This article will show you how to turn a regular printer into a wireless one by connecting it to a router. If that doesn't work, you can connect the printer to a computer with an Internet connection, and then share the printer with other computers on your local network.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: USB Printer Connected to Router
Step 1. Locate the USB port on the back of the router
If your router has such a port, you can connect the printer to it using the USB cable that came with the printer.
Step 2. Buy a USB to Ethernet adapter (if needed)
If your router does not have a USB port, purchase the specified adapter that plugs into the router's Ethernet port.
You can buy this adapter from electronics stores or online stores
Step 3. Place the printer near the router
Do this to connect the USB cable without interfering with other connected cables.
Step 4. Connect the printer to the router
Connect one end of the USB cable to the port on the back of the printer and the other end to the port on the back of the router.
If you are using a USB to Ethernet adapter, first connect the adapter to one of the Ethernet ports on the back of the router
Step 5. Plug the printer into an electrical outlet
You may need an extension cord.
Step 6. Turn on the printer
To do this, press the power button
printer.
Step 7. Wait 10 minutes
During this time, the router will recognize and configure the printer.
Your internet connection may slow down because the router downloads drivers for the printer
Step 8. Try to connect to the printer
Make sure your computer and the printer router are on the same wireless network, and then do one of the following, depending on your computer's operating system:
- Windows: open the start menu
-
Windowsstart , click "Options"
Windowssettings > Devices> Printers & Scanners> Add Printer or Scanner, select your wireless printer and click Add Device.
- Mac: Open the Apple menu
-
Macapple1 , click System Preferences> Printers & Scanners, select your wireless printer on the left side of the page, and click Add.
- If you are unable to connect to your router, try using one of the methods described in the following sections.
Method 2 of 3: Windows Host Computer
Step 1. Connect the printer to the host computer
With this method, a computer connected to the Internet can be used as a wireless source for the printer. First, connect the printer to your computer using the USB cable that came with the printer.
Step 2. Plug the printer into an electrical outlet
Select an electrical outlet near the computer to avoid stretching or kinking the cable.
Step 3. Turn on the printer
To do this, press the power button
on the printer.
Step 4. Follow the instructions on the screen
If you need to install drivers or specific software, do so.
Step 5. Open the Start Menu
Click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen.
Step 6. Open Control Panel
Type control panel, and then click Control Panel at the top of the Start menu.
Step 7. Click on Network and Internet
This is the heading at the top of the page.
If you selected Small Icons or Large Icons from the View menu (at the top right of the window), skip this step
Step 8. Click Network and Sharing Center
You will find this option in the middle of the page.
Step 9. Click Change Sharing Settings
It's a link at the top left of the page.
Step 10. Check the box next to "Enable File and Printer Sharing."
You will find this option under File and Printer Sharing.
Step 11. Click Save Changes
This button is at the bottom of the page.
Step 12. Click on Control Panel
This tab is in the upper-left side of the Control Panel window. You will be taken to the main page of the control panel.
Step 13. Click View Devices and Printers
This is the heading at the bottom of the page.
If Small Icons or Large Icons is selected from the View menu (at the top right of the window), click Devices and Printers
Step 14. Right click on the connected printer
A menu will open.
- If the mouse does not have a right button, click on the right side of the mouse or click with two fingers.
- If your computer has a trackpad (not a mouse), tap it with two fingers, or press the lower-right portion of the trackpad.
Step 15. Click on Printer Properties
It's in the middle of the menu. A new window will open.
Step 16. Click the Access tab
It is located at the top of the window that opens.
Step 17. Share the printer with other computers on the local network
Check the box next to “Share this printer”, and then click “Apply”> “OK” at the bottom of the window.
Step 18. Try to connect to the printer
Navigate to another computer that is connected to the same wireless network as the host computer, and then do one of the following, depending on the operating system of your computer:
- Windows: open the start menu
-
Windowsstart , click "Options"
Windowssettings > Devices> Printers & Scanners> Add Printer or Scanner, select your wireless printer and click Add Device.
- Mac: Open the Apple menu
-
Macapple1 , click System Preferences> Printers & Scanners, select your wireless printer on the left side of the page, and click Add.
Method 3 of 3: Hosting Mac OS X
Step 1. Connect the printer to the host computer
With this method, a computer connected to the Internet can be used as a wireless source for the printer. First, connect the printer to your computer using the USB cable that came with the printer.
If your Mac does not have standard (rectangular) USB3.0 ports, you need a USB3.0 to USB / C adapter
Step 2. Plug the printer into an electrical outlet
Select an electrical outlet near the computer to avoid stretching or kinking the cable.
Step 3. Turn on the printer
To do this, press the power button
on the printer.
Step 4. Follow the instructions on the screen
If you need to install drivers or specific software, do so.
Step 5. Open the Apple menu
Click on the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the screen. A menu will open.
Step 6. Click System Preferences
This option is on the menu. The System Preferences window will open.
Step 7. Click on Share
This option is in the System Preferences window. A new window will open.
Step 8. Check the box next to "Share this printer"
It's on the left side of the window.
Step 9. Select your printer
Click on the name of the connected printer under Printers.
Step 10. Try to connect to the printer
Navigate to another computer that is connected to the same wireless network as the host computer, and then do one of the following, depending on the operating system of your computer:
- Windows: open the start menu
-
Windowsstart , click "Options"
Windowssettings > Devices> Printers & Scanners> Add Printer or Scanner, select your wireless printer and click Add Device.
- Mac: Open the Apple menu
-
Macapple1 , click System Preferences> Printers & Scanners, select your wireless printer on the left side of the page, and click Add.