Are you struggling to connect your WPS-enabled printer to your iPad, or perhaps wondering what that mysterious "WPS" button on your router even does? You're not alone! Many users find themselves scratching their heads when it comes to wireless printer setup, especially with Apple's famously streamlined, yet sometimes less overtly customizable, operating system.
In this comprehensive guide, we're going to demystify the WPS button and walk you through, step-by-step, how to best utilize it (or understand its limitations) when connecting your iPad to a wireless printer. Forget the frustration – let's get you printing wirelessly in no time!
Step 1: Understanding the WPS Button – What is it, Really?
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's clarify what we're dealing with. WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup. It's a network security standard that was designed to make it easier for users to connect wireless devices to a router without having to enter long, complicated passwords.
There are two main methods WPS employs:
- Push-Button Method (PBC): This is the most common method, and probably what you're thinking of when you see a "WPS" button on your router or printer. You press the WPS button on your router, and then within a short timeframe (usually two minutes), you press the WPS button on your compatible device (like a printer). They then find each other and connect automatically.
- PIN Method: Less common for general users, this involves entering an 8-digit PIN, usually found on a sticker on your router or in its configuration settings, into the device you're trying to connect.
So, why is this important for your iPad? This is where it gets a little tricky. iPads, like most Apple devices, do not have a physical WPS button and do not natively support the push-button WPS method for connecting to a network. Apple prefers a more secure and traditional method of connecting to Wi-Fi networks by directly selecting the network and entering the password.
Therefore, the core takeaway here is: You cannot directly use the WPS button on your router or printer to connect your iPad to your Wi-Fi network or a printer.
"Wait, so why is this guide even useful?" you might ask. Excellent question! While your iPad won't use the WPS button directly, the WPS button on your printer and router plays a crucial role in getting those devices connected to your Wi-Fi network, which is the necessary prerequisite for your iPad to discover and print to them.
Step 2: Connecting Your Printer to Your Wi-Fi Network (Often Using WPS)
This is where the WPS button often comes into play. Most modern wireless printers offer WPS as a primary connection method to your home Wi-Fi network.
Sub-heading 2.1: Prerequisites for Printer Connection
Before you begin, ensure you have:
- Your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password. You'll need this in case the WPS method doesn't work, or if your printer requires it as a backup.
- Your wireless printer powered on and in a ready state.
- Your Wi-Fi router powered on and functioning correctly.
- A strong Wi-Fi signal where your printer is located.
Sub-heading 2.2: Using the WPS Button on Your Printer and Router
This is the most common and often easiest way to get your printer onto your Wi-Fi network.
- Locate the WPS Button on Your Router: This button is usually labeled "WPS," or sometimes has a circular arrow icon. It might be on the front, back, or side of your router. Make a mental note of its location.
- Activate WPS on Your Printer:
- Many printers have a physical WPS button. Press and hold this button for a few seconds until an indicator light starts flashing or a message appears on the printer's screen.
- If your printer doesn't have a physical WPS button, navigate through its control panel or touchscreen menu. Look for a "Wireless Setup," "Network Settings," or "WPS" option. Select "WPS Push Button Method" or "PBC."
- Your printer will now be actively searching for a WPS signal from your router.
- Press the WPS Button on Your Router: Within approximately 2 minutes of activating WPS on your printer, press and hold the WPS button on your router for a few seconds. The WPS indicator light on your router should also start flashing.
- Wait for Connection: Your printer and router will now attempt to establish a secure connection. This can take anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes. Once successful, the wireless indicator light on your printer should turn solid, and the printer's display might show a "Connected" message.
Sub-heading 2.3: Alternative: Connecting Your Printer Manually to Wi-Fi
If the WPS method doesn't work, or if your printer doesn't support it, you'll need to connect it manually.
- Access Printer's Network Settings: On your printer's control panel or touchscreen, navigate to "Wireless Setup," "Network Settings," or a similar option.
- Select Your Wi-Fi Network: The printer should scan for available Wi-Fi networks. Select your network's name (SSID) from the list.
- Enter Wi-Fi Password: Using the printer's keypad or touchscreen, carefully enter your Wi-Fi network password (WPA/WPA2 passphrase). This is often the most frustrating part, as printer keypads can be cumbersome. Double-check your entry!
- Confirm Connection: Once entered, confirm the settings. Your printer should then attempt to connect to your Wi-Fi network. A solid wireless indicator light or a "Connected" message will confirm success.
Step 3: Connecting Your iPad to Your Wi-Fi Network (Standard Method)
This step is straightforward but absolutely essential. Your iPad needs to be on the same Wi-Fi network as your printer to communicate with it.
- Open Settings on Your iPad: Tap the grey "Settings" app icon on your iPad's home screen.
- Tap "Wi-Fi": In the left-hand menu, tap on "Wi-Fi."
- Select Your Network: Ensure the "Wi-Fi" toggle is green. Below, you'll see a list of "My Networks." Tap on the name of your home Wi-Fi network (the same one your printer is connected to).
- Enter Password (if prompted): If you haven't connected to this network before, you'll be prompted to enter your Wi-Fi password. Type it carefully and tap "Join."
- Confirm Connection: A blue checkmark will appear next to your network name, indicating that your iPad is successfully connected.
Step 4: Printing from Your iPad (Using AirPrint)
Once your printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network and your iPad is on the same network, you're ready to print! Apple's AirPrint technology makes this incredibly simple for compatible printers. Most modern wireless printers are AirPrint-enabled.
