Wireless printers eliminated the hassle of USB cables tethering computers to specific locations. Print from anywhere in your home using smartphones, tablets, or laptops without physical connections. This convenience transforms printing from a desk-bound chore into a flexible activity fitting modern lifestyles.
Understanding which wireless printer features matter helps you avoid overspending on capabilities you’ll never use while ensuring you get necessary functions. This guide explains wireless printing technology, reviews popular home options, and walks through setup processes.
How WiFi Printers Work
Wireless printers connect to home networks enabling any networked device to print:
WiFi Direct: Printers create their own wireless networks allowing direct device connections without routers.
Network Printing: Printers join home WiFi networks like other devices becoming accessible to everything on the network.
Cloud Printing: Services like Google Cloud Print (discontinued but alternatives exist) enable printing from anywhere via internet.
Mobile Apps: Manufacturer apps on smartphones and tablets send print jobs directly to compatible printers.
AirPrint (Apple): iPhones and iPads print to compatible printers without installing drivers.
Most modern wireless printers use standard WiFi connecting to home networks identically to computers and phones.
All-in-One vs Single-Function Printers
Two main printer categories serve different needs:
All-in-One (Multifunction) Printers:
– Print, scan, copy functions combined
– More expensive but better value for multiple needs
– Larger footprint requiring more desk space
– Examples: HP Envy 4500, Canon PIXMA TR4550
Single-Function Printers:
– Print only without scanning or copying
– Cheaper and more compact
– Sufficient if you only need printing
– Examples: HP DeskJet 2700, Brother HL-L2350DW
Most home users benefit from all-in-one units. The ability to scan documents and make copies justifies modest price premiums.
Popular Budget WiFi Printers
Several affordable options deliver reliable wireless printing:
HP Envy 4500:
– All-in-one with print, scan, copy
– WiFi and mobile printing supported
– Automatic document feeder optional
– Approximately £60-80
– Good print quality for photos and documents
– Uses HP 301 ink cartridges
HP DeskJet 4535:
– Compact all-in-one design
– WiFi connectivity standard
– Touchscreen interface
– Around £70-90
– Mobile printing via HP Smart app
– Uses HP 302 or 304 ink cartridges
Canon PIXMA TS3350:
– All-in-one wireless printer
– Compact design suits small spaces
– WiFi setup via smartphone
– Approximately £50-70
– Decent photo printing quality
– Uses Canon PG-545/CL-546 cartridges
Brother DCP-L2530DW:
– Monochrome laser all-in-one
– Fast printing (30 pages per minute)
– Automatic duplex (two-sided) printing
– Around £130-150
– Lower running costs than inkjet
– Uses Brother TN-2420 toner cartridges
Inkjet vs Laser for Home Use
Two printing technologies suit different usage patterns:
Inkjet Printers:
– Lower purchase prices (£50-150 typically)
– Better photo printing quality
– Higher per-page costs
– Ink dries if not used regularly
– Slower printing speeds
– Best for: Occasional printing, photos, color documents
Laser Printers:
– Higher purchase prices (£100-300 typically)
– Faster printing speeds
– Lower per-page costs
– Toner doesn’t dry out
– Better for high-volume printing
– Best for: Frequent printing, text documents, offices
Home users printing occasionally benefit from inkjet affordability. Heavy users printing regularly save money long-term with laser printers despite higher upfront costs.
Setting Up WiFi Printers
Configuration follows similar processes across brands:
Unbox and Install Cartridges:
– Remove packaging materials and protective tape
– Install ink cartridges or toner following instructions
– Load paper into input tray
– Power on printer
Connect to WiFi Network:
– Access printer’s control panel or touchscreen
– Navigate to WiFi or Network Settings
– Select your home network from list
– Enter WiFi password when prompted
– Confirm successful connection
Install Printer Software (Optional):
– Download manufacturer app or drivers from website
– Run installation following on-screen prompts
– Software detects printer automatically typically
– Complete setup wizard
Add Printer to Devices:
– On Windows: Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners > Add Printer
– On Mac: System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > Click +
– On Phone: Install manufacturer app (HP Smart, Canon Print, Brother iPrint, etc.)
Test Print:
– Send test page from computer or phone
– Verify quality and alignment
– Adjust settings if needed
Most modern printers simplify setup using smartphone apps walking through connections step-by-step.
Mobile Printing Features
Smartphone and tablet printing expanded wireless printer utility:
Manufacturer Apps:
– HP Smart app for HP printers
– Canon Print for Canon devices
– Epson iPrint for Epson printers
– Brother iPrint&Scan for Brother units
These apps enable printing photos, documents, web pages, and cloud files directly from phones.
