Symptoms
- Printer doesn't appear in the print dialog
- Print job stuck as 'pending'
- Error saying printer not found
- Was working before a router or printer restart
Likely causes
- CommonPrinter and Chromebook not on the same Wi-Fi networkWireless printing requires both devices on the same local network.
- CommonPrinter not added or set up in ChromeOSSome printers need to be manually added under Settings before they'll appear.
- PossiblePrinter doesn't support native driverless printingVery old printers may lack the modern print protocols ChromeOS relies on.
- PossiblePrinter is asleep or out of paper/inkA printer in a low-power or error state won't show up as ready.
What to do
- Confirm the printer is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromebook.
- Go to Settings > Advanced > Printing > Printers and check if it's listed; if not, click 'Add printer'.
- Restart both the printer and the Chromebook's Wi-Fi connection (toggle Wi-Fi off and on).
- Check the printer's own display for errors like paper jam, low ink, or sleep mode.
- Search the printer model plus 'Chromebook compatible' to confirm it supports native printing.
- If the printer is older, consider a Wi-Fi-enabled printer known for good ChromeOS support.
When to call a pro
Not applicable; if the printer is fundamentally incompatible, replacement is more practical than repair.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.