How to Set Up a New Printer: Step-by-Step From Box to First Print

Published September 27, 2026. Written by William Elward, founder of Castle Ink.

Quick answer

To set up a new printer: unpack it and remove all tape, plug it in and turn it on, load paper, install the ink or toner that came in the box, let it finish initializing, connect it to Wi-Fi (or USB), then add it on each computer and phone and print a test page. Most home printers take 15–30 minutes. The manufacturer's app (HP Smart, Epson Smart Panel, Canon PRINT, Brother Mobile Connect) can walk you through the Wi-Fi step.

Step-by-step setup

1. Unpack and remove every piece of tape

Printers ship with orange or blue tape and cardboard inside the lid, the paper tray, and around the cartridge carriage. Leftover shipping material is the top cause of “carriage jam” errors on a brand-new printer. Keep the box for a couple of weeks in case you need to return it.

2. Power on and choose your language and country

Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip if you can avoid it, and follow the on-screen prompts.

3. Load paper

Fan the stack, keep it under the max line, and slide the guides against the edges. Plain 20–24 lb paper is fine for setup.

4. Install the ink or toner that came with it

Use the cartridges or bottles in the box first. Many printers require them for initial setup, and some ink goes into priming the printhead. That's why the first set runs out quickly. See our guide to setup cartridges. On EcoTank and other tank printers, fill each tank completely and let the printer charge the ink; this can take several minutes.

5. Let it initialize and align

Don't turn the printer off while it primes. If it asks to print and scan an alignment page, do it. It improves print quality from the start. See print head alignment.

6. Connect it to your network

Most printers only work on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, so have your network name and password ready. The easiest routes are the brand's app or the printer's Wireless Setup Wizard; WPS works if your router has the button. Full walkthrough: How to connect a printer to Wi-Fi and WPS PIN on a printer: what it is and where to find it. For USB, use the right cable (Printer USB cable guide) and connect it only when the installer asks.

7. Add the printer to your devices

• Windows: How to add a printer in Windows 11 and 10
• Mac: How to add a printer to a Mac
• iPhone and Android: How to print from your phone
• Chromebook: How to print from a Chromebook

8. Print a test page

Print from a computer, not just the printer's own report, to confirm the whole path works. Use our Free printable printer test page.

9. Decide on subscriptions, updates, and ink before you need them

Setup screens often push ink subscriptions and automatic firmware updates. Read before you accept. Firmware updates can block third-party cartridges on some brands. See Printer firmware updates and third-party ink, How to stop HP firmware updates from blocking your ink, and HP Instant Ink vs. compatible cartridges. Registering the printer for warranty is worth doing.

Common questions

Do I need to install software or a driver?

Often not. Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and ChromeOS include driverless printing for most modern printers. Install the full manufacturer software if you want scanning features, ink-level monitoring, or maintenance tools. See What is a printer driver (and do you still need one)?.

Why won't my new printer connect to Wi-Fi?

The most common causes are a 5 GHz-only network, a mistyped password, or the printer being too far from the router. Make sure 2.4 GHz is on, move the printer closer during setup, and restart the router if needed. More fixes: How to connect a printer to Wi-Fi and Why does my printer keep going offline?.

Can I set up a printer without the CD?

Yes. Modern printers don't need the disc. Use the brand's website or app, or add the printer directly from your computer's settings.

Can I use compatible ink from the start?

Use the included cartridges for setup, since some printers require them. After that, quality compatible cartridges work in most models and don't void your warranty. See Which printers work best with compatible ink and Does compatible ink void your warranty?.

How do I set up a printer for more than one computer?

Connect it to Wi-Fi, then add it on each device separately. Giving the printer a reserved IP address in your router settings keeps it from dropping off the network.

What should I do after setup to avoid problems later?

Print something at least once a week to keep inkjet nozzles from drying, keep a spare black cartridge on hand, and note your cartridge numbers. See Do printer ink cartridges dry out? and Is XL ink actually worth it?.

Ink and toner for your new printer

• HP ink
• Canon ink
• Epson ink
• Brother ink
• Laser toner

Related guides

• How to connect a printer to Wi-Fi
• How to add a printer to a Mac
• How to print from your phone
• What is a printer driver (and do you still need one)?
• Printer USB cable guide
• Free printable printer test page

About the author: William Elward is the founder of Castle Ink and has written about printers, ink cartridges, and printing technology for more than 20 years.