How To Connect A Printer To A Chromebook
by
Gloria Brown
Post Updated: January 18, 2026
To connect a printer to your Chromebook, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, then go to Settings > Advanced > Print and scan > Printers. Your printer should appear automatically under “Available printers”, just click Save to add it.
Gone are the days of Google Cloud Print. In 2026, most printers are “driverless,” meaning they work instantly without installing messy software.
Whether you have an HP, Canon, Epson, or Brother, this guide will get you printing in minutes.
Having trouble finding your printer? Contact us here or leave a comment below for help.
Check This First!
90% of printing issues happen because of these three things:
- Is the printer turned ON?
- Is the printer connected to Wi-Fi (or plugged in via USB)?
- Is your Chromebook on the EXACT same Wi-Fi network as the printer? (e.g., not on “Guest” vs “Home”).
Method 1: Wireless Connection (Automatic)
This is the standard way to connect most modern printers.
- Click on the Time/Clock in the bottom right corner of your screen.
- Click the Settings Gear ⚙️ icon.
- On the left sidebar, click Advanced to expand the menu, then choose Print and scan.
- Click on Printers.
- Look under the “Available printers to save” section. If you see your printer, click the Save button next to it.
That’s it! Your printer is now saved and ready to use.
Method 2: Using a USB Cable
If Wi-Fi is acting up, the old-school cable method still works perfectly.
- Plug the USB cable into your printer and your Chromebook.
- A notification should pop up on your screen saying “Printer detected”.
- Follow the on-screen prompt to finish the setup.
Note: If your Chromebook only has USB-C ports, you might need a small USB-C to USB-A adapter (dongle).
Method 3: Adding a Printer Manually
If your printer isn’t showing up automatically, you can add it using its IP Address.
- Go back to Settings > Print and scan > Printers.
- Click the icon next to Add Printer (it looks like a plus sign +).
- Name: Type anything (e.g., “Home Office HP”).
- Address: Type your printer’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.50). (You can usually find this by printing a “Network Configuration Page” from your printer’s physical menu).
- Protocol: Leave as IPP (Internet Printing Protocol).
- Click Add.
Managing printers for a school or office? Google Workspace lets IT admins deploy printers remotely to hundreds of Chromebooks instantly.
Bonus: How to Scan on Chromebook
Did you know ChromeOS has a built-in scanning app? You don’t need to use your printer’s tiny screen.
- Place your document in the scanner.
- Open your Chromebook Launcher (the circle button) and search for “Scan”.
- Open the Scan app.
- Select your printer, choose PDF or JPG, and click Scan.
- The file will be saved directly to your Downloads folder.
⚠️ Troubleshooting: Why Won’t It Print?
If you see errors like “Filter Failed” or “Printer Offline,” try these quick fixes:
Error: “Filter Failed”
This often happens with PPD files. Remove the printer from settings and re-add it using the “Generic / IPP Everywhere” manufacturer option instead of the specific brand.
Error: “Printer Offline”
Restart both your Chromebook and the Printer. If that fails, check if your router has “AP Isolation” turned on (this blocks devices from talking to each other).
🎥 Watch the Video Guide
🔗 More Chromebook Guides
Now that your printer is set up, master the rest of your device:
- Want better internet? Read how to easily connect your Chromebook to Wifi.
- Need more storage? Learn how to format an SD Card or USB Drive on your Chromebook.
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