AirPrint (Apple):
– Built into iOS and macOS
– No app installation required
– Print button appears in apps automatically
– Works with AirPrint-compatible printers
Google Cloud Print (Discontinued):
– Google discontinued this service December 2020
– Alternatives include manufacturer apps and WiFi Direct
WiFi Direct:
– Print without joining home network
– Useful when visiting others or in temporary locations
– Creates direct printer-to-device connection
Maximizing Print Quality
Several factors affect output quality:
Paper Quality: Premium paper delivers better results especially for photos. Cheap paper shows through causing faded colors.
Cartridge Freshness: Old ink dries affecting quality. Replace cartridges showing low levels.
Print Settings: Select “Best” or “Photo” quality for important documents accepting slower speeds.
Regular Use: Printers used weekly maintain better quality than those sitting idle months.
Nozzle Cleaning: Run cleaning cycles when noticing streaks or faded colors.
Proper Storage: Store paper flat in dry locations preventing curling and moisture absorption.
Reducing Printing Costs
Ink and toner expenses add up quickly:
Draft Mode: Use draft quality for internal documents saving ink significantly.
Black-and-White Default: Configure printing grayscale by default unless color needed.
Print Preview: Review before printing catching errors preventing wasted pages.
Two-Sided Printing: Enable duplex printing reducing paper consumption 50%.
Compatible Cartridges: Third-party cartridges cost less than manufacturer originals though quality varies.
Ink Subscription Services: HP Instant Ink and similar programs deliver cartridges monthly based on usage often saving money.
Print Less: Question whether you actually need paper copies. Digital alternatives often suffice.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Several issues frequently affect wireless printers:
Problem: Printer Not Found on Network
Solution: Verify printer powered on and connected to WiFi. Check devices on same network. Restart printer and router. Reinstall printer on devices. Move printer closer to router reducing interference.
Problem: Print Jobs Stuck in Queue
Solution: Cancel all pending jobs in print queue. Restart printer and computer. Check paper and ink levels. Update printer drivers. Remove and re-add printer.
Problem: Poor Print Quality
Solution: Run nozzle cleaning cycles. Replace low or empty cartridges. Check paper quality. Clean printer heads. Align cartridges using printer utility.
Problem: Slow Printing Speed
Solution: Check WiFi signal strength. Reduce print quality for drafts. Update printer firmware. Close other applications using network bandwidth. Use USB connection for large jobs.
Problem: Cannot Print from Phone
Solution: Verify phone and printer on same WiFi network. Update manufacturer app. Restart phone and printer. Check phone connected to 2.4GHz not 5GHz network if printer doesn’t support 5GHz.
Printer Security Considerations
Wireless printers create potential security vulnerabilities:
Change Default Passwords: Admin passwords on printers often use defaults like “admin.” Change these immediately.
Disable Unnecessary Features: Turn off web interfaces and services not actively used.
Update Firmware Regularly: Printer manufacturers release security patches fixing vulnerabilities.
Network Segmentation: Consider placing printers on guest networks isolating from computers with sensitive data.
Disable WiFi Direct: If not needed, disabling WiFi Direct reduces attack surface.
Monitor Access: Review printer logs if available watching for unauthorized usage.
Maintaining Wireless Printers
Regular maintenance extends printer life and maintains quality:
Weekly Usage: Print at least weekly preventing ink drying and nozzles clogging.
Monthly Cleaning: Run nozzle cleaning cycles monthly even without quality issues.
Firmware Updates: Check quarterly for firmware updates installing improvements.
Physical Cleaning: Wipe exterior monthly removing dust. Clean paper feed rollers preventing jams.
Cartridge Inspection: Check ink levels before important print jobs preventing mid-job interruptions.
Paper Storage: Keep paper in sealed packages maintaining proper humidity and preventing curling.
When WiFi Printers Make Sense
Specific situations benefit from wireless printing:
Multiple Users: Families and small offices benefit from shared network printers.
Mobile Printing: Users printing from phones and tablets need wireless capabilities.
Flexible Placement: Wireless eliminates location restrictions from cable lengths.
Reduced Cable Clutter: Eliminating USB cables creates cleaner desk setups.
Guest Printing: Visitors can print without complicated cable connections.
When Wired Printers Work Better
Sometimes traditional USB connections serve better:
Single User Setups: Solo users lose little from dedicated USB connections.
Network Issues: Poor WiFi coverage makes wireless printing frustrating.
Security Concerns: Air-gapped printers prevent network-based attacks.
Reliability Priority: Wired connections eliminate WiFi dropout issues.
Older Computers: Legacy systems sometimes struggle with wireless printer setup.
WiFi printers like HP Envy 4500 and Canon PIXMA series deliver convenient wireless printing from computers and mobile devices throughout homes. All-in-one units combining print, scan, and copy functions provide best value for most users. Proper setup ensuring strong WiFi connectivity and regular maintenance cleaning nozzles keeps printers performing reliably. While inkjet printers suit occasional home printing, laser alternatives benefit heavy users with lower per-page costs despite higher purchase prices. Match your printing frequency and document types to appropriate printer technology for best long-term value.
