This article explains how to connect a printer to an Alexa device. Doing so will let you print documents with voice commands.
What to Know
- First, make sure your Alexa and your printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.Then, ask Alexa to Discover my printer and confirm when it detects your device.Once connected, you can use Alexa’s printing features or rely on Alexa Skills.
How to Connect a Printer to Alexa
Before we dive, you’ll need to have a wireless printer connected to your home Wi-Fi network. To get a wireless printer up and running, follow our step-by-step guide to wireless printing.
As you might expect, connecting Alexa to a printer is done over Wi-Fi, so you’ll need a wireless printer to be able to connect to your Alexa. You’ll also need both your wireless printer and your Alexa to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, so you can’t just print something using the Alexa app on your phone when you’re away from home.
With a working Alexa and wireless printer both connected to the same network, you’re ready to begin connecting your printer to Alexa, and the good news is that this will usually take only seconds.
What Can Alexa Print?
Make sure your printer is powered on before you begin. Some wireless printers will hibernate or fully power off, disconnecting from Wi-Fi, when not in use. It’s important the printer be on and connected to the internet.
The easiest way to connect Alexa to your printer is to say “Alexa, discover my printer.” Alexa will take a few moments to search for your printer before prompting you once its discovered one.
If you’re having trouble connecting to your printer with voice commands, you can open the Alexa app, go to the Devices tab, tap +, and then select Printer. Tap your printer to connect to it.
Depending on your printer, there may be a dedicated Alexa Skill for your printer that offers additional functionality. This will vary printer-to-printer, and depending on the brand, the features on offer will vary. Need more help, check out our article on using Alexa Skills.
Printable content like crossword puzzles and coloring pages usually isn’t much easier to print with Alexa when you can go online and choose a crossword puzzle or coloring page to print yourself.
- How do I print my Alexa shopping list?
- Once you’ve connected Alexa to your printer, you can just ask for physical versions of your shopping and to-do lists. Say, “Alexa, print my shopping list,” and it will print a copy.
- Why won’t Alexa print my shopping list?
- If your printer is compatible with the digital assistant, and it’s not working, you can troubleshoot issues with Alexa to get it working. Some fixes include making sure your internet is active, ensuring Alexa and your printer are on the same Wi-Fi network, and resetting your modem or router.
Once you’ve connected Alexa to your printer, you can just ask for physical versions of your shopping and to-do lists. Say, “Alexa, print my shopping list,” and it will print a copy.
If your printer is compatible with the digital assistant, and it’s not working, you can troubleshoot issues with Alexa to get it working. Some fixes include making sure your internet is active, ensuring Alexa and your printer are on the same Wi-Fi network, and resetting your modem or router.
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