How do I Connect my Wireless Printer to my Hotspot

Being able to print from anywhere is one of those features that while not technically a necessity, has become a luxury that we enjoy. Who needs wires when you can print documents from your laptop when the high-performing printer is on the other side of the house. And while wireless printers are great when connected directly to a computer, is it possible to use them with a hotspot?

Can You Connect a Wireless Printer to a Hotspot?

The technical answer is, yes but with some limitations. Hotspots are essentially access points that allow various devices to connect with a wireless network. So, for example, a hotspot can support wireless connections for tablets and smartphones as well as laptops. You can use Airprint if you own an iPad to connect to a wireless printer and Print Directly.

Common types of hotspots are often seen with public WiFi access where multiple users can connect to the Internet. Although they’re incredibly effective for less power-hungry devices like smartphones and tablets, hotspots often struggle to maintain fidelity for heavier use devices like computers.

What a Hotspot is

To know why hotspots have limitations, you need to understand the limitations they present. While you might use a hotspot to access the Internet, it’s not the same as directly connecting with a WiFi network.

Even though from the end user’s perspective a hotspot feels just like connecting with a wireless network elsewhere, it’s not. Hotspots are nothing more than intermediaries that provide a connection point.

Not All Hotspots are Created Equal

There are several different types of hotspots, each with unique benefits and drawbacks. In general, you’re most likely to come across public WiFi hotspots, mobile WiFi hotspots, and prepaid hotspots.

Public WiFi Hotspots

As the name implies, these hotspots are usually free and found in public places such as parks, coffee shops, or even airports. While the connection is usually stable, they’re not as secure.

Mobile WiFi Hotspots

Some smartphone users have the benefit of turning their cellular data connection into a hotspot. Alternatively, you can also purchase mobile hotspots from mobile carriers which can be used with laptops and other devices.

Prepaid Hotspots

Similar to mobile hotspots, the main difference with a prepaid model is that there’s a data cap. Once the data limit for the specified period has been reached you’ll need to purchase more data.

Connecting a Wireless Printer to a Hotspot

Connecting your wireless printer to a hotspot isn’t much different than if you were connecting it to your computer, using the wireless network in your home. Just like with a traditional wireless network, you’ll select the hotspot from a list of local hotspots using either your computer or the printer’s touch screen panel (if it has one). Connecting to a wireless printer to Windows 10 is also not that hard. You can read this quick guide on how to go about it.

And just like with a regular configuration process, you might need to install printer drivers or software. Note that every wireless printer has a unique setup process. So, it’s best to follow the installation instructions that came with the make and model of your printer.

And Some Printers Have Their Own Hotspots

Even though you can connect a wireless printer to a hotspot, there’s one nifty workaround that can support a reverse connection from your laptop to your printer. AirPrint-enabled printers are a unique kind of wireless printer that can do more than simply connect to an external wireless network.

Many of these printers also support creating independent hotspots that can be used to connect to your devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. While this won’t get you online, the hotspot gives you printer access so you can send documents to the printer.

This is ideal if you’re in a location where you can’t access traditional wireless networks, or if you have a mobile printer and need to print on the go but there’s no WiFi.

Drawbacks of Using a Hotspot for a Wireless Printer Connection

While hotspots do give you the freedom to virtually print from anywhere, they’re not without drawbacks. The main problems center around connecting to mobile hotspots. Although convenient, these hotspots feature the most limitations such as restrictions on the total simultaneous device connection and a higher chance of data restrictions.

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