To connect a printer to the internet (Wi-Fi), you typically need to ensure the printer is Wi-Fi capable, then use its control panel to find and join your Wi-Fi network by entering the network password. Most printers have a setup wizard accessible via the Home or Settings button that guides you through selecting your Wi-Fi network and entering the password.[2][3]
Here is a general step-by-step outline:
1. Turn on the printer and make sure it is within range of your Wi-Fi router.
2. On the printer’s control panel, press the Home or Menu button and navigate to wireless settings, often labeled “Wi-Fi Setup” or “Network.”
3. Select the Wi-Fi Setup Wizard option, scan for available networks, and choose your network name (SSID).
4. Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted.
5. Confirm connection; the printer will display a “Setup Complete” or similar message once connected.
Alternatively, some modern printers support WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), where you press the WPS button on your router and then activate WPS on the printer within a short timeframe to connect without entering a password.[2]
If your printer does not have built-in Wi-Fi, you can use a wireless print server or a USB Wi-Fi adapter that connects to the printer and bridges it to your network.[3] Another option is to connect the printer to a computer or device that is online and share the printer over the network.
Also, some printers can create their own Wi-Fi network (direct printing mode), allowing devices to connect directly without a router, though this is different from connecting the printer to the internet itself.[1]
These methods ensure the printer is accessible over your network and can receive print jobs from devices connected to the same Wi-Fi.