How to print from a Chromebook

Photo by James Bareham / The Verge

Sometimes you need a good old-fashioned printout to accompany your digital adventures, even if you don't use online services.

It still isn't always obvious how to get started or which path to embrace, despite the fact that printing from a Chromebook has gotten a lot easier over the years. If you follow this guide, you will be able to make paper from your computer in no time.

The Cloud Print system, which made it a lot easier to print using any cloud- connected device, was demoted to the graveyard in 2020. Some older printers may not be able to print from a Chromebook. Before buying a used printer, make sure it is compatible with ChromeOS. There are some compatible printers on this page.

Add a current wireless printer

If you have a recent printer that is capable of connecting to the internet, you should be able to add it directly to your Chromebook.

Make sure the printer is connected to the same wi-fi network as your computer. The procedure for connecting a printer to the internet varies from model to model, but there is usually a option on the printer. This will walk you through the process.

Did you get the printer online and ready? What to do next?

• Click the clock in the lower-right corner of your Chromebook’s screen. Then click the gear-shaped icon to open its settings.
• Type print into the search box at the top of the settings panel, then select Add printer from the drop-down menu.
• Click on your printer’s name in the list that appears, and click the Set up button to finish the pairing.
• It’s possible that an older printer may appear in the list but may not configure automatically. Try adding the manufacturer and model in the pop-up box that appears. If that doesn’t work, then you’ll have to add it manually.

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Add an older wireless printer

If your printer doesn't show up in the list, you need to click the Add printer button.

• Give the printer any name you want.
• Type its IP address into the Address box. (You can usually find the IP address somewhere in the printer’s display menu. Try looking in its settings for a section about network or wireless configuration.)
• Leave the other two fields as they are, and click the blue Add button. Type in your printer’s manufacturer (e.g., “HP”) and model (e.g., “Officejet Pro 8600”), and select the appropriate options as they appear. Click the blue Add button when you’re done.

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Connect a printer physically to your Chromebook

Don't fret if you're having trouble connecting your printer to the internet if it's an older one. You can connect your printer to a computer with a cable.

• Plug the cable into your printer, and then plug the other end into your Chromebook. (You may need an adapter, depending on what kind of cable you have and what kind of ports your Chromebook provides.)
• You may get a pop-up notice asking you to configure the printer. Click on the pop-up, select Add Printer, and follow the directions.
• Otherwise, open your Chromebook’s settings and type “print” into the search box.
• Select Printing.
• Click on your printer’s name, and click the blue Add button to finish.

That is it! If you want to look for the Print command in any app, hit the Ctrl-P from any browser tab. You may not see the name of your printer in the box that appears. Click in the field if you still don't see your printer. You should look at your printer there. Prepare to print to your heart's content.

The original article was published on April 17th, and has been updated to explain that the Cloud Print feature was eliminated by Google.