computer’s settings. Choose the option to add a network printer and select the print hub from the list of available printers.
6. Print wirelessly: Once your printer is connected to the print hub and added to your computer, you can now print wirelessly from any device connected to your network.

Using a wireless print hub can be a great way to make your printer wireless if you have multiple devices that need to use the printer. It’s important to make sure the print hub you purchase is compatible with your printer and that you follow the instructions carefully to set it up correctly.

FAQs: “How to Make Printer Wireless”

Q: Why should I make my printer wireless?

A: Making your printer wireless allows you to print from any device connected to the same network, without the need for physical cables. This adds convenience and flexibility to your printing process.

Q: Can any printer be made wireless?

A: Not all printers are capable of being made wireless. Generally, newer printers have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, while older printers may require additional hardware or software to be connected wirelessly.

Q: What are some common methods for making a printer wireless?

A: Some common methods for making a printer wireless include using a wireless adapter, connecting to a wireless router, using Wi-Fi Direct, connecting to a print server, using a Bluetooth adapter, connecting to a computer, using Google Cloud Print, using a wireless print adapter, and connecting to a wireless print hub.

Q: How do I know which method to use for making my printer wireless?

A: The method you use will depend on your specific printer model and your network setup. Check your printer’s manual or manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to make your printer wireless, and consult your network provider for guidance on the best method to use.

Q: Are there any downsides to making my printer wireless?

A: The main downside to making your printer wireless is the potential for security vulnerabilities. Ensure that you set up your wireless connection with a strong password and enable security features such as WPA2 encryption to prevent unauthorized access to your network and printer.