The basic steps to add a printer to a Chromebook
Adding a printer to a Chromebook works differently than on Windows or Mac because Chromebooks run a simpler operating system. Most printers connect through your home WiFi network rather than a USB cable, and the Chromebook finds them automatically. If your printer is already on the same WiFi network as your Chromebook, you may only need to open the print dialog and select it from the list.
The process depends on whether your printer is cloud-ready (built to work with Google services) or an older model that needs a workaround. Cloud-ready printers include most models made in the last five years from brands like HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother. Older printers can still work, but they require an extra step called Google Cloud Print setup, which involves registering the printer through a computer that stays powered on.
Before you start, make sure your printer is turned on and connected to your WiFi network. Check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website if you are not sure how to connect it to WiFi — this step happens on the printer itself, not on the Chromebook.
Key Takeaways
- Most modern printers connect automatically to your Chromebook once they are on the same WiFi network; you just select them from the print dialog.
- If your printer does not appear in the print dialog, restart both the printer and Chromebook, then check that they are on the same WiFi network.
- Older printers that lack WiFi can work through Google Cloud Print, but require a computer that stays powered on to act as a relay.
- USB-connected printers do not work with Chromebooks, so WiFi or cloud setup is your only option.
How to print from a Chromebook to a WiFi printer
Open the document, photo, or webpage you want to print. Press Ctrl + P on your keyboard, or click the menu button (three horizontal lines in the top right) and select Print. A print dialog will open showing available printers.
Look for your printer's name in the list. If you see it, click it to select it, then click Print. The printer should start printing within a few seconds. If you do not see your printer listed, move to the troubleshooting section below.
You can also change basic settings before printing: paper size, color or black-and-white, number of copies, and page range. These options appear in the same dialog. Some printers offer additional settings like print quality or double-sided printing — these show up if your printer supports them.
What to do if your printer does not appear
First, restart both devices. Turn off your printer completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your Chromebook by clicking the time in the bottom right, selecting the power icon, and choosing Restart. Wait for both to fully boot up, then try printing again.
Next, confirm both devices are on the same WiFi network. On your Chromebook, click the time in the bottom right and check which network you are connected to. On your printer, look at the WiFi settings menu (usually found through the printer's touchscreen or buttons) and verify it shows the same network name. If the printer is on a different network, reconnect it to the correct one using the printer's menu.
If the printer still does not appear, try adding it manually. On your Chromebook, click the time, then the settings gear icon. Select Printers and Scanners on the left side. Click Add Printer, then search for your printer by name or model number. Select it from the results and click Add.
Using Google Cloud Print for older printers
If your printer has no WiFi capability and only connects via USB, you can use Google Cloud Print to print from your Chromebook. This method requires a Windows PC or Mac that stays powered on and connected to the internet. The computer acts as a relay between your Chromebook and the printer.
On the computer with the printer attached, open Google Chrome and go to chrome://devices. Sign in with the same Google account you use on your Chromebook. Click Manage Classic Printers, then Add Classic Printers. Select your printer from the list and click Add Printer. The printer is now registered to your Google account.
On your Chromebook, open the print dialog as usual. Your registered printer should appear in the list under "Save to Google Drive" or "Google Cloud Print." Select it and print normally. The job will send to your Google account, and the computer with the printer will receive it and print it automatically.
Keep in mind that this computer must stay powered on and signed into Chrome for printing to work. If you turn it off or sign out, your Chromebook cannot reach the printer. This is why cloud printing works best for printers you use regularly — if you only print occasionally, a WiFi printer is simpler.
Printing to PDF instead of paper
Chromebooks also let you save any print job as a PDF file instead of printing to paper. Press Ctrl + P to open the print dialog, then click the dropdown that shows your printer name. Select Save as PDF. Choose where to save the file and click Save. The PDF appears in your Downloads folder and can be opened, edited, or shared later.
This is useful when you want to keep a copy of something without printing it, or when you need to send a document to someone else. You can also email the PDF directly from your Chromebook or upload it to Google Drive.
Connecting a scanner to your Chromebook
Most all-in-one printers include a scanner, and Chromebooks can use them the same way they use the printer function. When you add a printer to your Chromebook, the scanner is usually added at the same time. Open the Files app, click the three-dot menu, and select Scan. Select your printer from the list, adjust the scan settings (color, resolution, file type), and click Scan. The scanned image saves to your Downloads folder as a PDF or image file.
If your scanner does not appear in the Scan menu, restart both devices and check that they are on the same WiFi network, just as you would for printing. Some older scanners may not work with Chromebooks at all — check the manufacturer's website to see if your model is supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print from my Chromebook to a printer at work or school?
Yes, if the printer is on the same WiFi network as your Chromebook. Many workplaces and schools have guest networks or allow personal devices to connect. Ask your IT department or network administrator for the network name and password. Once connected, the printer should appear in your print dialog automatically.
What if my printer keeps disconnecting from WiFi?
Move the printer closer to your WiFi router or remove obstacles between them. If the problem continues, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. You can also try reconnecting the printer to WiFi through its menu. If it still disconnects, check the printer manufacturer's website for firmware updates, which sometimes fix WiFi stability issues.
Do I need to install drivers on my Chromebook?
No. Chromebooks do not use printer drivers the way Windows or Mac computers do. The Chromebook communicates with WiFi printers directly through your network. This is one reason Chromebooks are simpler to set up — you skip the driver installation step entirely.
Can I print wirelessly from my phone to the same printer?
Yes. Most modern printers support printing from phones and tablets over WiFi. On an iPhone, use AirPrint by opening the document and tapping Share, then Print. On Android, open the document and tap the three-dot menu, then Print, and select your printer. The printer must be on the same WiFi network as your phone.
What happens if I move my Chromebook to a different WiFi network?
Your Chromebook will forget the printer connection. When you connect to a new network, open the print dialog and your printer will not appear. You can add it again by going to Settings, Printers and Scanners, and clicking Add Printer. If you return to your home network, the printer should appear automatically in the print dialog again.