How to Set Up a Printer on Chromebook
Connect any printer via WiFi, USB, or Cloud Print - Complete 2026 Guide
Updated January 2026 | Chrome OS 120+
Quick Setup (WiFi Printers)
- 1. Click clock (bottom-right) > Settings gear
- 2. Go to Advanced > Printing > Printers
- 3. Click Add Printer
- 4. Select your printer from the list > Add
- 5. Done! Try printing any document
1. WiFi Printer Setup (Recommended)
This is the easiest method if your printer is already connected to your WiFi network:
Open Chrome OS Settings
Click the clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen, then click the gear icon to open Settings.
Navigate to Printers
Scroll down and click Advanced, then Printing, then Printers.
Add Your Printer
Click Add Printer. Your Chromebook will search for printers on your network. When your printer appears, click on it and then click Add.
Test Your Printer
Open any document, press Ctrl + P, select your printer, and click Print.
2. USB Printer Setup
Many USB printers work directly with Chromebook without any configuration:
- 1 Turn on your printer and connect it to your Chromebook with a USB cable
- 2 Chrome OS should automatically detect the printer (notification may appear)
- 3 If not auto-detected, go to Settings > Printing > Printers
- 4 Your USB printer should appear - click Add
USB-C Only Chromebook?
If your Chromebook only has USB-C ports, you'll need a USB-C to USB-A adapter or hub. These are inexpensive and available at most electronics stores.
3. Manual Setup (IP Address)
If your printer doesn't appear automatically, you can add it manually using its IP address:
Find Your Printer's IP Address
On most printers, go to:
- - Settings > Network > Network Status
- - Or print a "Network Configuration Page" from the printer menu
- - The IP address looks like: 192.168.1.xxx
Add Printer Manually
- 1. Go to Settings > Printing > Printers
- 2. Click Add Printer
- 3. Click Add manually or scroll to bottom
- 4. Enter your printer's name (anything you want)
- 5. Enter the IP address in the Address field
- 6. Protocol: Select IPP (most common)
- 7. Queue: Usually leave as ipp/print
- 8. Click Add
4. Brand-Specific Setup
HP Printers
HP printers have excellent Chromebook compatibility. Most HP printers auto-connect.
- 1. Ensure printer is on same WiFi
- 2. Printer should appear in Add Printer list
- 3. Select and add - done!
Canon Printers
Canon PIXMA and imageCLASS series work well with Chromebook.
- 1. Connect printer to WiFi first
- 2. Find printer in Chromebook settings
- 3. Add using automatic detection
Epson Printers
Epson EcoTank and Expression series are Chromebook-compatible.
- 1. Verify printer WiFi connection
- 2. Use automatic detection or IP
- 3. Protocol: IPP or IPP Everywhere
Brother Printers
Brother laser and inkjet printers work via IPP.
- 1. Connect to same network
- 2. May need manual IP setup
- 3. Use IPP protocol
5. Troubleshooting
Printer Not Found
- - Verify printer and Chromebook are on same WiFi network
- - Restart both the printer and Chromebook
- - Try adding manually with IP address
- - Check if printer supports IPP (most modern printers do)
Prints Are Blank or Garbled
- - Remove printer and re-add it
- - Try different print settings (paper size, quality)
- - Check ink/toner levels on printer
- - Print a test page from the printer itself first
Printer Goes Offline
- - Wake printer from sleep mode before printing
- - Check printer's WiFi connection
- - Assign static IP to printer in router settings
- - Remove and re-add printer
USB Printer Not Detected
- - Try a different USB port
- - Use a different USB cable
- - Restart Chromebook with printer connected
- - Check if printer is compatible (older printers may not work)
6. Best Printers for Chromebook
These printers are known to work seamlessly with Chromebooks:
Best Overall
- HP DeskJet 4155e - Easy setup, affordable
- Epson EcoTank ET-2850 - Low ink costs
- Canon PIXMA TR4720 - Compact, reliable
Best for Schools/Work
- HP LaserJet M234dwe - Fast, economical
- Brother HL-L2350DW - Reliable laser
- Canon imageCLASS MF453dw - All-in-one
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Can Chromebook connect to any printer?
Most modern WiFi-enabled printers work with Chromebook via IPP protocol. HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother printers made after 2015 typically work without issues. Some older or specialty printers may not be compatible.
Why can't my Chromebook find my printer?
Usually because they're on different WiFi networks, the printer is in sleep mode, or the router is blocking device discovery. Restart both devices and ensure they're on the same network.
Do I need to install drivers on Chromebook?
No! Chromebooks don't use traditional printer drivers. Chrome OS has built-in support for most printers. Just add the printer in Settings and you're ready to print.
Can I use a USB printer with Chromebook?
Yes, many USB printers work with Chromebook. Connect via USB and Chrome OS should detect it automatically. You may need a USB-C adapter if your Chromebook only has USB-C ports.
Test Your Setup
Print a test page to verify your Chromebook is connected correctly