Q&A for How to Add a Printer to Google Chromebook

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Question

My printer works on 2 other Macs in the household, but won't show up on my Chromebook. There isn't a "Classic Printer" section, let alone an "Add Printer" button. What should I do?

Community Answer

Make sure the printer is added onto your computer or use a printer jack to connect it.

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Question

My Chromebook won't show my specific printer model as an option when adding a printer (model: Canon PIXMA MX420). What can I do?

El mushili

Community Answer

Your operating system might not contain the drivers to automatically identify your printer. Try running the driver on the CD that came with your printer and try again.

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Question

I do not have a PC or Mac. Can I connect my printer to my Chromebook?

Community Answer

Yes, yes you can. It's basically the same steps as the default browser on a Chromebook is Chrome.

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Question

Why does my Chromebook say it can't print offline, even though it's connected?

Adam Hendi

Community Answer

You should try reconnecting the printer or checking if your Chromebook can print. You might also want to try using Google Cloud Print.

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Question

Can I use the same username and password on my Chromebook and desktop?

Rono Golap

Community Answer

Yes, you can use the same Google account (username and password) on both your Chromebook and desktop.

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Question

Why is my printer not showing up on the print screen after being registered in the cloud?

Sahil 135

Community Answer

If your printer is added and registered in the cloud but not appearing on the print screen, try the following solutions: check printer status, restart devices, re-add the printer, update drivers and firmware, and check permissions.

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Question

How can I add a printer to a Chromebook so students can print from any device in the library, regardless of who logs in?

Hshatawi24

Community Answer

You can add a printer to a Chromebook if your school has not blocked this feature. Go to Settings > Bluetooth Devices > Printers, and choose 'Add Printer.' Ensure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromebook.

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Question

What should I do if my printer says it's not connected to my Google Chromebook, even though it's connected via USB?

jack guikema

Community Answer

Restart both devices and ensure that the USB connection is recognized in the Chromebook's settings.

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Question

What should I do if the "Add Printer" button is grayed out when adding a printer to my Chromebook?

Wellness Teach

Community Answer

Ensure the printer is on the same network as your Chromebook, update your Chrome OS to the latest version, and use the IPP or LPD protocol when adding the printer. Check printer compatibility with Chrome OS, and if the issue persists, restart the printer service or check for printer firmware updates.

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Question

Why does my Chromebook keep searching for a printer even though everything is hooked up correctly and on the same network?

Damien

Community Answer

Try unplugging and replugging the printer, or check if the cord is damaged. Also, ensure the printer is turned on.

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Question

How can I scan documents using my non-wireless printer connected to my Chromebook?

Ryan Carlson

Community Answer

To scan a document, your printer must have a scanning feature. If it does, the scanner captures an image of the document, which you can then save or use on your Chromebook.

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Question

Is the Canon PIXMA TS5150 printer compatible with Chrome OS?

AppleParkWay

Community Answer

Yes, the Canon PIXMA TS5150 printer is compatible with any version of Chrome OS. For more information on compatible printers, visit the official Google site or look for printers with a "Works with Chromebook" label.

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Question

Can I buy a USB cable to print from my Google Chromebook to my printer?

AppleParkWay

Community Answer

Any USB cable should work. You can find one at a supermarket, computer store, or online retailer like eBay. Make sure to check your printer's ports to purchase the correct cable, or contact your printer's manufacturer if you're unsure.

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Question

How do I find and insert my printer's address without using a CD drive?

Bulgarian Dramas

Community Answer

If your printer does not have a CD for installation, you can set it up manually. First, find the printer’s IP address by checking its display menu, printing a network configuration page, or logging into your router settings. For USB printers, connect the printer to your Chromebook, then go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners > Add a Printer and follow the steps. For wireless printers, ensure it is connected to the same Wi-Fi as your Chromebook, then add it via Settings > Printers & Scanners or manually enter the IP address.

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Question

How do I set up a USB printer on my Chromebook without Wi-Fi?

Backie Links

Community Answer

To set up a USB printer on your Chromebook without Wi-Fi, connect the printer using a USB cable (use a USB-C adapter if needed). Turn on the printer, go to Settings > Advanced > Printing > Printers, and look for your printer. If detected, click Set up; if not, add it manually by entering the name and selecting the driver (use "Generic PPD" if necessary). Print a test page to confirm everything works. Restart both devices if issues arise.

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Question

When I try to add my HP Envy 5540 printer, it says it is no longer available. How do I connect to print?

Rudy Toth

Community Answer

Try the alternative route by placing the selection on the computer into LPT1 mode and try to print out from there. If that doesn't work, then use the next one being LPT2.

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Question

I can connect my Chromebook to my printer by USB but not by internet. What can I do?

Michael Norton

Community Answer

To use a printer without USB, simply go to the document you would like to print, click "File", and at the bottom, you should see an option to print. Alternatively, you could click ctrl + p.

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Question

How do I find my IP address for my printer?

FarmYard Gaming

Community Answer

You'll be able to find it on the printer itself. Navigate to the printer's Internet settings page, where you should find the IP in the relevant network wizard.

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Question

What do I do if everything looked right, but a popup screen said my documents printed successfully, and they didn't?

Community Answer

Check the connections from the printer to the internet. You could also check the power cord to see if it is plugged into the wall and/or the printer.

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