You can connect a wireless printer to Wi-Fi without a USB cable using the printer's built-in touchscreen, the WPS push-button on your router, or the manufacturer's mobile app over Bluetooth.
Before starting, ensure your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network (most printers cannot connect to 5 GHz-only networks) and keep the printer within 5 to 10 feet of the router during pairing.
If your printer has a built-in display screen, use its onboard network menu:
1.Open Wireless Settings:
1 min.
Turn on your printer and wait for the home screen to appear. Tap the Setup (gear icon) or Wireless icon on the control panel.
Verification: The printer menu opens options for Network or Wireless configuration.
2.Launch Wireless Setup Wizard:
1 min.
Select Network Setup (or Wireless Settings) > Wireless Setup Wizard. The printer will scan for nearby routers.
Verification: A list of available Wi-Fi network names (SSIDs) appears on the display.
3.Select Network and Enter Password:
2 min.
Tap your Wi-Fi network name, enter your security password using the on-screen keyboard (passwords are case-sensitive), and tap OK or Done.
Verification: The Wi-Fi indicator light on the printer stops blinking and turns solid blue or green.
If your printer lacks a screen and your router has a physical WPS button, you can pair them automatically without typing passwords:
1.Activate WPS Mode on the Printer:
Prerequisite: Printer powered on.
Press and hold the Wi-Fi or WPS button on your printer for about 3 seconds until the wireless light starts blinking rapidly.
Verification: The printer's wireless light flashes continuously, indicating it is searching for a router.
2.Press the Router's WPS Button:
Within 2 minutes.
Walk over to your Wi-Fi router and press its physical WPS button (often marked with two curved arrows) for 1 to 2 seconds.
Verification: The WPS light on the router begins flashing as the devices exchange security credentials.
3.Confirm Connection:
1–2 min.
Wait for pairing to complete automatically.
Verification: Both the router's WPS light and the printer's Wi-Fi light stop flashing and turn solid.
If your printer has no screen and your router lacks a WPS button, use your phone's Bluetooth to send Wi-Fi credentials directly to the printer:
Put the printer into setup mode: Press and hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons together for 3 to 5 seconds until the power/wireless light flashes (for Epson, press and hold the Wi-Fi button for 3 seconds).
Prepare your phone: Connect your smartphone to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and turn on Bluetooth and Location permissions.
Complete setup in the app: Open your brand's official app (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson Smart Panel, or Brother Mobile Connect), tap Add Printer (or +), and follow the guided prompts to transfer your Wi-Fi settings wirelessly.Verification: The app displays your printer model with a "Ready" or "Connected" status.
Once the printer's Wi-Fi light is solid, add it to your PC or Mac over the same network:
Windows 10 / 11: Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, click Add device, and select your printer from the list.
macOS: Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax..., select your printer under the Default tab, and click Add.