How Printer Connections Work

Before a printer can print anything, two things have to be true: the printer has to be reachable, and your device has to know it's there. "Reachable" means connected by a cable, a network, or a direct wireless link. "Knowing it's there" means the printer has been added to your computer, phone or tablet. Most setup steps are really about one of those two things.

The main connection types

Wi-Fi

The printer joins your wireless network like a laptop would. Anything else on that network, including phones and tablets, can then send it print jobs. This is the most common choice in homes because it lets everyone print from anywhere in the house.

Ethernet

Office printers, and some home models, have a network port. A cable from the printer to your router puts it on the network without depending on wireless signal strength. Devices still reach it over Wi-Fi or their own cable, because they're all on the same network.

USB

A USB cable links the printer to one computer. It's dependable and needs no network, but other devices can't print to it directly. It's a good fit for a single desktop computer sitting next to the printer.

Wi-Fi Direct and similar

Some printers can broadcast their own small wireless network. A phone or laptop joins that network to print, then rejoins your normal Wi-Fi afterwards. It's useful where there is no router, but it's less convenient for everyday use.

Bluetooth

Mainly used by compact photo and portable printers. Some larger printers use Bluetooth only so that a setup app can find them; the printing itself then happens over Wi-Fi.

How to choose

• Several people or mobile devices? Choose Wi-Fi, or Ethernet if the printer sits near the router.
• One computer, next to the printer? USB is simple and needs no network setup.
• No Wi-Fi where you are? Look at USB or Wi-Fi Direct, if the printer offers it.

What "adding" a printer means

After the printer is connected, your device keeps a list of printers it can use. Adding the printer puts it on that list, along with the software (a "driver") that translates your document into something the printer understands. Current versions of Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS and Android include standard printing technology that works with many printers without extra downloads. Manufacturer software is still available for many models and can add extra features.

See the device guides for the steps on Windows, Mac, iPhone and iPad and Android.