How to Print From a Chromebook

There are many advantages of using a lightweight laptop like a Chromebook. Sure, the web-first design makes it somewhat different from a Windows 10 laptop or MacBook, but it can easily handle simple tasks just like the competition — even printing.

Ensuring that your printer is paired with your Chromebook is pretty straightforward — but it may not be what you’re used to. Here’s how you can set up a wired or wireless printer to print from your Chromebook.

Further reading:

Set up your printer with Wi-Fi

If you don’t already have your printer on your wireless network, you can likely use the embedded touch display to walk yourself through the setup wizard. Otherwise, you’ll need the manual, which you can download from the manufacturer’s website.

If you don’t have the option to use wireless printing, go ahead and skip to the next section. Otherwise, start by turning the printer on and making sure that it’s functioning correctly and connected to the wireless network.

Step 1: Click the system clock located in the bottom-right corner and verify that your Chromebook is connected to the same network as the printer.

Step 2: With the pop-up menu still active, click the Cog icon, as shown below. This opens the Settings window.

Step 3: Click the down arrow next to Advanced to expand the menu.

Step 4: Click Printing on the expanded menu.

Step 5: Click the Printers option on the right.

Step 6: Chrome OS should detect and list your printer. Click Save and it’ll be automatically moved to the Your Saved Printers category and set as your default.

In this example, we added an Epson XP-7100 Series printer.

Step 7: If your printer doesn’t automatically appear, click the blue Plus icon to the right of Add Printer. A pop-up window appears for you to enter a name, the printer’s IP address, the protocol (typically IPP), and the queue (typically ipp/print).

Step 8: When finished, click Add.

Set up your printer with a USB cable

If your printer is older and doesn’t support Wi-Fi connections, you can set up your printer using a USB cable. However, this method may not work on older printers because you can’t install software or drivers on a Chromebook.

Step 1: Connect your printer’s USB cable to the appropriate port on the Chromebook. You may need a USB-A to USB-C adapter, depending on the Chromebook model. Also, verify that the printer is on and functioning normally.

Step 2: Once plugged in, click the System Clock located at the bottom-right corner, followed by the Cog icon on the pop-up menu. This opens the Settings window.

Step 3: Click the down arrow next to Advanced to expand the menu.

Step 4: Click Printing on the expanded menu.

Step 5: Click the Printers option on the right.

Step 6: Chrome OS should detect and list your printer. Click Save and it’ll be automatically moved to the Your Saved Printers category and set as your default.

How to print on a Chromebook

Now that your printer is all set up, you are ready to print from your Chromebook.

Step 1: Open the page you need to print and press the Ctrl + P keys simultaneously. Alternatively, you can click the three-dot button located in the top-right corner and select Print on the menu.

Step 2: You should see a pop-up window appear on your screen. Locate the Destination field and make sure your printer is listed. If not, click the down arrow and find it on the drop-down menu. You can also select See More to locate other printers connected to your computer.

Step 3: After you’ve verified your printer, you should confirm other general settings.

Step 4: Make sure you’ve put in the correct number of pages and copies you want to print and go over the layout to confirm everything is right.

Step 5: Lastly, check the color setting — you don’t want to print a black-and-white document when you need full color.

Note: Click More Settings for more options regarding paper size, quality, scale, margins, and more.

Step 6: Select the Print button to start printing.

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