How to Add and Connect a Printer to Your Chromebook

Chrome OS supports USB and wireless printers

What to Know

  • For a wired connection, connect with a USB cable. For wireless printing, connect your printer to Wi-Fi.
  • Then select the time > Settings > Advanced > Printing > Printers. Select Add a Printer and choose a printer.
  • To print, open a document > Ctrl+P > choose Destination > See More. Select a printer and print.

This article explains how to add a printer to your Chromebook, which is compatible with most printers connected to Wi-Fi or a wired network. The Google Cloud Print service is discontinued as of January 1, 2021, so that method is not included.

How to Connect a Printer to a Chromebook

You can connect a printer to your Chromebook using a USB cable, or you can print from a device that's connected to your Wi-Fi network.

  1. Turn on the printer and connect to your Wi-Fi network.

  2. Select the time in the lower-right corner of the screen.

    The time on the Chromebook desktop
  3. Select the Settings gear in the pop-up window.

    Settings gear in the Chromebook desktop menu
  4. Select Advanced on the left side of the Settings menu.

    Advanced in Chromebook settings
  5. Select Printing on the left side under Advanced.

    Printing in Chromebook settings
  6. Select Printers.

    Printer in Chromebook settings
  7. Select the Add a printer icon.

    Add a printer icon in Chromebook settings

How to Print on a Chromebook

After you connect a printer to your Chromebook, you can print anything using a simple keyboard shortcut.

  1. Open the document or web page you want to print and select Ctrl+P.

  2. Select the Destination drop-down menu and select See more.

    See more in Chrome print settings
  3. Select your printer. If your printer isn't listed, select Manage.

    Manage in Chromebook print destination settings
  4. Select Print.

FAQ
  • What printers are compatible with Chromebooks?

    Most printers that connect to Wi-Fi or a wired network will work with your Chromebook. Chromebooks don't support Bluetooth printers.

  • How do I fix it when my Chromebook won't connect to my printer?

    Completely shut down your Chromebook, then power it back on and try again. Make sure both devices are connected to the same network. If you still have trouble, update your Chromebook and reboot your network equipment.

  • How do I scan on a Chromebook?

    To scan documents on a Chromebook, use Google's Scan to Cloud feature with Epson printers or with your mobile device. You can use the Embedded Web Server (EWS) for HP printers.

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