Set up a new printer (Wi-Fi, Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android)

Get a new printer onto your Wi-Fi, then add it to your Windows PC, Mac, iPhone or Android phone.

⏱ About 20 minutes · 6 steps · ▶ 4 videos
What you'll need
  • The printer, unpacked, with ink or toner and paper loaded
  • Your Wi-Fi network name and password
  • About 20 minutes

  1. Connect the printer to your Wi-Fi

    Follow the setup guide that came with the printer. Most printers join Wi-Fi from their own screen or through the maker's free app, which walks you through it. Your computer or phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.

    💡 Tip: Write the printer's model number on a sticky note on your fridge or in your phone. You'll need it for ink, drivers and help pages.

  2. Windows: add the printer

    Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, then Add device. Wait for your printer to appear and select Add device next to it.

    Not listed? Select The printer that I want isn't listed (or Add a new device manually) and follow the steps. If it still won't work, check Windows Update for a driver, or get one from the maker's website.

  3. Mac: add the printer

    Choose Apple menu > System Settings > Printers & Scanners, then click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax. Pick your printer from the list and click Add.

  4. iPhone or iPad: nothing to install (AirPrint)

    Most Wi-Fi printers support AirPrint, so you don't need a driver or app. In an app, tap the Share button (or Actions), tap Print, then tap No Printer Selected and choose your printer.

  5. Android: Default Print Service (Mopria)

    Android has a built-in Default Print Service that works with Mopria-certified printers. Open the photo or document, tap Menu (often ⋮) > Print, and pick your printer.

    Can't see it? Look in Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Printing (names vary) and make sure a print service is turned on. You can also install the maker's app.

  6. Print a test page

    Print one page from each device you set up. If anything says offline, see our printer offline guide.

    ⚠️ Careful: Printers don't print over public Wi-Fi hotspots. Your phone must be on your home network (or the printer's own Wi-Fi Direct connection).
🎉 All done!

Next: Print from your phone, save on ink and toner, or fix a printer that says offline. Menu names vary by printer maker, model and software version. These steps were checked against official help pages in October 2026.

Related game: Safe or Risky?. Related explainer: What software updates actually do .

Official help pages

Steps checked against these pages in October 2026. If a button looks different, look for a similar label.