How to Make a Printer Wireless: 4 Ways to Print Wirelessly
| Jun 27, 2024
Have you ever wondered how to make a printer wireless?
Printing technology has evolved to offer unmatched convenience and flexibility. This has enabled users to print from various devices, including smartphones and tablets. Knowing how to make a wired printer wireless can enhance productivity and streamline workflows.
This guide explores:
- The Types of Wireless Printing
- Benefits of Wireless Printing
- How to Make a Printer Wireless
- Resolving Wireless Printing Issues
Wireless Printing and its Types
Wireless printing allows you to send print jobs to a printer without a direct physical connection, like a USB cable. This can be achieved through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Infrared (IrDA).
1. Wi-Fi Printers
These connect to your home or office network, allowing multiple devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets, to send print jobs. To connect the printer to wifi, access the printer’s network settings and follow the prompts.
2. Bluetooth Printers
These use short-range wireless technology to connect directly to nearby devices like laptops or smartphones. Ideal for quick, localized printing, they lack the broader connectivity range of Wi-Fi printers.
3. Infrared (IrDA) Connections
This less common method uses light waves to transmit data between devices. The printer and the sending device must be close and aligned correctly, making it slower and less reliable than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Advantages of Wireless Printers
Wireless printers offer unmatched convenience and flexibility, supporting multiple devices and making them ideal for home and office environments. Here are some advantages of wireless printers over wired printers.
1. Convenience and Flexibility
Learning how to make a printer wireless offers significant convenience. You can place the printer anywhere within your Wi-Fi network range, freeing up desk space and reducing clutter.
2. Multi-Device Support
Wireless printers allow multiple devices, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets, to print simultaneously, making them ideal for homes and offices.
3. Mobile Printing
Easily print from Android phones, iPhones, or iPads, catering to the increasing use of mobile devices for everyday tasks.
4. Cloud Printing
Many wireless printers support cloud printing, enabling direct printing from cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox, eliminating the need to download files to your computer first.
5. Cost-Effective
Upgrading a wired printer to wireless, using methods like linking it to a router, utilizing a print server, or adding the Bluetooth adapter, is often more cost-effective than buying a new wireless printer.
How to Make a Printer Wireless?
This section explores how to make a wired printer wireless using methods like routers, guiding you through the process of enabling printing from computers, iPhones, iPads, and Android phones. Four main methods on how to make wired printer into wireless include:
- Using a Router
- Using a Print Server
- Using a Bluetooth Adapter
- Using a Host Computer
Let’s explore each method one by one.
Method 1: Using a Router
Using a router to make a non-wireless printer print wirelessly is a practical method to integrate it into your network.
a) USB Connection
1. Check Router Compatibility - Ensure your router supports printer sharing and has a USB port.
2. Connect Printer to Router - Attach the printer’s USB cable to the router.
3. Access Router Settings - Log into your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
4. Enable Printer Sharing - In the router settings, activate the printer sharing function.
5. Install Printer Drivers - Download and install the necessary drivers on your computer, ensuring the printer is recognized as a network device.
b) Ethernet Connection
1. Connect via Ethernet - Link the printer to the router using an Ethernet cable connected to a LAN port.
2. Power On and Configure - Turn on both devices and ensure the router recognizes and assigns the printer an IP address.
3. Configure on Printer - Navigate through the printer’s menu to confirm network connection and settings.
4. Network Access - Install the printer drivers on all network devices and connect them using the printer’s IP address.
Method 2: Using a Print Server
A print server is an efficient way to make a wired printer wireless, allowing multiple computers on the same network to access it wirelessly.
1. Setup Connection
- Confirm the print server’s compatibility with your printer.
- Connect the print server to the printer using a USB or Ethernet cable.
- Link the print server to your router wirelessly or via Ethernet cable.
2. Install Software
- Install the software from the print server’s installation CD or download it from the manufacturer’s website.
- Follow the installation wizard to set up the print server.
3. Configure Print Server
- Open a web browser and navigate to the print server’s IP address.
- Enter your network’s SSID and password to connect printer to wifi network.
- Set a static IP address for the print server to ensure stable connectivity.
- Conduct a test print to verify that the print server and printer are properly connected and accessible from all network devices.
Method 3: Using a Bluetooth Adapter
A Bluetooth adapter can make a wired printer wireless, enabling print jobs without a Wi-Fi network.
1. Choose Bluetooth Adapter
- Ensure the Bluetooth adapter is compatible with your printer.
