Now that Google has killed off Cloud Print, what's the best way to print to a Chromebook? We have the answers
The easiest way to print from a Chromebook used to be by using Google Cloud Print, which let you send your document via the cloud to an internet-connected printer, but Google killed off that service in December 2020.
This leaves three options:
- Send documents over your home wi-fi network from your Chromebook to your wi-fi printer
- Use a USB cable to connect your Chromebook to your printer
- Use your printer's Android app
Wireless printing
First, make sure that your Chromebook and your printer are connected to the same wi-fi network. To check on your Chromebook, click on the time in the bottom right-hand corner of your Chromebook's screen, where you'll see the name of the network you're connected to.
You'll have to follow the instructions for your individual printer to check its wi-fi settings.
Tech tips you can trust - get our free Tech newsletter for advice, news, deals and stuff the manuals don’t tell you
Wireless printing
Once you're sure they're on the same network, the next step is to add your printer to your Chromebook.
To do that, open the Settings app on your Chromebook and type printer into the search box at the top of the app, and then click Add printer.
On the next screen, click Add printer: your printer should show up under Available printers to save. Click Save, and then check it appears under Saved printers.
Wired printing
If your printer doesn't have wi-fi, you can connect it to your Chromebook with a USB cable: make sure you've got the right cable. Many Chromebooks only come with USB-C ports, so you might need an adapter.
Want some more help with your Chromebook or printing? Our friendly tech team can help you with one-to-one support on a range of tech issues. Find out more here.
Once you've got the cable plugged in to your Chromebook, a notification will appear on your Chromebook: follow the steps on the screen. Your Chromebook doesn't need to be connected to the wi-fi if you're using a USB cable.
How to print
Once you've got your printer connected to your Chromebook, either via your wi-fi network or via a USB cable, printing is straightforward: hit ctrl plus p.
A preview window will appear: in the Destination drop-down field on the right, if your printer doesn't show up by default, click the arrow in the box and select your printer.
In the other fields, check which pages you want to print and the layout, and then click Print in the bottom right-hand corner.
Note that you can only print from the Chrome browser on a Chromebook, and not from the Android apps you have installed on your Chromebook.
Use your printer's Android app
It's worth remembering that you can install Android apps on a Chromebook, so another option is to go to the Google Play store on your Chromebook and download your printer's app from there.
How that works will depend on the app itself, but it's worth a try if you're struggling with the other methods of printing.
Thinking of buying a new Chromebook? Check out our latest lab tests here