Connect a Printer to WiFi 

Fortunately, you can usually fix these problems with a few simple steps.

Check Your Wi-Fi Connection

Before setting up the printer, make sure your Wi-Fi is working properly.

Connect your phone or computer to the Wi-Fi network and open a website. If the internet connection is not working, restart your router and wait for the network to come back online.

Keep the printer reasonably close to the router during setup. A weak wireless signal can make the connection difficult.

Turn On the Printer's Wi-Fi

Turn on your printer and open its Wireless, Network, or Settings menu.

Look for an option such as Wireless Setup Wizard, Wi-Fi Setup, or Network Setup.

The exact menu names depend on the printer brand and model.

Select your home or office Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.

Enter the Wi-Fi Password

When the printer asks for your wireless password, enter it carefully.

Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive, so check every letter, number, and special character.

If the printer does not accept the password, confirm the password by connecting another device to the same network.

Use WPS if Your Printer Supports It

Some printers and routers support WPS, which can make wireless setup easier.

On the printer, select the WPS setup option. Then press the WPS button on your router when prompted.

The printer should connect to the wireless network automatically.

The exact WPS procedure can vary by printer model, so follow the instructions shown on the printer's display.

When your printer appears, select it and follow the instructions on the screen.

Make sure your computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.

Connect the Printer to a Mac

On a Mac, open:

System Settings > Printers & Scanners

Select Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.

Wait for your wireless printer to appear. Select it and complete the setup.

If the printer does not appear, check the Wi-Fi connection and restart the printer.

Use the Printer Manufacturer's App

Many printer brands provide their own mobile or desktop setup software.

These apps can help find the printer, connect it to Wi-Fi, install drivers, and complete the setup process.

Download the software designed for your exact printer model and operating system.

Restart the Printer and Router

If your printer cannot connect to Wi-Fi, restart both devices.

Turn off the printer and unplug the router from power. Wait for about a minute.

Turn the router back on and wait until the Wi-Fi connection is ready. Then turn on the printer and try connecting again.

Check the Wi-Fi Network

Some printers have limitations related to wireless networks. If your router provides separate network bands, check whether your printer supports the network you are trying to use.

Also make sure you are not trying to connect the printer to a guest network that prevents devices from communicating with each other.

Reset the Printer's Network Settings

If the printer was previously connected to another Wi-Fi network, its saved network information may cause problems.

Use the printer's settings menu to find an option such as Restore Network Settings or Reset Network Settings.

After the reset, connect the printer to your current Wi-Fi network again.

Remember that a network reset removes the printer's saved wireless information.

Update the Printer Driver

If the printer connects to Wi-Fi but your computer cannot find it, the printer driver may be outdated or damaged.

Visit the printer manufacturer's official website and download the correct driver for your printer model and operating system.

Install the driver and restart your computer.

What If the Printer Still Will Not Connect?

If your printer still cannot connect, check the printer's Wi-Fi indicator or display for an error message.

You can also try connecting the printer closer to the router, restarting all devices, and repeating the wireless setup.

If the printer connects successfully but keeps going offline later, the problem may be related to the wireless signal, router settings, or printer driver.