how to add printer by ip address

3 min read 29-01-2025

Adding a printer using its IP address is a handy method, especially for network printers or those without readily available driver installations. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for various operating systems. Knowing your printer's IP address is crucial; usually found in its network settings or printed on a sticker on the device itself.

Finding Your Printer's IP Address

Before starting, locate your printer's IP address. This is usually printed on a sticker on the printer itself, found within its network settings menu (often accessed through a web interface), or discovered via your router's connected devices list.

Adding a Printer by IP Address: A System-Specific Guide

The process varies slightly depending on your operating system. Below are detailed instructions for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

How to Add a Printer by IP Address on Windows

Open the Printers & Scanners Settings: Search for "Printers & Scanners" in the Windows search bar and select it.
Add a Printer or Scanner: Click the "Add a printer or scanner" button. Windows will search for printers automatically. If your printer doesn't appear, proceed to the next step.
The Printer Was Not Found: Click "The printer that I want isn't listed".
Add a Printer Manually: Select "Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname".
Enter Printer Details: Enter your printer's IP address in the provided field. Choose the appropriate port type (usually Standard TCP/IP Port). You might also be asked to provide a printer name.
Install the Driver: Windows will automatically attempt to locate and install the necessary drivers. If it fails, you may need to manually install them from the printer manufacturer's website. You’ll need the printer model number.
Test the Connection: Once the driver installs, test the print connection to ensure it's working correctly.

How to Add a Printer by IP Address on macOS

Open System Preferences: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences."
Select Printers & Scanners: Click on the "Printers & Scanners" icon.
Click the Plus Icon: In the bottom-left corner, click the "+" icon to add a new printer.
Select "IP" as the Protocol: Choose "IP" from the Protocol dropdown menu.
Enter Printer Details: Enter your printer's IP address and select the appropriate printer type from the list provided (this might require some searching by model). You'll likely need to select a driver if one isn’t automatically found.
Set Up Printer Name: Name your printer for easier identification.
Test Print: Send a test print to confirm the printer is correctly configured.

How to Add a Printer by IP Address on Linux (Example: Ubuntu)

The process varies slightly depending on your specific Linux distribution. This example focuses on Ubuntu.

Open System Settings: Access your system settings menu. The exact method depends on your desktop environment (GNOME, KDE, etc.).
Locate Printers: Look for an option related to "Printers," "Printing," or "Devices".
Add a Printer: This often involves a button or option to add a new printer.
Select Network Printer: Choose the option to add a network printer.
Specify IP Address: Enter the IP address of your printer. You might need to provide other details like the printer name and model. The system should detect the driver, but you might have to manually locate it if it does not appear.
Test Page: Print a test page to verify connectivity.

If your driver isn't automatically detected, you may need to download it manually from the printer manufacturer's website. The driver should be compatible with your Linux distribution.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Incorrect IP Address: Double-check the IP address for typos.
Network Connectivity: Ensure your computer and printer are connected to the same network.
Firewall Issues: Temporarily disable your firewall to rule out any interference.
Driver Problems: Use the correct driver for your printer model. Consult the manufacturer’s website.
Port Conflicts: If you’re having trouble, change the port number or use a different port type (e.g., LPD).

Adding a printer by IP address can seem daunting, but with clear instructions and a little patience, it’s a manageable task. Remember to consult your printer's documentation and your operating system's help resources if you encounter difficulties. Happy printing!