The easiest way to connect your printer to the internet without a computer is to use a wireless router that supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). This feature allows you to connect your printer to the router by pressing a button on both devices, without entering any passwords or network settings. Alternatively, you can use a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet to set up your printer’s wireless connection using an app or a web browser.
In this article, we will explain how to connect your printer to the internet without a computer using both methods. We will also provide some tips on how to troubleshoot common issues and optimize your printer’s performance. By the end of this article, you will be able to print from any device that is connected to the same network as your printer, without the need for a computer.
WPS is a standard feature on most modern wireless routers and printers. It allows you to connect your devices to the router without entering any passwords or network settings. To use WPS to connect your printer to the internet, follow these steps:
Make sure your router and printer are turned on and within range of each other. The router should have a WPS button, usually located on the back or the side of the device. The printer should also have a WPS button, or a display screen that shows a WPS option.
Press and hold the WPS button on the router for a few seconds, until the LED indicator starts blinking. This means the router is ready to connect to a device.
Within two minutes, press and hold the WPS button on the printer for a few seconds, until the LED indicator starts blinking. This means the printer is trying to connect to the router.
Wait for a few minutes, until the LED indicators on both devices stop blinking and become solid. This means the connection is successful and your printer is now online.
You can now print from any device that is connected to the same network as your printer, without the need for a computer. You can use the printer’s web interface, mobile app, or email service to print documents, photos, or web pages.
Using a Mobile Device to Connect Your Printer to the Internet
If your router or printer does not support WPS, or if you prefer to have more control over your printer’s wireless settings, you can use a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet to connect your printer to the internet. To do this, you will need to download and install an app or use a web browser that is compatible with your printer model. You can find the app or the web address in your printer’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. To use a mobile device to connect your printer to the internet, follow these steps:
Make sure your router and printer are turned on and within range of each other. The router should have a Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and a password (key) that you can use to connect your devices. The printer should have a Wi-Fi Direct or a Wireless Setup mode that you can activate using the buttons or the display screen on the device.
Connect your mobile device to the same Wi-Fi network as your router, or to the Wi-Fi Direct or Wireless Setup network of your printer. You may need to enter the password or the PIN code of the network to join it.
Open the app or the web browser on your mobile device and follow the instructions to set up your printer’s wireless connection. You may need to enter the SSID and the key of your router’s network, or scan a QR code or a barcode on your printer. You may also need to select the printer model and the connection type (Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct) on your mobile device.
Wait for a few minutes, until the app or the web browser confirms that the connection is successful and your printer is now online.
You can now print from any device that is connected to the same network as your printer, without the need for a computer. You can use the printer’s web interface, mobile app, or email service to print documents, photos, or web pages.
Troubleshooting and Optimizing Your Printer’s Internet Connection
Sometimes, you may encounter some issues when trying to connect your printer to the internet without a computer. Here are some common problems and solutions that may help you fix them:
The printer does not connect to the router or the mobile device. This could be due to several reasons, such as interference, distance, or compatibility. To solve this, you can try to move your printer and your router or your mobile device closer to each other, or to a different location that has less interference from other devices or objects. You can also try to restart your printer and your router or your mobile device, or to reset your printer’s network settings to the factory defaults. You can also check if your printer and your router or your mobile device have the latest firmware or software updates, and if they support the same wireless standards and security protocols.
The printer connects to the internet, but the printing is slow or fails. This could be due to several reasons, such as network congestion, low signal strength, or high resolution. To solve this, you can try to reduce the number of devices that are connected to the same network as your printer, or to use a different network that has less traffic or interference. You can also try to improve the signal strength of your network by moving your printer and your router closer to each other, or by using a wireless extender or a mesh network. You can also try to lower the resolution or the quality of your print jobs, or to use a different file format or a compression tool to reduce the size of your documents or photos.
The printer does not support the features or the functions that you want to use. This could be due to several reasons, such as printer model, app compatibility, or service availability. To solve this, you can try to check if your printer supports the features or the functions that you want to use, such as duplex printing, scanning, faxing, or cloud printing. You can also try to find and use a different app or a web browser that is compatible with your printer model and offers the features or the functions that you want to use. You can also try to check if the service that you want to use, such as email or web printing, is available and enabled on your printer and your network.
By following these tips, you can troubleshoot and optimize your printer’s internet connection and enjoy the convenience and flexibility of printing without a computer.
Conclusion
Connecting your printer to the internet without a computer is possible and easy, as long as you have a wireless router and a mobile device that are compatible with your printer model. You can use WPS to connect your printer to the router by pressing a button on both devices, or you can use a mobile device to set up your printer’s wireless connection using an app or a web browser. You can also troubleshoot and optimize your printer’s internet connection by following some simple steps and solutions. By doing this, you can print from any device that is connected to the same network as your printer, without the need for a computer.
