Using a Raspberry Pi as a Print Server for USB Printers

Turn any USB printer into a wireless network printer accessible from any device.

Install CUPS

sudo apt install cups -y
sudo systemctl enable cups
sudo usermod -aG lpadmin pi

Enable Remote Access

sudo cupsctl --remote-admin --remote-any --share-printers
sudo systemctl restart cups

Access web UI: https://raspberrypi.local:631

Add Printer

1. CUPS UI: Administration > Add Printer
2. Select USB printer
3. Choose driver (specific or Generic PDF)
4. Set as default

Connect from Windows

Settings > Printers > Add > "The printer I want isn't listed" > TCP/IP:

• Hostname: raspberrypi.local
• Port: 631

Or use the printer URL directly: http://raspberrypi.local:631/printers/[name]

AirPrint for iPhone/Mac

sudo apt install avahi-daemon -y

CUPS + avahi = automatic AirPrint. Macs and iPhones find the printer with no setup on the client side.