Most Chromebook printer setups assume both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi Direct skips that requirement entirely — the Chromebook connects straight to the printer’s own signal, no router involved. Handy for travel, classrooms, or a printer parked far from the router.
Quick answer: On the printer, enable Wi-Fi Direct and find its network name and password (usually on its screen or an information page you print from the printer itself). On the Chromebook, open the Wi-Fi list, select that printer’s Wi-Fi Direct network like any other Wi-Fi network, enter the password, then add the printer normally through Settings > Printers.
What Wi-Fi Direct Actually Is
- A peer-to-peer wireless connection directly between two devices, with no router or access point in between
- Supported on most mid-range and higher printers from HP, Epson, Canon, and Brother released in the last several years
- Functionally treated by the Chromebook exactly like joining any other Wi-Fi network — it shows up in the same Wi-Fi list
- Limited to printing only while connected to that network; you won’t have regular internet access on the Chromebook at the same time unless the printer specifically supports pass-through
How to Set Up Wi-Fi Direct Printing on a Chromebook
- On the printer, enable Wi-Fi Direct from its control panel. Touchscreen printers usually show a Wi-Fi Direct icon; button-only printers often have a dedicated Wi-Fi Direct button or a menu option.
- Find the Wi-Fi Direct network name and password — either shown on the printer’s screen or printed via an information/network report page from the printer’s menu.
- On the Chromebook, click the status area and open the Wi-Fi list. The printer’s Wi-Fi Direct network appears there like any router network, usually named something like
DIRECT-XX-HP-printername. - Select it, enter the password from the printer, and connect.
- Go to
Settings> Printers > Add printer. The Chromebook should detect the printer over the Wi-Fi Direct link — select it and click Add. - Print a test page. If nothing happens, confirm the printer’s Wi-Fi Direct connection is still active, since some printers auto-disconnect after a timeout period.
Wi-Fi Direct Not Showing Up or Not Connecting?
- Confirm Wi-Fi Direct is actually enabled on the printer itself — it’s usually off by default
- Move the Chromebook closer to the printer; Wi-Fi Direct has a shorter effective range than a router-based connection
- If the printer isn’t detected after connecting, try adding it manually with its IP address (shown on the printer’s Wi-Fi Direct info page) instead of relying on auto-detection
- Once you’re back on regular Wi-Fi, see the standard how to connect a Chromebook to a printer guide for router-based setup instead
- For a specific brand’s known quirks, check Chromebook won’t connect to an HP printer, Epson, or Canon
FAQ
Will I still have internet access while connected to Wi-Fi Direct?
Usually not. Connecting to the printer’s Wi-Fi Direct network replaces your regular Wi-Fi connection, so you’ll lose general internet access until you switch back.
Do I need to reconnect every time I want to print?
If your Chromebook automatically switches back to your home Wi-Fi when in range, yes — you’ll need to reselect the printer’s Wi-Fi Direct network each time you print away from your usual network.
Does every printer support Wi-Fi Direct?
No. Check the printer’s specs or menu for a Wi-Fi Direct option — budget or older printers may only support router-based Wi-Fi printing.
