The fastest way depends on what printer and device you have

Most printers connect in one of three ways: USB cable (the oldest and most reliable), Wi-Fi (wireless, works from anywhere in your home), or Bluetooth (wireless, but only works close by). USB requires a physical cable plugged into your computer. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth both need your printer to be on the same network or paired with your device first.

Before you start, check what your printer actually supports — look at the back or sides for ports, or find the model number and search the manufacturer's website. A printer from 2010 might only have USB. A newer one probably has Wi-Fi. Some have all three.

The setup process is different for each type, and different again depending on whether you're using Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. The sections below walk through each combination.

Key Takeaways

  • USB is the most direct method and requires only a cable, but you have to sit near the printer to use it.
  • Wi-Fi printing works from anywhere in your home once set up, but requires your printer to support it and be connected to your network.
  • On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners and click "Add a printer" to find devices on your network.
  • On Mac, go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click the plus button, and select your printer from the list.
  • On iPhone or Android, most modern printers work through the printer manufacturer's own app or through Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print.

Connecting via USB cable on Windows

Plug the USB cable into the back of your printer and into an available USB port on your computer. Windows will usually detect it automatically within a few seconds. You should see a notification in the bottom right corner saying the device is ready to use.

If nothing happens, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners. Click Add a printer or scanner. Windows will search for connected devices. When your printer appears, click it and select Add device. Windows will install the driver — the software that lets your computer talk to the printer — automatically from Windows Update if it has one.

If Windows cannot find a driver, you may need to install it manually. Go to the printer manufacturer's website (HP, Canon, Brother, Epson, Xerox, etc.), search for your exact printer model, and download the driver for Windows. Run the installer and follow the prompts. Restart your computer when it finishes, then try printing.

Connecting via USB cable on Mac

Plug the USB cable into your printer and into your Mac. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs) and go to Printers & Scanners. Your printer should appear in the list on the left. Click it and select Add. macOS will install the driver automatically in most cases.

If your printer does not appear, restart your Mac and try again. If it still does not show up, visit the printer manufacturer's website, download the driver for Mac, and run the installer. After installation, go back to Printers & Scanners and add the printer again.

Connecting via Wi-Fi on Windows

First, connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network. Most printers have a small screen or button panel on the front. Look for a Wi-Fi or network icon, press it, and select your home network from the list. Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted. The printer will show a confirmation message when it connects.

On your Windows computer, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners. Click Add a printer or scanner. Windows will search your network. When your printer appears, click it and select Add device. Windows will install the driver automatically.

If your printer does not appear in the search, make sure it is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. If you are still stuck, restart both the printer and your computer, then try the search again.

Connecting via Wi-Fi on Mac

Connect your printer to Wi-Fi using its control panel or screen, the same way you would on Windows. Open System Settings and go to Printers & Scanners. Click the plus button at the bottom of the printer list. A window will open showing available printers. Select your printer and click Add. macOS will install the driver automatically.

If your printer does not appear, make sure both your Mac and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices and try again. Some older printers may require you to download the driver from the manufacturer's website first before they will show up in the list.

Connecting on iPhone or Android

Most modern printers work with AirPrint on iPhone or Google Cloud Print on Android. Make sure your phone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open the app you want to print from (Safari, Photos, Mail, etc.), tap the share button or menu, and look for Print. Tap it, select your printer from the list, choose how many copies you want, and tap Print.

If your printer does not appear, check that it supports AirPrint (Apple) or Google Cloud Print (Android). Older printers may not. In that case, download the printer manufacturer's app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app, follow the setup steps to connect to your printer, and use that app to print instead.

Some printers also support Bluetooth printing on phones. Go to your phone's Bluetooth settings, search for your printer, and pair it. Then use the printer manufacturer's app to print. Bluetooth only works when your phone is close to the printer, usually within 30 feet.

Troubleshooting when the printer does not show up

The most common reason a printer does not appear is that it is not on the same network as your computer or phone. Check your printer's screen or settings menu to confirm it is connected to Wi-Fi. Check your computer or phone to confirm it is on the same network. If they are on different networks, reconnect the printer to the correct one.

Power off the printer completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. This resets the connection and often fixes temporary glitches. Do the same for your computer or phone if the printer still does not appear. If you are using USB, try a different USB port on your computer, or try a different USB cable — some cables are damaged and do not carry data.

If you have installed a driver and the printer still does not work, uninstall the driver completely, restart your computer, and install the latest version from the manufacturer's website. Drivers can become corrupted or outdated, and a fresh installation often solves the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install a driver for every printer?

Most modern printers on Windows and Mac will install a driver automatically from Windows Update or Apple's servers. Older printers or printers with special features may require you to download and install a driver manually from the manufacturer's website. USB printers are more likely to need a manual driver than Wi-Fi printers.

Can I print wirelessly if my printer only has USB?

No, a printer with only USB cannot connect to Wi-Fi. You would need to keep your computer plugged in with a USB cable, or buy a newer printer that supports Wi-Fi. Some very old printers can be connected through a network print server device, but this is uncommon and usually not worth the cost.

Why does my printer keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

Printers can disconnect if they are too far from your router, if your Wi-Fi signal is weak, or if the printer's Wi-Fi module is failing. Try moving the printer closer to your router. If that does not help, restart both the printer and your router. If the problem continues, the printer's Wi-Fi hardware may be damaged and may need repair or replacement.

Can I print from my phone to a printer connected to my computer?

Only if the printer is connected via Wi-Fi to your home network. If the printer is connected to your computer by USB only, your phone cannot reach it. To print from your phone, the printer must be on Wi-Fi, or you must use the printer manufacturer's app, which may allow printing through your computer as an intermediary.

What is the difference between AirPrint and downloading the printer app?

AirPrint is built into iPhone and iPad and works with most modern printers without needing to download anything. The printer manufacturer's app gives you more control and works with older printers that do not support AirPrint. If your printer supports AirPrint, use that first — it is simpler. If it does not, download the app.