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How to connect a printer with a USB cable

Pick the right USB cable, know when to plug it in, get Windows, a Mac or a Chromebook to find the printer, and switch to Wi-Fi later if you want.

10 min
Easy
Updated

A USB cable is the simplest way to connect one computer to a printer: there's no network to set up and no password to enter, and it's often more dependable than Wi-Fi. Most printers have a squarish USB-B port, while some newer and portable models use USB-C. Many printers don't include a cable in the box, so check before you start.

Steps

Cable and ports

0 of 4 steps tried

  1. Identify the printer's USB port

    Look on the back or side of the printer. A USB-B port is roughly square with two bevelled corners; a USB-C port is a small rounded oval. Don't confuse either with the Ethernet port, which is wider and takes a cable with a clip, or the fax LINE and EXT ports, which take phone cords.

  2. Get the right cable

    For most computers you need a USB-A to USB-B cable, often sold as a printer cable. For laptops with only USB-C ports, use a USB-C to USB-B cable, or a USB-C to USB-A adapter with a standard printer cable. A USB 2.0 cable is fast enough for printing; keep it short, ideally under about 3 m (10 ft). If the printer itself has USB-C, make sure the cable carries data, as some USB-C cables only charge.

  3. Plug in at the right time

    If you're installing the maker's software, follow its setup guide: some installers ask you to connect the USB cable only when they prompt you, and plugging in earlier can leave you with a basic driver that lacks scanning or other features. If you aren't installing any software, connect the cable with the printer turned on and let the computer set it up.

  4. Use a direct port

    Plug the cable into a port on the computer itself rather than a keyboard, monitor or unpowered USB hub, which may not give a stable connection. A powered hub or docking station often works, but connect directly whenever you're troubleshooting.

Tips

  • To switch from USB to Wi-Fi later, run the maker's setup app or software and choose a wireless connection. Some printers use the USB cable only during setup, to pass on the Wi-Fi details.
  • After switching connections you may see two entries for the same printer. Print from the new one and remove the old one, so jobs don't go to a connection that no longer exists.
  • Don't unplug the cable while a job is printing, or the job may stall in the queue.
  • A USB printer can still be shared with other computers at home through your operating system's printer sharing, as long as the computer it's plugged into is switched on.

Common questions

Does a USB printer need Wi-Fi or an internet connection?

No. A USB connection works on its own. You may need the internet briefly to download a driver or the maker's software, but printing itself doesn't need it.

Can I use any USB cable?

It needs the right connector at each end and must carry data, not just power. A standard USB 2.0 printer cable works with nearly every printer that has a USB-B port.

Why does my computer say the USB device is not recognized?

It usually points to the cable, the port or a hub. Try a different cable plugged straight into the computer and restart both devices; if it continues, try another computer to see whether the printer's port is at fault.

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