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How to Install a Printer by IP Address

Installing a printer using its IP address allows you to connect the printer to your home or office network without needing additional software. This makes the printer accessible from all devices on the network. Here is a step-by-step guide to installing a network printer using its IP address on both Windows and Mac computers.

Benefits of Using a Printer’s IP Address

There are several advantages to installing a network printer using its IP address:

  • Simple Setup: You don’t need to install extra software or drivers. Windows and MacOS have built-in support for connecting to printers via IP address.
  • Accessibility: The printer will be available to all devices on your local network instead of just one computer. This allows for easy sharing.
  • Reliability: Connecting via IP address is generally more reliable than a USB or wireless connection which can drop.
  • Remote Printing: You can print from anywhere by accessing the printer’s IP address over the internet (port forwarding required).

Before You Begin

Before installing your printer via IP address, make sure:

  • Your printer supports network connectivity via an Ethernet cable or built-in WiFi.
  • Your printer and computer are on the same local network.
  • You know the IP address of your printer. This can usually be found on the printer’s display screen if it has one.

If you don’t know the IP address, you can check your router’s admin screen for connected devices. The printer will be listed with its IP address there.

Installing on Windows

Follow these steps to install your network printer by IP address on a Windows computer:

  1. Open Devices and Printers: Go to Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers
  2. Click Add a Printer.
  3. Select Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer.
  4. Choose The printer that I want isn’t listed.
  5. Select Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname.
  6. Enter the printer’s IP address in the field provided. The port name will automatically populate.
  7. Allow Windows to detect the driver automatically. Make sure the query box is checked.
  8. Give the printer a name and choose whether to share it on the network.
  9. Print a test page to make sure the connection is working properly.

And you’re done! The printer should now be available from all devices on your network.

Installing on Mac

Here are the steps for adding a printer by IP address on a Mac:

  1. Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
  2. Click the + button to add a new printer.
  3. Go to the IP tab at the top of the window.
  4. Enter the printer’s IP address in the address field. Leave queue name blank.
  5. Confirm the address and protocol settings based on your printer model.
  6. Allow MacOS to install the print driver automatically.
  7. Give the printer a name and location.
  8. Click Add and your network printer should now be successfully installed!

Troubleshooting Tips

If you have issues getting your network printer to install properly, try the following troubleshooting tips:

Confirm IP address – Double check that you entered the correct IP address for your printer. This is the most common mistake.

Check connections – Make sure your printer, computer, and router are all powered on and properly connected to the network. Try rebooting the devices if needed.

Disable firewall temporarily – Your computer’s firewall may be blocking the connection. Temporarily disable it and try installing again.

Manually install driver – If automatic driver installation fails, download the driver from the manufacturer’s website and add the printer manually.

Reset printer to defaults – Restoring your printer’s network settings to factory default can resolve connectivity issues.

Contact manufacturer support – If all else fails, contact the printer manufacturer’s tech support for further troubleshooting help.

Conclusion

Adding a printer using its unique IP address allows for simple plug-and-play network printing without extra setup steps. Both Windows and Mac operating systems make it easy to get your printer installed this way.

Following the appropriate step-by-step guide above, you can have your whole home or office networked to the printer in just a few quick minutes. Keep the troubleshooting tips in mind in case you run into any hiccups during installation.

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