How to Add Printer to Chromebook: Complete Setup and Fixes
| Dec 04, 2025
Printing on a Chromebook shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle, but for many users, it does. The moment you try to connect Chromebook to printer, things can get confusing fast. Chromebooks don’t use drivers, and Google Cloud Print is gone, so the process feels different from what people expect. If you’re used to steps like adding a printer to a Mac or even printing from an Android phone, the Chromebook method may seem unfamiliar at first.
Most users simply want a quick way to print their documents, pages, or photos. The good news? Once your printer is on the same network and you connect printer to WiFi, learning how to add printer to Chromebook becomes very easy. ChromeOS has built-in printing tools designed to make setup fast, simple, and frustration-free.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:
- How to add a printer to a Chromebook (Wi-Fi and USB)
- How to connect a Chromebook to a printer automatically
- How to set up printer on Chromebook the right way
- How to connect printer to Chromebook when it doesn’t appear
- Troubleshooting tips when your printer still won’t connect
How Does Printing Work on a Chromebook?
Printing on a Chromebook works differently from Windows or Mac. Chromebooks don’t need traditional drivers, and Google Cloud Print is no longer available. Chromebooks support two main printing methods: Wi-Fi and USB. Wi-Fi printers connect over your network, while USB printers plug directly into your Chromebook. Once detected, you can add printer to Chromebook quickly and set it as the default for future use.
What You Need Before Connecting a Printer to a Chromebook
Before printing, ensure your Chromebook and printer meet basic requirements. The printer must be connected to the same network, either via Wi-Fi or USB. Once this is done, learning how to add printer to Chromebook and connect a Chromebook to a printer becomes simple.
- Compatible Chromebook Printer (Wi-Fi or USB): Use a printer compatible with Chromebooks. Most Wi-Fi and USB printers work automatically. This allows your Chromebook to detect the device without extra software.
- Printer Must Support Network Printing: Your printer must support network or USB printing. Wi-Fi printers need the same network as your Chromebook. USB printers require a direct cable connection. Setting up printer on Chromebook using this method ensures smooth connection.
- Both Devices Must Be on the Same Network: Both Chromebook and printer must share the same network. This step allows your Chromebook to detect the printer, which is essential for how to print from Chromebook, or to connect the printer directly to your device.
How to Connect a Printer to Chromebook (Wireless & USB Options)
Chromebooks support printing via Wi-Fi or USB. Wireless printers need both devices on the same network. USB printers require a direct connection. Knowing how to add a printer to a Chromebook and connect a Chromebook to a printer ensures a quick setup.
How to Connect a Wireless Printer to Chromebook (Wi-Fi Setup)
- Turn on printer
- Connect printer to Wi-Fi
- Connect Chromebook to the same Wi-Fi
- Confirm network connection
Once connected, Chromebook detects the printer automatically. This allows you to connect Chromebook to printer.
How to Connect a USB Printer to Chromebook (Wired Setup)
- Use the correct USB cable (USB-A or USB-C)
- Plug in the printer – Chromebook shows detection pop-up
- Follow the on-screen instructions to save the printer
USB printing works when Wi-Fi isn’t available. After setup, you can connect printer to Chromebook and start printing immediately.
How to Add Printer to Chromebook (Automatic Detection Method)
Chromebooks detect printers automatically once they are on the same network or connected via USB. You can connect the printer to WiFi, connect Chromebook to printer, and save it for future use. This is faster than manual setup and avoids extra drivers.
1. Open Printer Settings on Chromebook
- Click the time in the bottom-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Go to Device → Printers & Scanners.
2. Add Printer Automatically
- Under other available printers, select your printer.
- Click Save.
3. Confirm Printer Appears Under “Saved Printers”
Check your saved printers. After saving a printer, it becomes the default. This makes it easier for you to follow how to print from Chromebook and reconnect to the same printer anytime.
How to connect Chromebook to Printer Manually (If It Doesn’t Show Up)
Sometimes, your printer may not appear automatically. This can happen if it’s on a different network, the Chromebook cannot detect it, or MFPs require mDNS to be enabled. Knowing how to add printer to Chromebook manually ensures you can still connect Chromebook to printer without issues.
