I'm looking for a way to share a standalone printer that is currently connected to my wife's Mac. We have 2 Android smart phones and 2 Android tablets which need access to that printer.We don't have a router but I always run my Samsung S5 as a hotspot for Internet connection, all of the devices run through that hot spot, even my Chromecast. I'm guessing a WiFi print server is what I'm looking for? Something that will automatically attach to my hot spot when active and allow all devices to print to it. Can anyone recommend one for me? How do the Android devices get the proper drivers for the printer? ThanksRon W.

The newer printers with built in WiFi will work as a print server. We have one at our house and it prints from all devices at the house. Three computers, three cell phones, two iPads. Only problem we have with the printer is it run out of paper and ink a lot but that probably because it gets use a lot. :)

Which printer do you have? Some have options for direct printing, using WiFi without a router. The process can be easier if apps are available from the printer manufacturer. Otherwise, the printer may have adhoc wireless connection abilities built-in, which need to be set manually. Once activated, you select the connection for your printer just like connecting to a WiFi access point. Brother printers have been able to do so for quite some time.

I use a Espon Workforce 645. It works well, doesn't use a lot of ink like my photo printers use to use. Printing photos for my self and most of my clients I use Costco great quality and real good prices, cheater than print photos at home.

For USB printersTo share your printer1.Open Devices and Printers by clicking the Start button , and then, on the Start menu, clicking Devices and Printers.2.Right-click the printer you want to share, and then click Printer properties.3.Click the Sharing tab, and select the Share this printer check box.

Need recommendation on a print server | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

rjsurfer
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015
SCVJeff wrote:
Does the printer have WiFi ?

Op back, no the printer has no WiFi capability I am assuming there there are external print servers with wifi that just plug into the printer port.

Ron
AllegroD
Nomad
Jun 22, 2015
For USB printers
To share your printer

1.Open Devices and Printers by clicking the Start button , and then, on the Start menu, clicking Devices and Printers.
2.Right-click the printer you want to share, and then click Printer properties.
3.Click the Sharing tab, and select the Share this printer check box.
Calicajun
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015
I use a Espon Workforce 645. It works well, doesn't use a lot of ink like my photo printers use to use. Printing photos for my self and most of my clients I use Costco great quality and real good prices, cheater than print photos at home.
1492
Moderator
Jun 22, 2015
Which printer do you have? Some have options for direct printing, using WiFi without a router. The process can be easier if apps are available from the printer manufacturer. Otherwise, the printer may have adhoc wireless connection abilities built-in, which need to be set manually. Once activated, you select the connection for your printer just like connecting to a WiFi access point. Brother printers have been able to do so for quite some time.
Calicajun
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015
The newer printers with built in WiFi will work as a print server. We have one at our house and it prints from all devices at the house. Three computers, three cell phones, two iPads. Only problem we have with the printer is it run out of paper and ink a lot but that probably because it gets use a lot. :)
SCVJeff
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015
Does the printer have WiFi ?

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Need recommendation on a print server

16 Replies

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