Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFor the simplest setup across several computers and phones, connect the printer directly to your home Wi-Fi, then add it separately on each device. If the printer is plugged into one Windows PC instead, that PC must share it and remain available as the host. The exact setup menus and supported printing methods vary by printer model.
Choose the right way to share the printer
| Method | Best fit | What it requires |
|---|---|---|
| Connect the printer to Wi-Fi | Several computers or phones need to print independently. | The printer and each device need a compatible printing service and access to the same local network. Brother explains network access for devices sharing a network. |
| Share a printer from a Windows PC | A USB-connected or locally attached printer needs to be available to other PCs. | The host PC must enable sharing and network discovery, and other PCs must be able to reach it. Host credentials may be required. Microsoft’s instructions cover Windows 10 and Windows 11. |
| Wi-Fi Direct | A supported printer cannot join the regular Wi-Fi network, or a direct connection is preferable. | Both printer and client must support the feature. It connects directly and does not require internet access, according to HP’s guide for supported wireless LaserJet Pro models. |
| USB-assisted Wi-Fi setup | The printer’s instructions offer computer-assisted network setup. | A cable may be needed temporarily. The required cable and procedure depend on the model; check its documentation before buying anything. Apple describes a USB-assisted setup option for some printers. |
Connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network
Have the Wi-Fi network name and password ready. If the printer has a screen, open its wireless or network setup, select your household network, and enter the password. This is a common approach for printers with built-in displays, but the labels and steps differ by model. Use the printer’s manual for its exact setup sequence.
Some printers instead use a setup assistant on a computer, a temporary USB connection, WPS, or another manufacturer-supported method. Do not assume a button sequence for one brand applies to another. Apple’s AirPrint setup overview is general guidance, not a model-specific manual.
A printer’s temporary or ad-hoc network is not necessarily the same as joining your home Wi-Fi. During some Mac setup flows, the Mac temporarily joins the printer’s network and loses its regular Wi-Fi connection; return the Mac to the household network when setup is complete. See Apple’s setup guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- UPC: 198828789662
- Weight: 10.450 lbs
Add a Wi-Fi printer on each device
Once the printer is connected to the network, add it in each computer or mobile device’s printer settings, or use the printer maker’s supported setup app. A network-connected printer is generally added by each device; it does not need to be shared through a computer.
On Apple devices
For printing through AirPrint, the printer must support AirPrint and be reachable on the same wireless network as the iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Follow the printer-specific instructions to join it to Wi-Fi. Apple recommends checking the printer documentation or contacting its manufacturer for detailed model-specific steps. See Apple’s AirPrint setup overview and Apple’s AirPrint information.
Rank #2
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
On other computers and phones
Use the operating system’s printer settings or the manufacturer’s supported app, and confirm that the device can reach the printer on the local network. Discovery is not guaranteed for every combination of printer and device: supported services, compatibility, and network configuration all matter.
Share a printer connected to a Windows PC
Use this route when the printer is attached to a Windows computer rather than connected directly to Wi-Fi. The attached computer is the host: it must share the printer, and other computers connect to that host’s shared printer.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
- On the host PC, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer, and open Printer properties.
- On the Sharing tab, enable Share this printer and note the share name.
- Confirm that the host and client PCs are connected to the same local network. In Windows network settings, enable Network discovery and File and printer sharing.
- On the client PC, add the shared printer from its printer settings. If it does not appear, use the add-printer flow and enter
\ComputerNamePrinterShareName, substituting the host PC’s name and the share name you noted.