1. When Manual Setup Is Needed
- Printer not detected automatically
- Printer is on a different network
- Multifunction devices (MFPs) require mDNS enabled
2. Steps to Add Printer Manually
- Open Settings → Device → Printers → Add Printer
- Enter the printer name
- Enter the IP address
- Confirm the setup
How to Print From a Chromebook (Step-by-Step)
After adding a printer, printing is simple. Chromebooks provide a clean, driver-free workflow to connect Chromebook to printer and start printing documents. Here are Step-by-Step Procedures:
1. Use the Print Shortcut
Press Ctrl + P to open the print dialog. This is the fastest way on how to print from Chromebook.
2. Select “Destination” → Choose Printer
- Click Destination and select your printer.
- Use See more… if the printer is not listed.
- Change the default printer if needed.
3. Adjust Print Settings
Set color, layout, page range, and number of copies. Adjusting settings ensures accurate results every time.
4. Click Print
After confirming settings, click Print. The printer will process the job, and the document will appear in your chosen output. Once saved, your Chromebook remembers the printer, making it faster for future printing.
How to Scan Using a Chromebook (If Your Printer Has a Scanner)
Many Chromebooks can scan documents when your printer has a built-in scanner. Using the Chromebook’s native tools, you can Connect Printer To WiFi and perform scans without extra software. Knowing how to add printer to Chromebook and set up scanning ensures you can quickly connect a Chromebook to a printer for both printing and scanning tasks.
1. Steps to Scan
- Open Settings → Device → Printers & Scanners → Scan
- Choose your scanner from the list
- Adjust resolution, color mode, and other options
- Select a file location to save scanned documents
Troubleshooting: Chromebook Not Connecting to Printer
Sometimes Chromebooks may fail to detect or connect to printers. Knowing how to troubleshoot ensures smooth printing and scanning without delays.
1. Printer Not Showing Up in Chromebook Settings
- Make sure the printer is powered on
- Confirm both Chromebook and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network
- Enable mDNS for multifunction printers
- Restart your Wi-Fi devices
2. Printer Shows but Fails Compatibility Check
- The printer model may not be supported
- Update ChromeOS to the latest version
- Check the printer manufacturer’s support page
3. USB Printer Not Working
- Check the cable connection
- Ensure USB-C adapters are compatible
- Try a different USB port
4. Older Printer Models Not Detecting
- Use manual IP setup for printers on a different network
- Use the USB connection if the wireless fails
Conclusion
Printing on a Chromebook is simple once you know the steps. Learning how to add printer to Chromebook and connect a Chromebook to a printer ensures smooth printing every time. Start by confirming your printer is compatible and either connected via Wi-Fi or USB. Save it in your Chromebook settings to make it your default device.
Following the workflow—connect → add → save → print—makes printing fast and reliable. You can connect a Printer To WiFi, use a USB cable for older models, or even add printer to Mac or print from Android phone. Adjust print settings, confirm your saved printer, and troubleshoot only if needed.
Get started now and connect Chromebook to printer to print documents.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Do I need special drivers to print from a Chromebook?
Chromebooks are designed to work with most printers without requiring additional drivers. Once you connect a Chromebook to a printer, it automatically detects compatibility, making how to add printer to Chromebook quick and hassle-free.
2. Is Google Cloud Print required to print from a Chromebook?
Google Cloud Print is no longer available, but printing is still simple. You can learn how to add a printer to a Chromebook using a Wi-Fi or USB connection, ensuring your Chromebook communicates directly with your printer.
3. Can I use a Bluetooth printer with my Chromebook?
Bluetooth printing is not supported on Chromebooks. To print, you need to connect the printer to WiFi or use a USB cable, which allows you to reliably connect Chromebook to printer for everyday tasks.
4. Can I use an older printer with my Chromebook?
Older printers can still be used by performing a manual IP setup or connecting via USB. This approach ensures you know how to add printer to Chromebook even if the printer doesn’t appear automatically in settings.
5. Can I scan documents using a Chromebook?
Chromebooks can scan documents if your printer has a built-in scanner. By accessing Printers & Scanners → Scan, you can adjust resolution and color mode, making Chromebook scanning setup simple and fast.
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