Printing without internet connection is now a thing of the past. All you need to do is connect your laptop to any WiFi network and print documents wirelessly, even if you are offline. But how does it work? Read on to find out!
Printing without internet connection is simple, you just need to know your way around the command line. The first step would be to find out what your IP address is. There are numerous ways of doing this and it largely depends on your operating system and settings (e.g., Command Prompt in Windows or Terminal in Mac OS). Once you know your IP address, type it in and press enter:
Now go to the Apple menu on your computer and click System Preferences. Find the Sharing option and then Print & Scan. Select ‘Bonjour’ from the list of services. Click add printer… A new window will appear, click the arrow next to ‘IP’ and select your IP address. Now make sure sharing is turned on and click Print Test Page. Once this page has printed you can print from any application that supports printing.
There are other ways to print without internet connection as well, such as printing wirelessly from tablet/mobile devices. Android and Windows 8+ users can connect to a shared printer using the Wifi Direct feature (which allows you to connect directly to the laptop instead of going through your wireless network). This may require some settings changes but is much easier than connecting with cables through the command line.
It may be true that printing without internet connection is now a thing of the past, but it can still be useful in some circumstances. For example, if you are staying at a hotel which charges for internet printing or if your own printer runs out of ink/paper during an important assignment. Whatever the reason you just need to know your way around the command line.
Wifi Direct is a form of peer-to-peer connection which allows you to connect directly to the printer instead of going through your wireless network. This may require some settings changes but is much easier than connecting with cables through the command line.
Hey there! I am Nate, the editor here at Tech Without Wifi. I am a SaaS-certified tech expert with widespread experience using gadgets in off-grid locations without wifi. I run this blog and provide my readers with detailed guides on how to use tech gear including cameras, phones, TVs, baby monitors, smart homes, among others without wifi. He has published his work and guides widely including and he also offers specialized consulting services on setting up various installations without wifi. You can reach me on nate@techwithoutwifi.com