How to Enable Wireless Printing on Windows and Mac
Printing with cables can be a hassle, especially if the file or document that you need to print is on your laptop or any handheld device. You will need to find the printer cable and have your device physically connected to the printer in order to print. Well, the good thing is that the wireless printing feature is now available on most inkjet and laser printers. In this article, we will discuss how wireless or Wi-Fi printing works and how to set it up on your Windows or Mac computers.
What is Wireless Printing, and How Does it Work?
Wireless or Wi-Fi printing has modernized the way we print. Printing with messy cables is already a thing of the past. Thanks to this technology, we can now print wirelessly anywhere in the house or office without being physically connected to the printer itself. This technology makes printing much easier and more convenient.
To enable WiFi printing, you must connect your wireless printer to the same Wi-Fi network where all your devices are connected. Devices such as personal computers, laptops, tablets, and even smartphones can print through the wireless printer as long as they are connected to the same wired or wireless network.
Benefits of Wireless or Wi-Fi Printing
- Mobility: Setting up a wireless printer can allow you to work while you’re on the go. You don’t have to bring your device near to the printer and have it hardwired in order to print.
- Cableless Printing: We know that cables can look messy. Aside from this, it can be a challenge to look for the right cable to use just to print. Wireless printing eliminates all of this, you just need to set it up once, and you’re good to go.
- Accessibility: With old-school printers, you will need to send the file to the server that is connected to the printer in order to print. This can affect your productivity. With wireless or Wi-Fi printing, you can directly print from the device that you’re using.
- Convenience: Since wireless printing is wireless. You can place the printer anywhere in your house or office, and there’s no need to place it somewhere near your computer.
How to Enable Wireless or WiFi Printing on Windows
The first step is to connect printer to WiFi network where your Windows device is also connected. To do this, you can connect your printer wirelessly via WPS or by using your WiFi password. Please note that the steps on how to connect wirelessly depend on the printer's brand and model. You may refer to your printer’s manual or website for instructions. Most printers have a Wi-Fi button or settings that allow you to connect to a network.
Connecting via WPS or Wi-Fi Protected Setup
- Look for the WPS menu in your printer’s control panel by going to Setup>Network>Wireless Settings>Wi-Fi Protected Setup>Start.
- If your printer doesn’t have this option, you may also look for the physical button for WPS.
- Next, press and hold the WPS button on the router itself for three seconds.
- The router and the printer should automatically connect to each other, but in case it doesn’t work. You may connect them wirelessly using your Wi-Fi password.
Connecting via Wi-Fi Password or Pre-Shared Key
- On your printer’s control panel, go to Setup>Network>Wireless Settings>Wireless Setup.
- From here, select the SSID or the name of your Wi-Fi connection using the printer’s arrow keys or by just simply pressing it if the printer’s control panel is touchscreen.
- Enter your Wi-Fi password or pre-shared key. Please note that this is case-sensitive, so take your time when entering your password.
- Once you’ve entered your password, press OK or any affirmative option in your printer. It should give a message if the connection is successful or if you need to re-enter your password.
Once the Wi-Fi connection is successful, the next step is to find and add the printer to your Windows computer.
Adding Your Wireless Printer to Your Windows Computer:
- Click on the Start button on your Windows computer and go to Settings. You may also go to the Windows Control Panel.
2. Click on Devices.
3. Click on Printers & Scanners.
4. Click on Add a printer or scanner.
5. Let the computer search for your printer that is connected to the same network.
6. Once you find your printer name or model number, select it and click on Add Device.
7. Let your Windows computer finish the setup.
Once added, your printer is now available for wireless or WiFi on your Windows device.
How to Enable Wireless or Wi-Fi Printing on Mac
Enabling Wi-Fi printing on a Mac is just as easy. Connect your wireless printer to the network where your Mac device is also connected. Refer to your printer’s manual or website for instructions. You may also refer to the Wi-Fi connection steps mentioned above. Once connected, the next step is to search for the printer and add it to your Mac computer.
Add your printer to your Mac.
- Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
2. Click on Printers & Scanners.
3. Click on the + button to add a printer.
4. Let your Mac computer search for your printer that is connected to the same network.
5. Select your printer’s name or model, then click Add.
6. Let the Mac computer finish the setup process.
Once added, your printer is now available for wireless or WiFi printing on your Mac device.
Conclusion
Wireless printing is really a great feature that can remove all the hassle and challenges that come with hard-wired printing. I hope this guide helped you in starting your wireless printing journey.
For any printing supply needs, you may go to CompAndSave.com, where we offer different varieties of printer ink and toner cartridges. Our cartridges can provide the same quality and performance as the original without breaking the bank.
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About the Author
Jomar Samudio is one of the Search Engine Optimization specialists in CompAndSave. CompAndSave is located in Union City, California, and is a retailer and wholesaler of printing supplies. Starting as a Customer Service Representative for CompAndSave, Jomar has a wide array of knowledge about printers, ink, and toner cartridges, which can help people get better insights and understanding about printers and cartridges. Jomar knows the importance of great Customer Service, so he is here to provide thorough details about frequently asked questions regarding printers and cartridges.
