Wireless printer

What is a wireless printer?

A wireless printer allows anyone to print from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone to a printer without a physical connection. Print data travels to the printer via a WiFi or Bluetooth connection. Whether it's on a business network or home WiFi, multiple devices can connect and print to a wireless printer at any given time.

How does a wireless printer work?

A wireless printer connects to home or office WiFi, where it becomes discoverable by other computers or mobile devices on the same network. Advances in printing technology have made it easier to connect to printers and users don’t typically need to install print drivers anymore.

How can mobile devices print on a wireless printer?

• Apple uses the AirPrint application to print wirelessly.

• Android features Mopria to print to wireless printers.

• Ricoh customers can also print to Ricoh devices via the RICOH Smart Device Connector.

Why is a wireless printer important?

A wireless printer offers flexibility and convenience by eliminating the need for physical connections. It allows multiple users to print from laptops, smartphones, and tablets without being tethered to a single workstation. This is especially valuable in home offices and collaborative work environments where mobility matters. Wireless printing also reduces cable clutter and makes it easier to place your printer anywhere within Wi-Fi range, helping you optimize space and maintain a cleaner setup.

Commonly asked questions

Do wireless printers need internet connectivity to work?

No, a wireless printer does not need to connect to the internet to work. However, a wireless printer does need to connect to WiFi or through a Bluetooth connection directly to the computing device.

Are wireless printers secured?

If the network on your wireless printer lives is secured with authentication management and other recommended network security protocols, your printer will be protected like the other devices on your network.

What is the difference between a wireless printer and a regular printer?

Today, most printers feature wireless printing capabilities. Until wireless printing, local printers needed to be physical connected directly to a desktop or laptop via USB cable (or before USB, a serial connector). “Local” referred to a printer connected directly to a computing device. Networked printers, or printers available to individuals using computers on a network, were connected to the network via ethernet cable.