How to Connect Asus Chromebook to Printer: The Ultimate Guide

Printing from your ASUS Chromebook shouldn‘t be a hassle. Whether you have a new printer or are trying to connect an old one, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring seamless printing from your Chromebook.

Understanding Connection Methods

Before we delve into the specifics, it’s important to understand the various ways you can connect your ASUS Chromebook to a printer:

• Wi-Fi: This is the most convenient option, allowing your Chromebook and printer to communicate wirelessly.
• USB: You can directly connect your printer to your Chromebook via a USB cable. This method is suitable for temporary printing or if your printer lacks Wi-Fi capability.
• Google Cloud Print: This service allows you to print to any printer connected to the internet, even if it’s not directly connected to your Chromebook.

Connecting Your ASUS Chromebook to a Printer via Wi-Fi

This is the most common and user-friendly method. Here’s how to do it:
1. Ensure your printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network. Most modern printers have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. Refer to your printer’s manual for instructions on connecting it to your network.
2. Open the “Settings” app on your Chromebook. You can find it by clicking on the time in the bottom right corner of your screen.
3. Select “Connected devices” and then “Printers.”
4. Click on “Add printer.” Your Chromebook will scan for available printers on your network.
5. Choose your printer from the list.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the connection process. This might involve entering a PIN or confirming the connection.
Once the connection is established, you should be able to print from any supported app on your Chromebook.

Connecting Your ASUS Chromebook to a Printer via USB

If your printer lacks Wi-Fi or you prefer a wired connection, you can connect it via USB:
1. Connect the USB cable to your printer and your Chromebook.
2. Open the “Settings” app on your Chromebook.
3. Select “Connected devices” and then “Printers.”
4. Click on “Add printer.” Your Chromebook will detect the connected printer.
5. Choose your printer from the list.
6. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the setup.

Using Google Cloud Print

Google Cloud Print offers a convenient way to print to any internet-connected printer, regardless of its location. Here’s how to use it:
1. Ensure your printer is compatible with Google Cloud Print. Many modern printers support this service. Check your printer’s documentation or manufacturer’s website for compatibility details.
2. Set up your printer for Google Cloud Print. This process usually involves connecting your printer to your Wi-Fi network and then registering it with Google Cloud Print through your printer’s settings or the manufacturer’s website.
3. On your Chromebook, open the “Settings” app.
4. Select “Connected devices” and then “Printers.”
5. Click on “Add printer.”
6. Choose “Google Cloud Print” from the list.
7. Sign in to your Google account.
8. Select your printer from the list of available printers.
Now, you can print from your Chromebook to any Google Cloud Print-enabled printer, even if it’s located in a different place.

Troubleshooting Common Printing Issues

Even with the best setup, you might encounter some printing problems. Here’s a quick guide to troubleshoot common issues:

• Check your Wi-Fi connection: Ensure both your Chromebook and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Restart your Chromebook and printer: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve connection issues.
• Update your printer drivers: Outdated drivers can lead to printing problems. Visit your printer manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers.
• Check the printer’s ink levels: Low ink levels can cause printing errors.
• Clear the print queue: Sometimes documents get stuck in the print queue. Open the “Print” dialog box and clear any pending print jobs.

Optimizing Your Printing Experience

Once you’ve successfully connected your printer, here are some tips to enhance your printing experience:

• Install printer-specific extensions: Some printers have Chrome extensions designed to provide additional features and functionality. Check the Chrome Web Store for extensions specific to your printer model.
• Use Google Docs for printing: Google Docs is a great option for creating and printing documents from your Chromebook, as it integrates seamlessly with Google Cloud Print.
• Save documents in PDF format: PDFs often print better than other file formats, especially when dealing with complex layouts or images.

Time to Print!

Connecting your ASUS Chromebook to your printer is a straightforward process. With the right steps and a little troubleshooting, you can enjoy seamless printing from your Chromebook.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Can I connect a printer to my Chromebook using Bluetooth?
A: While some printers support Bluetooth, it’s not a common method for connecting Chromebooks to printers. Wi-Fi and USB are the preferred methods.
Q: What if my printer is too old to connect to Wi-Fi?
A: If your printer lacks Wi-Fi capabilities, you can still connect it to your Chromebook using a USB cable. Alternatively, consider using Google Cloud Print if your printer supports it.
Q: My printer doesn’t show up in the list of available printers. What should I do?
A: Ensure your printer is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromebook. If it still doesn’t appear, try restarting your Chromebook and printer. You can also check if your printer’s drivers are up-to-date.
Q: Can I print from multiple Chromebooks to the same printer?
A: Yes, you can connect multiple Chromebooks to the same printer as long as they are all connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Q: What are the best printers for Chromebook users?
A: Many printers work well with Chromebooks. Look for models that support Wi-Fi and Google Cloud Print for the best compatibility. Some popular options include the HP Envy Pro 6455e, Canon PIXMA TR8620, and Epson EcoTank ET-4760.