Windows may prompt for credentials; use an account valid on the host PC. If the client cannot reach the host computer at all, fix that network or name-resolution access first. Microsoft’s steps apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11; menu labels can vary by version.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Try Wi-Fi Direct when the regular network is not an option
Some printers can connect directly to a laptop or mobile device using Wi-Fi Direct, without joining the household wireless network or requiring internet access. It is model-dependent: check the printer manual and the client device’s instructions for setup, security details, and compatibility. HP documents this option for supported wireless LaserJet Pro printers in its Wi-Fi Direct guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Wireless Bluetooth Printer: Portable thermal printer compatible with iPhone, Android phones, iPad and tablet computers via Bluetooth. For smartphones, please download the "Nada Print" App. You can also connect to laptops and computers for printing using a USB-C cable. (Note: Laptops and computers can only be connected via USB and require the installation of a driver first. Bluetooth connection is not supported.)
- No-ink printing: Only supports US Letter and A4 size thermal paper.(Doesn't support regular paper) The no-ink portable thermal printer uses direct thermal technology, requiring no ink, toner or ribbons, making it environmentally friendly, cost-effective and time-saving. The thermal printer package comes with a roll of US Letter thermal printing paper. Note: When installing the paper, remember to switch the paper size switch on APP
- Clear Print: NDYIN N80 portable thermal printer adopts high-definition printing technology, with a 203DPI resolution to provide you with clear printing results. This mobile printer is compatible with roll paper, folded paper and tattoo transfer paper, supporting printing from your mobile phone PDF, Word, pictures and web pages anytime and anywhere. It is recommended to use our NDYIN thermal paper to achieve good printing quality
- Portable wireless printer for travel: The thermal printer is equipped with a built-in 1500mAh rechargeable battery, which can print 160 sheets of 8.5" x 11" thermal paper after being fully charged. It weighs only 1.5 pounds and is compact in size. This ink-free portable printer can be easily carried in a backpack or briefcase! It is perfect for business travel, cars, small offices, construction sites, schools and homes. You can print documents, contracts, invoices and boarding passes anytime and anywhere
- The N80 thermal printer has a wide range of uses. The package includes the N80 printer, a roll of US Letter paper(7m/roll), a user manual, a guide card, a type-C soft cable and a type C adapter. Note: The charging adapter is not included. Special thermal paper is required for use; ordinary paper cannot be used. This ink-free portable thermal printer is suitable for various scenarios such as home, school, travel, office, and outdoor, meeting the printing needs of different groups of people. This tattoo template printer is also compatible with tattoo transfer paper, making it an ideal choice for tattoo art
Rank #4
- AFFORDABLE ALL-IN-ONE FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Print, copy, and scan on one compact wireless printer designed for everyday home office printing, schoolwork, documents, and reports. Produce beautiful prints for results that stand out.
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the simple-to-use 1.8” color display on your printer.
- FULL-SIZE FEATURES IN A COMPACT DESIGN: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), and a 150-sheet paper tray(3). Engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- MOBILE PRINTING MADE EASY: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor your ink usage with Page Gauge to help ensure you don’t run out(6).
Troubleshoot a printer that does not appear
- Check the printer’s network connection. Make sure it is powered on and has joined the intended Wi-Fi network. If setup failed, verify the selected network name and password. Follow the model’s instructions; Apple’s overview notes that methods vary by printer. Apple setup guidance and HP setup guidance are examples, not universal procedures.
- Check local reachability and compatibility. Confirm the device can access the local network and that the printer supports the method you are using. For AirPrint, verify AirPrint support and same-network connectivity. See Apple’s AirPrint information.
- For Windows sharing, check the host. Confirm that printer sharing is enabled, both PCs can reach each other on the local network, and Network discovery plus File and printer sharing are enabled. Microsoft’s sharing guidance explains the Windows setup.
- If Windows asks, sign in with valid host credentials. If automatic discovery still fails, add the printer using the host and share path:
\ComputerNamePrinterShareName. - Check for network isolation. Guest Wi-Fi, VLANs, or office network rules can block discovery between devices. Ask the network administrator whether printer discovery or IP-based access is permitted. HP discusses guest networks and VLANs in its printer setup guidance.
- Use Wi-Fi Direct only if supported. Confirm both devices support it and that a direct connection suits your needs. HP’s guide describes supported models and the no-internet connection option.
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