To connect printer to hotspot, you need to turn on the printer, access its wireless settings, and select the hotspot network from the list of available Wi-Fi networks. This process allows you to print from your devices when a traditional Wi-Fi network is unavailable, such as while traveling or working remotely.
Before you connect your printer to a hotspot: A quick checklist
Before starting, ensure you have the hotspot name (SSID) and password ready. Make sure the printer is powered on and in a ready state. Determine whether your printer has a control panel with a screen for entering settings or if you will need to use the manufacturer's phone app to complete the setup.
Step 1: Turn on the printer and access its settings
Power on the printer by pressing the power button on its control panel. Wait for the printer to complete its startup sequence, which may include calibration and initialization. Once the printer indicates it is ready, typically shown by a steady indicator light or a message on the display screen, navigate to the network or wireless settings menu on the printer's control panel.
Step 2: Use the wireless setup wizard
Within the settings menu, locate the wireless setup or network setup submenu. Select the Wireless Setup Wizard or a similar option to make the printer scan for available networks, including your hotspot. This step is essential for identifying nearby Wi-Fi networks and is the first action to take if your printer's Wi-Fi setup is stuck searching for a network; the wizard forces the printer to actively search rather than waiting passively.
Step 3: Select your hotspot network
After the scan completes, the printer will display a list of detected networks with their SSIDs. Locate your hotspot's SSID from this list and select it. Pay attention to signal strength indicators if available, as a stronger signal will provide a more stable connection.
Step 4: Enter the hotspot password
The printer will prompt you to enter the hotspot password. Use the printer's interface, whether a touchscreen keyboard or physical buttons, to type the password carefully. Note that passwords are case-sensitive, so check for uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Confirm the entry to proceed with authentication.
Step 5: Complete the setup with the manufacturer's app
To finalize the connection and enable full printing functionality, install the official printer manufacturer's app (such as HP Smart, Canon Print, or Epson iPrint) on your mobile device. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to detect the printer on the hotspot network. This app will handle driver installation and provide access to printing features like scanning and paper size selection. Note that this process differs from connecting a printer to Wi-Fi because the hotspot is a temporary, mobile network rather than a fixed home or office router.
Troubleshooting: What to do if the connection fails
If the hotspot connection fails, consider using Wi-Fi Direct as an alternative. Wi-Fi Direct allows your device to connect directly to the printer without an intermediary network. On the printer, enable Wi-Fi Direct from the wireless settings menu, then connect your phone or laptop to the printer's own Wi-Fi network as you would to any other wireless network. This bypasses the hotspot entirely and provides a direct printing link.
