Printer Unboxing and Setup: First-Time Steps for Inkjet and Laser

Unboxing and Preparation

Start by setting the box on a large, flat surface. Open the top flaps and remove the printer, keeping the box and foam inserts until you confirm the machine works. Check that you have the power cord, any supplied USB cable, and the ink or toner cartridges. Most printers also include a quick-start guide.

Remove all tape and protective stickers, including any on the paper trays or inside the output areas. For inkjet models, you may need to remove a clear tape over the printhead travel lock. For laser printers, check for a shipping screw or lock that must be released before powering on.

Recycle the packaging after you are satisfied. Cardboard and plastic can go in your normal recycling bin, as noted by the EPA. If you plan to return the printer, keep the box for a few weeks.

• Clear a stable, uncluttered work surface.
• Unpack everything and verify contents against the packing list.
• Remove tape, foam, and shipping locks.
• Keep the original box for returns or transport.

Install Ink or Toner Cartridges

Inkjet printers ship with one or more cartridges inside a sealed bag. Remove the cartridge from the packaging, and carefully peel off the protective tape covering the printhead nozzle. Do not touch the copper contacts or the nozzle itself, as oils from your fingers can cause clogging or poor electrical connection.

Match each cartridge color to its labeled slot. Insert it at a slight angle and push until it clicks into place. Close the cartridge access door. Most printers will prompt you on the LCD to confirm installation.

For laser printers, take the toner cartridge out of its protective bag, shake it gently side to side to distribute the toner evenly, then remove the seal. Slide the cartridge into the drum slot until it locks. Some models have a separate drum unit, which is installed first; the toner then clips onto it. Refer to your model's guide for details. For deeper troubleshooting, see our guides on replacing inkjet cartridges and replacing laser toner.

Load Paper Correctly

Adjust the paper guides in the input tray to match the width of your paper. Fan the stack to separate the sheets and prevent double feeding, then slide it in until it meets the back stop. The guides should lightly touch the edges without bending the paper.

Use plain 20-pound paper for initial testing. If you plan to print photos or envelopes, switch to the appropriate media later. Avoid overfilling the tray, as this can cause jams. The maximum capacity is usually printed on the tray or in the manual; our paper tray capacity guide has general advice. For recommended weights, see paper weight.

After loading, extend the output tray to catch printed pages. Some printers require you to lower or extend a flap. Then, press the printer's power button to turn it on.

Connect to Your Network or Computer

You can connect your printer with a USB cable, an Ethernet cable, or over Wi-Fi. For a USB connection, plug the cable into the printer and your computer. For Ethernet, connect to your router. For Wi-Fi, use the printer's control panel to join your wireless network, or press the WPS button on your router and the printer simultaneously if supported.

Many modern printers support IPP Everywhere, an industry standard from the Printer Working Group. According to the PWG, 98% of printers sold today support IPP/2.0 and DNS-SD. This means they can work with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux without installing vendor-specific drivers. Your operating system should discover the printer automatically.

For mobile printing, the Mopria Alliance provides apps for Android and Windows, while AirPrint is built into Apple devices. If your printer is Mopria certified, you can print directly from your phone or tablet. See our general connectivity guide and the wireless printer guide for more details.

Power On and Initial Setup

Plug the power cord into the printer and a wall outlet, then turn it on. The first boot may take a minute as the printer initializes and may prompt you to select language, time, and date. Follow the on-screen instructions.

If your printer has a display, use it to enter your Wi-Fi password. If not, the printer will rely on a USB or Ethernet connection. After the connection is established, the operating system will either install the built-in IPP Everywhere driver or ask you to download the manufacturer's driver.

Run a test print to verify the setup. For inkjet models, the initial test page often includes a nozzle check and an alignment pattern. If you see missing lines, use the printer's automatic printhead alignment function (more in our alignment guide). For laser printers, a test page confirms the toner is installed correctly.

Optimize Energy and Paper Settings

After the printer is working, adjust its settings to save energy and paper. The ENERGY STAR program recommends keeping factory defaults for sleep and auto-off modes, as these are already tuned for efficiency. Enabling duplex (two-sided) printing as your default can cut paper use by nearly half.

Choose a lower quality mode like draft for internal documents. This uses less ink or toner and prints faster. Many printers also have an image combination feature to print multiple pages per sheet, further reducing waste.

For wireless printers, ensure your network uses WPA2 or WPA3 encryption to keep the printer's connection secure. See our security settings guide for best practices.

• Leave sleep mode and auto-off at factory defaults.
• Set duplex printing as your default to save paper.
• Use draft mode for everyday text documents.
• Update the printer firmware when prompted to fix bugs and improve performance.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Do I need to install printer drivers?

Many modern printers support IPP Everywhere, an industry standard supported by Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS. With such printers, the operating system automatically sets up a print queue without manufacturer drivers. For older or niche models, you may still need to download a driver from the maker's website.

How do I connect my printer to Wi-Fi?

Use the printer's control panel to navigate to network settings and select your Wi-Fi network. Enter the password when prompted. Alternatively, if your router and printer both support WPS, you can press the WPS button on the router and then the WPS button on the printer. After that, the printer joins the network.

How do I know if my printer supports IPP Everywhere?

Check the printer's specifications for IPP Everywhere, IPP/2.0, or AirPrint compatibility. The Printer Working Group reports that 98% of printers sold today support IPP/2.0 and DNS-SD, so even budget models usually work without extra drivers.

What should I do with the printer's packaging?

Recycle the cardboard and plastic inserts after you confirm the printer works. The EPA recommends recycling as a way to reduce waste. Keep the box for a few weeks in case you need to return the printer, then break it down and put it in your bin.

How do I align the printhead on an inkjet printer?

Most inkjet printers have an automatic alignment utility built into their software or on the control panel. Run this utility after the first power-on. It prints an alignment sheet and then scans it to adjust the printhead. If lines still appear misaligned, refer to our alignment guide.