How to Connect Any Printer to WiFi (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother)

Wireless printing is far more convenient than using a USB cable — once it is set up. This guide walks you through connecting any printer to your WiFi network, regardless of brand or operating system. Once connected, see our guides on printing from iPhone and printing from Android for mobile printing setup.

Before You Start

Have your WiFi network name (SSID) and password ready. Move your printer within range of your WiFi router during setup — move it closer temporarily if needed. Ensure your computer or phone is on the same WiFi network you are connecting the printer to. Confirm your printer has WiFi capability — check for a WiFi symbol on the printer or in its manual. Most printers only support 2.4GHz WiFi — if your router broadcasts both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, connect to 2.4GHz during setup.

Method 1: Using the Printer Touchscreen

Most modern printers have a touchscreen or display panel. Press the Home or Menu button → navigate to Network or WiFi Setup → select Wireless Setup Wizard → choose your network name from the list → enter your WiFi password → press OK or Connect. Wait for the WiFi light to stop flashing and turn solid. Then install the printer on your computer using the steps below.

Method 2: WPS Button (Easiest)

If your router has a WPS button, this is the fastest method requiring no password entry. Press the WPS button on your printer — usually labelled WPS or with a WiFi symbol. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router. The printer and router connect automatically. The WiFi light on the printer turns solid when connected.

Method 3: HP Printers — HP Smart App

Download the HP Smart app on your phone or computer. Open HP Smart → click Set Up a New Printer → follow the guided setup. HP Smart is the most reliable method for HP printers and also lets you print and scan from your phone once set up. After WiFi setup, see our HP printer troubleshooting guide if you experience issues.

Method 4: Epson Printers

On your Epson printer: press the Home button → WiFi Setup → WiFi Setup Wizard → select your network → enter password. Alternatively download the Epson Smart Panel app for guided setup with ink level monitoring. For EcoTank printers the process is identical — ensure ink tanks are filled before initial setup. If your Epson has connection issues after setup, see our Epson offline fix guide.

Method 5: Canon Printers

Press and hold the WiFi button on your Canon printer until the lamp flashes. Connect your phone or computer to the Canon printer's temporary network (appears as DIRECT-XXXX-Canon). Open a browser and go to 192.168.8.1 → follow the web setup to enter your home WiFi credentials. The printer restarts and connects to your home network. For Canon connection problems see our Canon WiFi fix guide.

Method 6: Brother Printers

On your Brother printer: press Menu → Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard → select your network from the list → enter your WiFi password. The Brother confirms connection and the WiFi light turns solid. For persistent Brother connection issues see our Brother offline fix guide.

Adding the Printer to Windows

Once connected to WiFi: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → Add device. Windows searches for printers on your network and finds it automatically. Click Add device next to your printer. Windows downloads drivers automatically. Test with a print job. If the printer does not appear, see our driver installation guide.

Adding the Printer to Mac

System Settings → Printers & Scanners → click the + button. Mac searches for nearby printers. Select your printer from the list → Add. Mac installs drivers automatically via AirPrint or downloaded drivers. AirPrint-compatible printers work instantly with no driver installation required.

Troubleshooting WiFi Connection Issues

Printer will not find network: ensure you are connecting to 2.4GHz not 5GHz — most printers only support 2.4GHz. Wrong password: re-enter carefully, passwords are case-sensitive. Printer connects but computer cannot find it: ensure both are on the same WiFi network. Some routers have client isolation that prevents devices from finding each other — disable it in your router settings. If your printer keeps going offline after connecting, see our printer offline fix guide.