Set Up Wireless Printer: A Step-by-Step Guide for Windows 10 & Mac Users

Setting up a wireless printer can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not a tech expert. But don’t worry—it’s much simpler than it sounds. Whether you’re working from home, managing a small office, or just printing your favourite photos, this guide will walk you through how to set up wireless printer on both Windows 10 and Mac devices.

We’ll also cover some common troubleshooting steps and tips to connect your printer wirelessly without any stress.

Why Choose a Wireless Printer?

Before diving into the setup process, let’s talk about the benefits of going wireless:

• No tangled cables
• Easy to print from multiple devices
• Great for small spaces
• Can be placed anywhere within Wi-Fi range
• Allows printing from smartphones and tablets

If you’re upgrading from a USB-connected printer, you’re going to love the flexibility.

Things You Need Before Setting Up a Wireless Printer

Make sure you have the following ready:

• A wireless printer that supports Wi-Fi
• A Wi-Fi network (SSID and password)
• A Windows 10 PC or Mac
• Printer drivers (usually available from the printer manufacturer’s website)

📌 Tip: Keep your printer and computer on the same Wi-Fi network for the smoothest connection.

How to Set Up Wireless Printer on Windows 10

The process for set up wireless printer on Windows 10 is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Connect Printer to Wi-Fi

Most printers come with a small screen and control panel. Use it to:

1. Navigate to Settings > Network > Wireless Setup Wizard (this may vary by brand).
2. Select your Wi-Fi network (SSID).
3. Enter the Wi-Fi password.
4. Wait for the confirmation that the printer is connected.

If your printer doesn’t have a screen, use the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) method:

• Press the WPS button on your router.
• Within 2 minutes, press the Wi-Fi or WPS button on your printer.

Step 2: Set Up Wireless Printer to Windows 10

1. Click the Start button and go to Settings.
2. Navigate to Devices > Printers & scanners.
3. Click Add a printer or scanner.
4. Windows will search for nearby printers. When you see your printer’s name, click on it.
5. Click Add device.

Windows will handle the driver installation automatically. If not, visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers. Here are some helpful external links:

• HP Printer Drivers
• Canon Printer Drivers
• Epson Printer Drivers

How to Set Up Wireless Printer on Mac

Mac users, follow these steps to get your wireless printer up and running:

Step 1: Connect Printer to Wi-Fi

Use the printer’s screen to join your Wi-Fi network as described above. Ensure the printer is on and connected.

Step 2: Add Printer to macOS

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
2. Select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
3. Choose Printers & Scanners.
4. Click the + button to add a new printer.
5. Select your wireless printer from the list.
6. Click Add.

macOS will install the required drivers automatically.

If your printer doesn’t appear:

• Ensure your Mac and printer are on the same Wi-Fi.
• Restart both devices.
• Try manually downloading the drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

How to Connect Printer Wirelessly from Mobile Devices

You can also connect your printer wirelessly from Android or iOS:

• iOS (iPhone/iPad): Use AirPrint, which is built into most iOS apps. Just tap the share icon > Print > Choose printer.
• Android: Use Mopria Print Service or manufacturer apps like HP Smart, Canon Print, or Epson iPrint.

Make sure both your phone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Common Issues During Wireless Printer Setup

Even with the right steps, you might face some hiccups. Let’s look at how to fix them.

1. Printer Not Found on Network

• Restart your printer and Wi-Fi router.
• Check if printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi.
• Disable VPN or firewall temporarily during setup.

2. Printer Keeps Going Offline

This is common on Windows 10. Try:

• Removing and re-adding the printer.
• Updating printer firmware and drivers.
• Setting printer as default.
• Changing printer port settings.

3. Slow Printing Over Wi-Fi

• Move printer closer to the router.
• Check for network congestion.
• Use 5GHz Wi-Fi instead of 2.4GHz if your printer supports it.

Tips for Smooth Wireless Printer Setup

1. Always use official drivers for best compatibility.
2. Update your printer firmware regularly.
3. Secure your network with a strong password.
4. Use mobile apps for remote printing.
5. Keep printer software updated on your PC or Mac.

When to Use USB Instead

While wireless printing is convenient, there are a few cases where a USB connection might be better:

• If your Wi-Fi is unstable.
• For faster setup on older printers.
• If you only print from one device.

That said, once your wireless printer is set up properly, it rarely causes problems.

Top Wireless Printer Brands for Home & Office

If you’re still in the market for a printer, here are some reliable options:

Brand	Best For	Popular Models
HP	All-in-one home use	HP DeskJet 4155e, HP Envy 6455e
Canon	Photo printing	Canon PIXMA TR4520, Canon TS6420a
Epson	Office use	Epson EcoTank ET-2850, Epson WorkForce WF-3820
Brother	Compact use	Brother HL-L2350DW, Brother MFC-J1010DW

Conclusion

Learning how to set up wireless printer doesn’t have to be confusing or time-consuming. Whether you’re using Windows 10, a Mac, or even a mobile phone, the process is fairly streamlined.

Take your time, follow the steps, and don’t hesitate to revisit this guide if you ever need to reconnect or troubleshoot. Once set up, printing becomes effortless—no wires, no clutter, and no stress.

Quick Recap for set up wireless printer

✅ Connect printer to Wi-Fi using control panel or WPS
✅ Add printer via Settings > Printers & Scanners on Windows 10
✅ Add printer via System Preferences on Mac
✅ Use mobile apps for printing from smartphones
✅ Troubleshoot with firmware updates and re installation if needed

If you found this guide helpful or you have any question related to set up wireless printer let us know in comment section, consider sharing it with someone who’s setting up their own printer. And don’t forget to bookmark this post—you might need it again someday!