Sub-heading 4.1: Finding the Print Option in Apps
The "Print" option is usually found within the "Share" menu of most apps.
- Open the Document/Photo/Webpage: Navigate to the item you wish to print (e.g., an email in Mail, a document in Pages, a photo in Photos, a webpage in Safari).
- Tap the Share Icon: This icon usually looks like a square with an arrow pointing upwards ($ \uparrow $). It's typically located at the top or bottom of the screen.
3. **Scroll and Tap "Print":** In the Share Sheet that appears, scroll down and tap the "Print" option. If you don't see it, your app might not support printing directly, or you may need to look for a "..." (more options) menu first.
#### Sub-heading 4.2: *Selecting Your Printer and Printing*
1. **Tap "Select Printer":** In the "Printer Options" screen, tap "Select Printer."
2. **Choose Your AirPrint Printer:** Your iPad will now search for available AirPrint-enabled printers on your network. *Your printer should appear here.* Tap on its name.
3. **Configure Print Options:**
* **Copies:** Use the "$ + - $" buttons to adjust the number of copies.
- Range (for multi-page documents): If printing a document with multiple pages, you can specify a range (e.g., pages 1-3).
- Double-Sided: If your printer supports it, you might see an option for double-sided printing.
- Black & White/Color: Select your preference.
- Tap "Print": Once you've configured your settings, tap the "Print" button in the top right corner. Your iPad will send the print job to your printer.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best guides, sometimes things go awry. Here are some quick fixes for common problems:
Sub-heading 5.1: iPad Can't Find the Printer
- Are both on the same Wi-Fi network? Double-check both your printer's and iPad's network settings. This is the #1 cause of issues.
- Is the printer powered on and in a ready state?
- Restart everything: Try restarting your printer, your Wi-Fi router, and your iPad. A simple reboot can often resolve connectivity glitches.
- Printer firmware update: Check your printer manufacturer's website for any available firmware updates. Outdated firmware can sometimes cause connectivity problems.
- AirPrint compatibility: Ensure your printer is genuinely AirPrint-compatible. If it's an older model, it might not be.
- Firewall issues: Temporarily disable any firewalls on your router if you're comfortable doing so, and see if the printer appears. Remember to re-enable them afterward.
Sub-heading 5.2: Print Job Fails or Doesn't Start
- Is there paper and ink/toner? This might seem obvious, but it's a common oversight!
- Printer error messages: Check your printer's display for any error messages.
- Clear print queue: On your iPad, double-press the Home button (or swipe up from the bottom on newer iPads) to open the App Switcher. Look for "Printer Center" or "Print" and tap it. You can usually clear stuck print jobs from here.
- Wi-Fi signal strength: Is the printer too far from the router? Try moving them closer or consider a Wi-Fi extender.
Sub-heading 5.3: WPS Button Method Failed on Printer
- Timing is crucial: Ensure you press the router's WPS button within the short window after activating WPS on your printer (usually 2 minutes).
- Router WPS status: Some routers have a setting to disable WPS. Check your router's administration interface (usually accessed by typing its IP address into a web browser, e.g., 192.168.1.1) to ensure WPS is enabled.
- Try manual setup: If WPS continues to fail for your printer, use the manual Wi-Fi setup method on your printer (entering the SSID and password directly).
Frequently Asked Questions
How to check if my printer is AirPrint compatible?
The easiest way is to check the printer manufacturer's website or the printer's documentation. Many printer boxes also display an AirPrint logo.
How to find my Wi-Fi network password?
Your Wi-Fi password is usually printed on a sticker on your router. If not, you can access your router's administration page via a web browser (e.g., 192.168.1.1) to find it, or contact your internet service provider.
How to add a printer to my iPad manually without AirPrint?
iPads don't allow for manual printer addition in the same way a computer does. You need to use AirPrint for direct printing. If your printer isn't AirPrint compatible, you'll need a third-party printing app specific to your printer's brand (e.g., HP Smart, Epson iPrint), or use a computer as an intermediary.
How to print a web page from Safari on iPad?
Open the desired web page in Safari, tap the Share icon (square with an upward arrow), and then tap "Print."
How to manage print jobs on iPad?
While a print job is active, you can double-press the Home button (or swipe up from the bottom on newer iPads) to open the App Switcher. You should see a "Printer Center" or "Print" option. Tap it to view or cancel print jobs.
How to connect an older, non-wireless printer to my iPad?
For older, non-wireless printers, you cannot connect them directly to your iPad. You would need to connect the printer to a computer, and then use a "print server" software on the computer, or use a dedicated wireless print server hardware device.
How to fix "No AirPrint Printers Found" error on iPad?
Ensure both your printer and iPad are on the exact same Wi-Fi network. Restart your router, printer, and iPad. Check for printer firmware updates.
How to print photos from my iPad?
Open the Photos app, select the photo(s) you want to print, tap the Share icon (square with an upward arrow), and then tap "Print."
How to print documents from Pages or Numbers on iPad?
Open the document in Pages or Numbers, tap the three dots ("...") in the top right corner, tap "Print," and then follow the AirPrint steps.
How to save a document as a PDF on iPad instead of printing?
When you're in the "Printer Options" screen before printing, pinch out on the document preview. This will convert the document into a PDF. From there, you can tap the Share icon to save it to Files, share it, or open it in another app.
