Chromebooks may sometimes fail to print. When that happens, you may get an error message saying your computer failed to set up the printer. What’s even more surprising is that this error occurs all of a sudden and your printer worked seamlessly up to that point. Let’s see how you can fix this issue and restore your printer’s functionality.
How to Fix “Error Setting up Printer” on Chromebook
Chromebooks generally throw this error in connection to HP printers. For that reason, the troubleshooting methods below mainly refer to HP printers.
Get The HP Print for Chrome App
If you’re getting this error while trying to print from the Chrome browser, install the HP Print for Chrome app. Install this extension on your browser and check if you can print now.
Once the extension installed, you can quickly print files from Gmail, Google Docs, and other online services.
- Launch your Chrome browser, and open the email or document you want to print.
- Then click the Print icon.
- Under Destination, select the Change button.
- Select your printer and hit Print.
If you’re on a wireless connection, your Chromebook and printer need to be on the same network.
Update Your Printer
Installing the latest printer firmware update may fix this issue. Your printer may not work properly if you’re running old firmware versions. Navigate to your printer’s settings and select the update option. If you’ve never done that before, go to your printer manufacturer’s support page for specific instructions for your printer model.
The same goes for your Chromebook. Update it to the latest version of Chrome OS. Navigate to Settings, select About Chrome OS and then select Check for updates.
Use a Different Pairing Method
There are two ways you can connect your printer to your Chromebook: via a wireless connection or a USB connection. If the printer fails to print on a wireless connection, switch to a USB connection and check if that works.
Add Your Printer Again
- Go to Settings, click Advanced and select Printing.
- Then select Printers.
- Go to your current printer’s name and select More → Remove.
- Go ahead and set up your printer again.
Conclusion
If your Chromebook says it failed to set up your printer, use a different pairing method and update your OS and printer firmware. As a last resort, remove your printer and add it again.
We’re really curious to learn how the troubleshooting process went for you. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Carls says
HP’s least expensive laser the laser pro M15w, is a natural pairing for the school chromebook set. Worked with Cloud Print. No longer works and this trick doesn’t fix it.
Donna McDonald says
no it did not, apparently the last Chrome OS update does not support my HP4635
Cass says
Have 3 new Samsung Chromebooks, one Galaxy Chromebook (2020) and two Plus V2 models (2018). I have a Canon Imageclass MF-244-DW laser printer, B/W. It’s a wifi printer that worked great for our Samsung tablets, phone & our lonely Win10 lappy. ChromeOS simply refuses to see it.
It does not know the printer, and has no imageclass in the list. SO. Pick a PPD file – BUT WHICH ONE? I’ve tried several, all printed gibberish. Eventually, it did SEE the printer, and yet it will not finish setup.
WHICH PPD FILE DO I USE? I don’t know how to open the printers remote service, either. I’ve installed the Canon app, plus the business printer app. Neither work (unless I’m installing the app wrong?).
HELP! Every document I see says “Use Cloud Print” which went away JUST BEFORE we got these. Canons website says “Pick the closest PPD file” but has no explanation for HOW or WHY to pick. WHICH ONE DO I USE?
Apologies. This has left me, a usually proficient nerd-geek, just gobsmacked without sufficient data & in tears. Several time already. I’m happy to help out, do screenshots, test. Just let me know!
Any and all advice appreciated! Anything could be *the clue*! Thank you.
Michael Perruso says
This did not help. The chromebook fails to show preview. After a few seconds, it give “can not connect to printer” message. I’ve tried everything.
Soledad says
No, I added the printer manually, because it never appeared automatically. I can’t remove the printer and when trying to print, it gives an error.