How to Add Printer to Chromebook [ Guide 2024]
It’s the 21st century, and you still die hard to print something, once or twice a year— but when you do need it, you need it!
Chromebook comes in handy whenever you want to print from the comfort of your home. Connecting a Chromebook to a printer may seem a bit complicated, but with the right printer expert’s guide, it’s actually far from difficult.
(Remember that a Chromebook is not like a traditional laptop in any way. It uses the web-based operating system called the Chrome Operating System (Chrome OS), making it a modern device).
However, adding a printer to a Chromebook can be challenging even for beginners. Whether you’re writing an essay for school, a report for your workplace, or booking a last-minute flight, this guide will help you add a printer to your Chromebook.
Table of Contents
How to Add Printer to Chromebook?
Let’s take a look at “how to add printer to Chromebook” in a few simple steps:
- Check Your Printer Compatibility
Before starting, ensure your printer is compatible with ChromeOS. Most modern printers with Wi-Fi support are compatible, but checking your printer model on the manufacturer’s website is a good idea.
- Connect to a Wireless Printer
Step 1: Connecting Your Printer to the Wi-Fi: Ensure that your printer is ON and connected to the same Wi-Fi network that your Chromebook is connected to. In most Wireless printers, the Wireless settings will be displayed under the printer’s control panel.
Step 2: Open the Chromebook Settings: On Chromebook, open the setting by clicking on the ‘Time’ icon at the bottom right of the laptop, and then click on the gear that appears.
Step 3: Add Printer: In the settings menu, go to the last section, “Advanced,” and then look for the option that says “Printing.” Visit the Control Panel, click on printers, and then click on Add printer.
Your Chromebook will look for printers connected to the same networks with the Wi-Fi symbol on display. After your printer shows up in the list, click on it and then choose the “Add” tab.
If it is not there you may have to do it yourself. Sometimes you may have to opt for the older version for it. So, click on ‘Add Printer’ and then type the IP address of the printer which should usually be found in the printer’s settings.
- Using USB Connection
If you have a USB-compatible printer and prefer a wired connection, simply connect the printer to your Chromebook via USB. After connecting, open the settings as before and navigate to “Printing” > “Printers.” Your Chromebook should automatically recognize the USB printer, and you can proceed with adding it directly.
- Test the Printer
After the setup completion, open any document or webpage, pick “Print” from the menu (or press Ctrl + P), and select your new printer from the list. Print a test page to make sure everything is working okay.
- Save Your Printer to a Chromebook
When you save your printer to a Chromebook profile, it becomes the default. Select the time from the bottom right corner of your Chromebook. Select Settings. Scroll down to “Printers and scanners” from the “Device” menu. Select Print.
Save your printer under “Other available printers,” next to your printer. Some printers indicated in the drop down selection may not work with your Chromebook.
When you select your printer, your Chromebook runs a compatibility check. Make sure your printer is at the top of the list under “Your saved printers.”
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter issues:
- Wi-Fi Connection: Make sure both Chromebook and printer are on the same network.
- Drivers: ChromeOS automatically handles drivers, but check for firmware updates if problems persist.
- Restart Devices: Restarting both the printer and Chromebook can resolve minor connectivity issues.
Is It Easy to Add a Printer to a Chromebook?
Chromebook supports all the popular brands of printers including Canon, HP, Epson, and Brother. Whatever the brand, one should be able to easily connect your printer to a Chromebook and print off documents.
If you have an old PC hanging around, you can easily install ChromeOS Flex which is very lightweight and easy to use. Indeed, ChromeOS Flex can be run on any device, which is not a Chromebook.
Conclusion
“How to add printer to a Chromebook?” This may pop up in the minds of printing enthusiasts. It’s simple and quick once you follow the above-mentioned steps. With a little setup, you are ready to run through documents, assignments, photos, and much more.
Oh, keep in mind that after adding your printer to your Chromebook, you have to go through these steps next time. Yes, you can bookmark your printer for later use, make sense?
Of course, if this guide was of any help, then you should find yourself back on the right track in no time at all.