I have a new wireless printer but can’t figure out how to connect it to my iPhone. I tried checking the settings and adding a device, but it’s not showing up. Could someone explain what steps I should follow to make it work?
Okay, so you got a new wireless printer, and it’s not talking to your iPhone. Been there, done that! First, ensure your printer is AirPrint-compatible because if it’s not, this entire process will make you want to throw it out the window. Check the manual or Google ‘Is [insert printer model here] AirPrint-compatible.’ If it is, rock on. If not… return it, honestly.
Assuming it is AirPrint-friendly, make sure both your iPhone and your printer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Not your neighbor’s Wi-Fi with the funky name, your actual network. Open a random app on your iPhone, something like Notes or Photos, and hit the share button. Scroll down until you see ‘Print’ (yes, it’s hiding). If your printer pops up there, congrats, you’ve won the wireless printer lottery. Select it and you’re gold.
If it doesn’t show up, check that the printer’s Wi-Fi light is on or blinking, and maybe smack it lovingly because technology loves drama. Go to the printer settings, re-enter your Wi-Fi credentials (correctly this time), and make sure it’s connected. Still nothing? Restart both your iPhone AND the printer. Because, let’s face it, 90% of tech problems are solved by turning things off and back on again.
If it’s still not appearing, maybe your router is archaic, or your printer needs a firmware update. Yes, printers apparently need updates like phones now. Check the manufacturer’s app or website for that. Pro tip: some apps will guide you through the setup process, so it’s worth downloading.
But if after all this, it STILL isn’t working? Burn it. Or call tech support. Or switch to smoke signals. Your choice.
Alright, so your shiny new wireless printer is playing hard-to-get with your iPhone. Classic! While @reveurdenuit covered a lot (and threw some solid printer shade), here’s another angle: did you download the printer’s companion app? These manufacturers love their apps, and sometimes they’re the ONLY way to connect things properly. Like, ‘use the app or feel my wrath’ levels of dependency.
Find the app—search for something like ‘HP Smart,’ ‘Epson iPrint,’ or whatever brand you’ve got. Once installed, it’ll guide you step-by-step through connecting the printer to Wi-Fi, because sometimes AirPrint alone doesn’t cut it. Also, make sure the firmware on the printer isn’t stuck in 2010. Printer firmware updates are a thing, and yeah, I hate it too.
Another curveball scenario: if you’re using a dual-band router, your printer and iPhone could be on different frequencies. For example, your iPhone’s on the 5GHz network and your printer is stuck on good ol’ 2.4GHz. Check your router settings and unify the bands if possible—or manually switch the one your iPhone connects to.
One thing I’ll disagree with on @reveurdenuit’s advice: smacking tech rarely works unless you’re filming a sitcom. Maybe just question its life choices politely instead. But if all else fails, sometimes disabling and re-enabling Wi-Fi on your iPhone can help it find the printer—it’s like a wake-up call for lazy connections. Also, prayer? That’s always an option.
Give these a go before you resort to smoke signals or carrier pigeons because, let’s be real, the latter is just bad for the birds.