- Purchase a Bluetooth adapter suitable for your printer, typically featuring a USB dongle.
2. Connect Bluetooth Adapter
- Insert the Bluetooth adapter into the printer’s USB port.
- Power on the printer.
3. Pair Printer with Devices
- Turn on Bluetooth on your device.
- Search for available devices.
- Select and pair the printer from the list, following on-screen instructions and installing any necessary drivers.
- Send a test print to confirm the setup is successful.
Method 4: Using a Host Computer
Using a host computer as a print server can be a cost-effective way to make a wired printer wireless and allow network devices to access it.
a) Windows Setup
1. Connect the Printer
- Attach your printer to the Windows computer using a USB cable.
2. Enable Printer Sharing
- Open the Control Panel.
- Go to Devices and Printers.
- Right-click the printer and choose Printer properties.
- Under the Sharing tab, tick Share this printer; assign a share name.
- Click Apply and OK.
3. Connect Other Devices
- From another computer, navigate to Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Add a printer.
- Select Add a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer.
- Find and select the shared printer to install.
b) Mac Setup
1. Connect the Printer
- Link your printer to the Mac via a USB cable.
2. Enable Printer Sharing
- Open System Preferences, then select Sharing.
- Tick the Printer Sharing box and choose your printer.
- Specify access permissions (e.g., Everyone or select users).
3. Connect Other Devices
- On a different Mac, open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
- Click the + button, select the shared printer, and click Add.
Using a host computer to connect printer to wifi network can make printing from any device in your network seamless, whether you need to print from iPhone or iPad.
Troubleshooting: How to Make a Wired Printer Wireless and Perform Best
Even with the best setup, you might need help with wireless printing. Here are some common problems and solutions to ensure your printer operates smoothly.
- Printer Not Found: Ensure the printer is attached to the Wi-Fi network and within range. Restart the printer and router.
- Offline Issue: Ensure your printer is set as the default device and restart both the printer and connected device.
- Slow Printing Speed: Check for network congestion and update the printer firmware. Place the printer closer to the router.
How to Make a Printer Wireless: Achieving Optimal Wireless Connection
To make a printer wireless, connect the printer to a router or print server using USB or Ethernet. Configure it through the router’s admin panel or the print server’s web interface. For a direct connection, use a Bluetooth adapter. Here are a few tips to help you have a stable wireless connection for a smooth printing experience.
- Ensure the printer is compatible with your network settings.
- Regularly update your printer’s firmware and computer drivers.
- Place the router in a central location to ensure strong signal strength.
- Assign a static IP address to your printer to avoid connectivity issues.
Final Words
Want to achieve a modern, flexible printing setup? Transitioning from a wired to a wireless printer setup enhances convenience and efficiency. Wireless printing simplifies your workspace, reduces cable clutter, and allows you to print from Android phone, iPhone, or iPad, making it essential for modern, mobile-centric workflows.
This blog discussed various methods on how to make a printer wireless. They include routers, print servers, Bluetooth adapters, and host computers. Each method has unique advantages based on your hardware and needs. If you are concerned about how to make a non-wireless printer print wirelessly, these methods will surely help you enjoy a flexible printing setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I make my wired printer wireless?
Converting a wired printer to a wireless one offers significant convenience and flexibility. Learning how to make a non-wireless printer wireless allows you to place the printer anywhere within your Wi-Fi range, freeing up desk space and reducing cable clutter.
How to make a wired printer wireless?
To make a wired printer wireless, connect it to a router or print server using a USB or Ethernet cable, ensuring compatibility for printer sharing. Install the required software, configure settings via the router’s admin panel or the print server’s interface, and test connectivity. Alternatively, connect a Bluetooth adapter for direct wireless access.
Is it secure to use a wireless printer on my home network?
Yes, using a wireless printer on your home network is secure, provided you follow standard security practices. Ensure your Wi-Fi network is password-protected, keep your printer’s firmware updated, and use secure connections for cloud printing services.
Can I print to my wireless printer from anywhere?
Yes, depending on the manufacturer and model of the printer, you can print from anywhere. Many modern printers support cloud printing, which allows you to send print jobs remotely via services like Google Cloud Print or directly from your email.
Will making my printer wireless affect its printing speed or quality?
No, making a printer wireless should not affect its printing speed or quality. The main factors influencing these aspects are the printer’s capabilities and the quality of the network connection. A strong Wi-Fi signal ensures optimal performance.
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