This is the basic outline of what I do in providing the “set up printer” a la carte service. Feel free to use the information is you want to do it yourself, or contact me to have me set up your printer.
- Price
- Functionality
- Do they want an MFP? (multifunction)
- Do they need remote access to the printer? (Network vs Bluetooth)
- Laser vs inkjet
- Factors:
- Cost
- Initial unit
- Inkjet cheaper
- Operating costs
- Laser lower per page
- Speed
- Laser much faster
- Print quality
- Laser much better b/w text
- Inkjet vivid colors
- Printing frequency
- Inkjet drying can clog print heads
- Toner powder never dries out
- Initial unit
- Cost
- Factors:
- Resources
- Consumer Reports through Jackson County Library: https://jcls.org/2026/03/05/featured-database-consumer-reports/
- NYT Wirecutter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
- RTINGS.com (analytical data, $45 a year)
- Computer OS
- Firewalls?
- Bluetooth?
- Is the OS version up to date?
- Network Name
- Network type (wifi vs ethernet)
- Printer brand and model
- MFD (multifunction device) or single function printer
- Basic type (usually inkjet or laser, b/w or color or both)
- Model set-up options (wifi, bluetooth, ethernet)
- IP-based or web-based
- Plug in device to power
- Update OS
- Connect to Windows computer or network
- Computer:
- Start => Settings => Devices => Printers & scanners
- Choose add printer
- Select the new printer from the list & select Add device
- Start => Settings => Devices => Printers & scanners
- Network:
- Connect printer to network per manufacturer instructions.
- If any problems, to to Printers & scanner settings
- Look for the printer in the list
- If not seen, add a printer & scanner
- If any problems, to to Printers & scanner settings
- Connect printer to network per manufacturer instructions.
- Bluetooth:
- Start => Settings => Bluetooth & devices
- Make sure bluetooth is switched on
- Turn on printer & make it discoverable (per manufacturer instructions)
- On computer: Start => Settings=> Bluetooth & devices => printers & scanners
- Once the printer is found, click Add device
- Computer:
- Run a test page from the computer
- Start => Settings => Bluetooth & Devices => click on Printers & Scanners. Select printer from the list, click on Printer Properties, on the General tab, click the Print Test Page button
- Troubleshooting:
- Windows printer troubleshooter in Windows 11.
- Get Help app => printer troubleshooter
- Beware that some ARM PCs may not be able to use the manufacturer’s installer
- Follow the steps in the fix printer connection and printing problems in windows page below
- Windows printer troubleshooter in Windows 11.
- Generate instructions &/or screen video of how to print in major applications
- Windows resources:
- Update printer software from manufacturer
- Update OS
- Add the printer
- System settings => Printers & scanner => Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax
- Wi-fi or network printer
- Connect to network per manufacturer instructions
- If needed, connect via USB cable
- Install the printer’s software
- Use the printer’s setup assistant
- Disconnect cable & use wi-fi
- Bluetooth
- Make printer discoverable
- Add printer from the Add printer, scanner, or Fax window
- Wi-fi or network printer
- System settings => Printers & scanner => Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax
- Add the printer
- Run a test page from the computer
- Apple menu => System settings => scroll to Printers & Scanners => Select your printer & click Open Print queue. Click Printer Settings (or Options & supplies). Go to Utility tab & click Print test page (or run a nozzle check/test print)
- Troubleshooting
- Check if the printer needs a configuration profile, install it
- Add by IP address
- Generate instructions &/or screen video of how to print in major applications
- Mac resources
- Chromebook – must have a Chromebook compatible printer
- Update Chrome OS
- Turn on printer
- Connect printer to network
- See manufacturer instructions
- Sign in to Chromebook on same network
- Save printer to Chromebook
- Select Time (bottom right) => Settings => Device => Printers & Scanners => select Print
- Under “other available printers, select Save
- Test by printing a page
- Link to a test page: https://printtestpage.org
- Generate instructions &/or screen video of how to print in major applications
- Troubleshooting:
- Is the printer Chromebook compatible?
- Remove printer and reinstall
- Update printer firmware
- Install manually by IP address
- Install PostScript Printer Description (PPD)
- Chromebook resources:
- General setup https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/7225252?hl=en
- Compatible printers: https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/12403345?sjid=7968731585957294102-NC
- Add printer manually: https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/7225252?sjid=7968731585957294102-NC#manual&zippy=%2Cadd-a-printer-manually
- Update iOS or iPad OS
- Set up printer on network (under computer instructions)
- Try to print using the Share button in the app you are using.
- Troubleshooting:
- Is the printer AirPrint compatible?
- Are you on a VPN (virtual private network)
- Generate instructions &/or screen video of how to print in major applications
- iPhone/iPad resources:
- AirPrint compatible printers: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102895
- iPhone user guide: https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/printers-iph92628b8f/ios
- Troubleshooting steps from Apple Community: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255212103?sortBy=rank
- Android
- Update Android OS
- Set up printer on the network (under computer instructions)
- Add the print service on Android device: Settings => Connected devices => Connection preferences => Printing. Tap Add service and enter the printer information
- Turn printing on for the Android device: Connected devices => Connection preferences=> Printing. Select a print service (a background program) and turn it on
- Motorola Razr & Samsung specifics:
- Start with Default Print Service
- If the printer doesn’t show up, add a service from the Google Play store
- Print a test page from a supported app: https://printtestpage.org
- Take a screenshot if app doesn’t support printing
- Troubleshooting:
- Pixel phone printing support page: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/3473588?hl=en
- How to update Android version: https://support.google.com/googlepixeltablet/answer/7680439?sjid=11403837384881719875-NC
- Generate instructions &/or screen video of how to print in major applications
- HP: https://support.hp.com/us-en/printer
- Brother: https://support.brother.com/g/b/countrytop.aspx?c=us&lang=en
- Canon (requires creating an account): https://www.usa.canon.com/contact-us/support?srsltid=AfmBOor4to1vym52w2CmwZa0EOEC0jJ36r8J68hrradQ5-Pwj1p7crnh
- Epson: https://epson.com/Support/Printers/sh/s1
- Xerox: https://www.support.xerox.com/en-us
- Lexmark: https://support.lexmark.com/en_us.html