Setting up a wireless printer on a home WiFi network can sometimes feel like a headache — especially if you’re using a mesh system like Netgear Orbi. But the good news is that with the right steps, you can add your wireless printer to Orbi WiFi easily and without frustration.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from understanding how Orbi works, to preparing your printer, and then setting it up for smooth, wireless printing. Whether you’re a beginner or a tech enthusiast, this article will help ensure a trouble-free setup.
Why Orbi WiFi and Wireless Printers Make a Great Pair
The Netgear Orbi system is designed to deliver seamless, whole-home WiFi coverage. With a mesh system, you get strong signals in every room, which is ideal for keeping devices like phones, tablets, smart TVs — and yes, wireless printers — connected without interruption.
However, some users run into challenges when adding a wireless printer to a mesh network like Orbi. This can be due to band steering, printer compatibility, or network settings. With a little preparation, though, you can get your printer online in just minutes.
Step 1: Prepare Your Orbi Network
Before adding the printer, it’s important to make sure your Orbi network is working correctly.
✅ Check that your Orbi router and satellites are powered on and have a stable internet connection.
✅ Update your Orbi firmware if needed. You can log into the Orbi app or go to orbilogin.com to check for firmware updates under Advanced > Administration > Firmware Update.
✅ Confirm that your Orbi WiFi name (SSID) and password are easy to enter on a printer — long, complex names with special characters may cause trouble.
Step 2: Understand Dual-Band Challenges
Many Orbi systems use band steering, meaning they combine the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands under a single network name (SSID). While this works well for most devices, some older wireless printers only work on 2.4 GHz.
If your printer struggles to connect, you have two main options:
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Separate the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands by creating distinct SSIDs for each in your Orbi settings.
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Temporarily disable the 5 GHz band in the Orbi admin panel during setup, allowing the printer to connect to the 2.4 GHz band, then re-enable 5 GHz later.
Check your printer manual to see if it supports dual-band WiFi or only 2.4 GHz.
Step 3: Get Your Printer Ready
Before jumping into the network setup:
✅ Plug in and power on your wireless printer.
✅ Ensure it’s in WiFi setup mode — usually accessed through the control panel or display screen on the printer.
✅ Reset the printer’s network settings if it was previously connected to a different WiFi. This helps avoid conflicts or old configurations.
Step 4: Connect Your Printer to Orbi WiFi
Follow these general steps, though the exact process may vary depending on your printer brand (HP, Epson, Canon, Brother, etc.):
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On the printer’s control panel, navigate to Network Settings or Wireless Setup.
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Select WiFi Setup Wizard or Wireless LAN Setup.
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Let the printer search for available networks.
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When you see your Orbi network name (SSID), select it.
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Enter your WiFi password carefully — some printers require using on-screen keyboards, so be patient.
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Confirm the connection and wait for the printer to establish a link.
When connected, your printer’s display usually shows a WiFi icon or confirmation message.
Step 5: Install Printer Drivers on Your Devices
Once your printer is on the Orbi network, make sure your computers, laptops, and smartphones can find it.
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On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, click Add a printer or scanner, and follow the prompts.
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On macOS, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, click the + button, and select your wireless printer.
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On smartphones or tablets, install the printer’s official app (like HP Smart, Epson iPrint, Canon PRINT) for easier setup and mobile printing.
Most modern printers will auto-discover on the same network, so the process is usually seamless.
Step 6: Test Your Printer
✅ Print a test page to ensure the printer is working on the Orbi network.
✅ Try printing from multiple devices (laptop, phone, tablet) to confirm consistent access.
✅ Check printer status in the app or control panel to verify signal strength and connectivity.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you hit any bumps along the way, here are some quick fixes:
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Printer not finding Orbi WiFi?
Move the printer closer to the Orbi router or satellite, and check that you’re using the correct SSID. -
Connection keeps dropping?
Make sure the printer’s firmware is updated and that the Orbi signal in that room is strong. -
Can’t print from devices?
Ensure all devices are on the same WiFi network and that the printer drivers are properly installed. -
Still can’t connect on dual-band?
Consider separating the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands or enabling a guest network just for the printer.
Bonus: Enable Guest Network for Printers
Some users create a guest network on their Orbi just for smart home devices and printers. This can help isolate traffic and make managing devices easier.
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Log into orbilogin.com or the Orbi app.
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Go to Guest Network settings.
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Enable it, set a name and password, and connect your printer to this guest SSID.
Benefits of Wireless Printing on Orbi
Once everything is set up, you can enjoy:
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Convenience — Print from anywhere in your home without plugging in.
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Multiple device support — Everyone in the household can share the same printer.
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Better coverage — Orbi’s mesh system ensures your printer stays connected even if you move it between rooms.
Final Thoughts
Adding a wireless printer to your Orbi network doesn’t have to be complicated. With the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve a trouble-free setup and get your printer online in minutes.
Remember: check your network, prepare your printer, use the right band, and test thoroughly. With a little care, your Orbi mesh system and wireless printer can work together beautifully — making your home or office workflow smoother and more efficient.