How to Print from a Chromebook

Printing from a Chromebook is simpler than it used to be. Google retired the old Cloud Print system years ago, and now Chromebooks print directly to most Wi-Fi and USB printers, no extra app required. Here's how to add your printer and print anything, plus what to do when the printer won't show up.

Step 1: Add your printer

Most modern Wi-Fi printers are found automatically.

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromebook.
2. Click the clock (bottom-right) > gear icon to open Settings.
3. Go to Printing and scanning > Printers.
4. Under "Available printers," find yours and click Set up. It usually configures itself in a few seconds.
5. If it doesn't appear, click Add printer manually and enter the printer's IP address (printed on the printer's own settings or network page).

Step 2: Print anything

1. Open the web page, photo, PDF, or document.
2. Press Ctrl + P (or click the menu > Print).
3. In Destination, choose your printer.
4. Set copies, pages, color or black-and-white, and layout as needed. Click More settings for paper size and two-sided options.
5. Click Print.

Printing with a USB cable

If Wi-Fi printing keeps failing, a cable is the dependable backup. Plug the printer's USB cable into the Chromebook. Chrome OS detects most printers and adds them automatically. Then print with Ctrl + P as usual.

When the printer won't show up

1. Check both are on the same Wi-Fi

This is the number-one cause. Many routers broadcast two networks, a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz, sometimes with different names. Printers often only use 2.4 GHz. Put your Chromebook and printer on the same network name and try again.

2. Restart the printer and Chromebook

Turn the printer fully off, wait ten seconds, and turn it back on. Restart the Chromebook too. This clears most "can't find it" problems.

3. Add it by IP address

On the printer, print a network or configuration page (usually in its Settings menu) to find its IP address, something like 192.168.1.50. Then in Chromebook Settings > Printers > Add printer manually, enter that address.

4. Update Chrome OS

Go to Settings > About ChromeOS > Check for updates and install anything waiting. Printer support improves with updates.

5. Older printers

Very old printers without Wi-Fi or modern standards may not work over the network from a Chromebook. A USB connection usually still works. If not, the printer may simply be too old for Chrome OS.

Good to know

• Save as PDF instead of printing: in the print window, set Destination to "Save as PDF" to keep a digital copy.
• Brand apps aren't required. You generally don't need to install HP, Canon, or Epson software on a Chromebook; it prints directly.
• Scanning from an all-in-one printer works through the same Settings > Printing and scanning area, or the built-in Scan app.

Video walkthrough

Video by Ahmed Dawn on YouTube