Transformation of the usual USB-A printer in a networked device is a great opportunity to improve the comfort of working in a home office. - Xiaomi Mi Router 4A This function can be easily implemented as the model is equipped with the necessary USB-This allows you to print documents and photos from any gadget that is in Wi-Fi coverage, without having to physically connect the cable to the computer.
The setup process does not require a deep knowledge of network technology, but requires attention to detail. The main difficulty often lies not in the router itself, but in choosing the right software on the client side. In this article, we will discuss all the steps from the physical installation to fine-tuning the Windows and macOS operating system.
It's worth noting that the router's printing protocol has its own peculiarities, and unlike direct connection, the router acts as an intermediary for transmitting data, so the printing speed can be slightly lower, and the functionality of the printer (for example, scanning) can be limited by basic capabilities, but for home printing of documents, this method is one of the most stable.
Compatibility check and physical connection
The first step before you start setting up is to make sure your hardware is ready to go. - Xiaomi Mi Router 4A (The Gigabit Edition and Global Version are available USB-It's important to understand that the power that this port gives out is limited. If your printer requires a lot of power to start, it may not start or run unstablely.
In most cases, modern entry-level inkjet and laser printers are successfully operating directly from the router port. USB-a self-powered hub, which will avoid overloading the router controller and ensure stable network operation.
To connect, perform the following actions:
- 🔌 Turn on the router and wait for the system to fully load (the indicator should be blue or white).
- 🖨️ Connect the printer cable to USB-port on the back of Xiaomi 4A.
- 💡 Make sure the printer is on the power grid and is ready.
- 📶 Check that the computer or smartphone from which the configuration will be made is connected to the Wi-Fi network of this router.
⚠️ Attention: Not recommended to use USB-Extension extenders longer than 1.5 meters when connecting the printer, which can cause voltage drops and data packets to be lost, causing printing errors.
After the physical connection, you need to make sure that the router "sees" the device. For this, the best way to go to the web administrator interface. The standard address for Xiaomi devices is 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com. If you use the Chinese version of the firmware, the interface may be in Chinese, but the menu structure remains logical.
Setup of Printing Function in the Router Web Interface
Once you log in to the control panel of the Xiaomi Mi Router 4A router, you need to activate the corresponding service. In new versions of the firmware, this feature may be called “USB Printer” or “Print Service.” Without activating this mode, the router will only charge the device, but not transfer data.
The configuration interface may vary depending on the regional version of the firmware (Global or Global). CN). In the global version, look for the Common Settings or Advanced Settings section. USB-The system must automatically determine the printer model, although sometimes it can be displayed as "Generic". USB Printer».
It's important to fix IP-The router's address, because it's going to be used to install drivers on your computer, which is usually a standard gateway, but it's better to double-check it in connection status. It is also useful to know that some printer models require a specific data protocol to be selected if the router offers a choice between the two. RAW and LPR. For home use, the protocol RAW (Port 9100 is the most versatile and fast port.
💡
Activation of the printing service in the router interface is a critical stage, without which further configuration on the computer is impossible.
Installation of a printer on a Windows computer
Setting up a client on Windows 10 or 11 requires a new print port. The standard installer may not find the printer automatically, so we'll use a manual method of adding the device. IP-router.
Open the “Parameters» → «Devices» → «Printers and scanners. Click on Add a printer or scanner. When the system says no device is found, select the link "Necessary printer is not listed." In the window that opens, select "Add a printer by printer" TCP/IP-address».
In the field “Name or IP-address" enter local IP-address of your Xiaomi router 4A (The port will automatically install. The next step is to try to identify the driver. If it finds a suitable driver in the database, great. If not, select "Install from disk" and specify the path to the driver downloaded from the official website of the printer manufacturer.
☑️ Checklist installation on Windows
Once you install the driver, Windows will offer you the option to configure the printer name and use it by default, «Xiaomi_Net_Print», So you can try to avoid confusing it with other network resources, and at this point, you can print out a test page to check the connection.
Setup printing on macOS and Linux
Apple users can also easily connect the printer via Xiaomi router. macOS has built-in support for IPP and LPD, which simplifies the process. Open System Settings → Printers and Scanners and press + to add a new device.
Go to the tab «IP». Select Line Printer Daemon as the protocol - LPD» The Internet Printing Protocol - IPP». Enter the Address field IP-The queue field can be left blank or typed in a printer if the system needs to be filled. macOS often finds the drivers it needs by itself through AirPrint, if the printer supports this technology, or through AirPrint drivers built into the router.
For Linux users (Ubuntu, Debian, Mint), the process is also standard and runs through the CUPS system. Open your browser and type in localhost:631. Go to the administration bar, select "Add Printer" and find a network printer. AppSocket/HP Jetdirect often works most stably with Xiaomi routers.
⚠️ Note: On macOS, the printer may reset after the system update. If the print is gone, remove the old printer from the list and add it again using the same scheme.
Some Linux distributions may require the installation of cups and cups-browsed packages to correctly detect network devices, especially for minimalist builds where the full set of network utilities is not installed by default.
Table of the main setting parameters
For ease of data systematization, we give the main parameters that may be required in the process of configuring various operating systems and devices.
| Parameter | Meaning/Description | Wherever used |
|---|---|---|
| IP-router | 192.168.31.1 (default) | All OS, port setup |
| Protocol | RAW (Port 9100) | Windows, Linux |
| Protocol | LPD / IPP | macOS, Linux |
| Name of the queue (Queue) | printer (often required) | Linux, macOS |
| USB-router | USB 2.0 | Physical connection |
This data will help you quickly navigate if the installer requests specific technical details, so you don't need to remember them, just keep this table handy or take a screenshot.
Mobile printing and additional features
Modern users often need to print directly from their smartphones. Xiaomi Mi Router 4A router is coupled with the right software to implement this feature. For Android and iOS, there are special intermediary applications that send a task to print over the local network.
One of the popular solutions is to use the PrinterShare application or analogues. In the application settings, you need to select "Next Printer" or "Select manually", specify IP-The router address and port 9100, and then the phone will see the printer as if it were connected by a cable.