Pi miscellaneous

How to Set Up a Raspberry Pi Print Server

The Raspberry Pi is an incredibly versatile mini-computer capable of handling various tasks, including acting as a print server. Using a Raspberry Pi as a print server allows you to share a single printer across multiple devices, including PCs, laptops, and smartphones, over a network. This guide walks you through the process of transforming your Raspberry Pi into a wireless print server using the Common Unix Printing System (CUPS).

Why Use a Raspberry Pi as a Print Server?

Using a Raspberry Pi as a print server has several advantages:

  • Cost-Effective: A Raspberry Pi is cheaper than dedicated print server devices.
  • Compact and Energy-Efficient: Its small size and low power consumption make it ideal for 24/7 operation.
  • Multi-Platform Support: Enables printing from Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.
  • Wireless Printing: Share a printer across devices without needing direct connections.

What You’ll Need

Before starting, ensure you have the following:

  • Raspberry Pi (any model with network capabilities, e.g., Raspberry Pi 3 or 4).
  • A USB printer.
  • A microSD card with Raspberry Pi OS installed.
  • Power supply for the Raspberry Pi.
  • Network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Raspberry Pi Print Server

Step 1: Update Your Raspberry Pi

First, ensure your Raspberry Pi is up-to-date. Open the terminal and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install CUPS

CUPS is the software that enables your Raspberry Pi to function as a print server. Install it with the following command:

sudo apt install cups -y

Step 3: Configure CUPS

  1. Add the pi user to the lpadmin group to give it administrative privileges for printer management:
    sudo usermod -aG lpadmin pi
  2. Open the CUPS configuration file to allow access from other devices:
    sudo nano /etc/cups/cupsd.conf
  3. Find and edit these lines to match the following:
    • Replace Listen localhost:631 with Port 631.
    • Under <Location />, <Location /admin>, and <Location /admin/conf>, replace Require local with Require all granted.
  4. Save and exit (Ctrl+O, Enter, Ctrl+X).

Step 4: Restart CUPS

Restart the CUPS service to apply the changes:

sudo systemctl restart cups

Step 5: Access the CUPS Web Interface

  1. Open a web browser on a device connected to the same network as your Raspberry Pi.
  2. Enter the following address:
    http://<your-pi-ip-address>:631

    Replace <your-pi-ip-address> with the Raspberry Pi’s IP address (use hostname -I to find it).

Step 6: Add Your Printer

  1. In the CUPS interface, click on Administration → Add Printer.
  2. Log in with your Raspberry Pi credentials.
  3. Select your printer from the list of detected devices.
  4. Follow the prompts to configure and share the printer.

Printing From Other Devices

Windows

  1. Open Devices and Printers and click Add a Printer.
  2. Select The printer that I want isn’t listed → Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname.
  3. Enter the Raspberry Pi’s IP address and follow the prompts to add the printer.

macOS

  1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
  2. Click + and select your Raspberry Pi’s printer.

Linux

  1. Open the Printers app and click Add.
  2. Enter the Raspberry Pi’s IP address and follow the setup prompts.

Mobile Devices

  1. Install a third-party app like PrintBot or PrinterShare.
  2. Connect to the printer using the Raspberry Pi’s IP address.

FAQs

Can I use any Raspberry Pi model as a print server?
Yes, any model with network capabilities (e.g., Raspberry Pi 3, 4, or Zero W) can be used.

What type of printers are compatible with a Raspberry Pi print server?
Most USB and network-enabled printers are compatible. However, some older printers may require additional drivers.

Can I connect multiple printers to one Raspberry Pi?
Yes, you can add multiple printers to CUPS and manage them simultaneously.

Is it possible to print wirelessly with a Raspberry Pi print server?
Yes, as long as your Raspberry Pi is connected to a wireless network, you can print wirelessly.

How do I secure my Raspberry Pi print server?
Enable password protection in the CUPS interface and configure your router to limit access to trusted devices.

Can I use the Raspberry Pi as a scanner server?
Yes, with additional software like SANE (Scanner Access Now Easy), you can configure the Raspberry Pi to share a scanner.

Conclusion

Transforming your Raspberry Pi into a print server is a cost-effective and versatile solution for sharing printers across multiple devices. With CUPS and some simple configuration, you can enable wireless printing, save resources, and streamline your home or office printing needs. Whether you’re printing from a PC, Mac, or smartphone, this setup ensures seamless and efficient operation.

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