How to Connect a Printer to Your Phone or Computer 🖨️
How to Connect a Printer to Your Phone or Computer 🖨️
Printing from your phone or computer is easier than you might think. Most modern printers connect over WiFi so you do not need any cables between your device and the printer.
Before You Start
Make sure your printer is:
- ✅ Plugged in and turned on
- ✅ Connected to the same WiFi network as your phone or computer
- ✅ Has paper and ink
Check your printer's screen or lights. Most printers show a WiFi symbol when they are connected to your network.
Print from iPhone or iPad
Step 1: Connect Your Printer to WiFi
Use the buttons on your printer to find the WiFi or Network setup in its menu. Select your home WiFi and enter the password.
Step 2: Print Something
- Open what you want to print — a photo, email, or webpage
- Tap the Share button (the square with an arrow pointing up)
- Scroll down and tap Print
- Your printer should appear in the list — tap it
- Choose how many copies you want
- Tap Print in the top corner
If your printer does not appear, make sure both your phone and printer are on the same WiFi network.
Print from Android Phone
Step 1: Connect Your Printer to WiFi
Same as above — use your printer's built-in menu to connect it to your WiFi.
Step 2: Print Something
- Open what you want to print
- Tap the three dots menu (top right of most apps)
- Tap Print or Share then Print
- Select your printer from the dropdown at the top
- Tap the Print button
Print from a Computer
🖥️
Windows:
- Go to Settings then Bluetooth & Devices then Printers
- Click Add a printer
- Your printer should appear — click it and follow the steps
💻
Mac:
- Go to System Settings then Printers & Scanners
- Click the + button
- Your printer should appear — select it
💡 Tips
- If your printer did not come with a screen, check the manual for how to connect it to WiFi. Some use a phone app instead.
- You can print photos directly from the Photos app on any phone.
- If your printer is older and only has a USB cable, you can plug it directly into your computer. It will not work wirelessly with your phone.
⚠️ If Your Printer Is Not Showing Up
- Make sure your printer and device are on the same WiFi network
- Turn your printer off and on again
- Move your printer closer to your WiFi router
- Restart your phone or computer
💜
Need help getting your printer connected? Silver Support Hub is here for you! 💙