There are diverse ways of connecting a computer or laptop to one’s printer; some use Bluetooth, WI-FI connections, and USB.
Most prefer using USB, which is quite a simple and straightforward process. However, connecting one’s laptop or computer to a printer using an IP address is also straightforward.
This guide is mainly an instruction on the procedure to follow to install a printer by IP address. This guide is simple to follow on both Windows and Mac
Steps to add a Printer using an IP address for Windows.
To add a printer using an IP address on Windows 10, follow the steps below;
- Click on the search button in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
- Type in “printers and scanners” and click on Enter.
3. Click on “Add device.
4. Proceed to “The printer that I want isn’t listed” and add manually.
5. Click on “Add a printer using TCP/IP address or hostname.”
6. Go to “Next” in the bottom-right corner of the window.
7. select “TCP/IP Device” under “Device Type.”
8. Type in the IP address of your printer at “Hostname or the IP address.”
9. Click on “Next.”
Note: Make sure to always check the “Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use” box.
That’s all there is to it. It will take a couple of seconds for Windows to locate the printer. Once the two devices are connected, type in the printer’s name. In addition, if you want this device to be set as the default printer, all you need to do is check the “Set as the default printer” box. Afterward, click “Finish,” and you’re good to go.
However, another way of adding a network printer using an IP address on Windows is by using the “Control Panel”.
Follow the steps below;
- Type “control panel” at the search icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen and press Enter.
- Navigate your way to ” Hardware and Sound.”
- Proceed to “Devices and Printers” at the top of the window.
- Click on “Devices and Printers”.
- The next thing to do is proceed “The printer I want isn’t listed”, and click on “Add Device”
- Click on “Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings.” and select “Next”
- Navigate to “Create a new port.”
- Under “Type of port ” select “Standard TCP/IP Port”.
- Type in the IP address and the port name, and go to Next.”
- Choose “Do not share this printer”.
- Go to the printer you are connected to and right-click on it.
- Click on “Finish” in the bottom-right corner of the window.
- select “Set as default printer”.
Procedure to Add a Printer Using an IP Address for Mac.
Adding a printer using the IP address on your Mac also involves a straightforward procedure.
- Go to the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of your screen.
- Choose “System Preference..” on the drop-down menu
- Find “Printers and Scanners” on the list of options and select it.
- Select the “+” in the bottom-left corner of the new window.
- Go to the IP icon on the upper-left part of the new window
- Type in the IP address of your printer.
- Fill out the rest of the information, like the printer’s name and use.
- when you are done, click on “Add” in the bottom-right corner of the tab.
That is all. You have successfully connected your printer to your Mac using its IP address.