How to Print from Your iPhone Without AirPrint: Simple Methods

Printing directly from your iPhone or iPad offers unparalleled convenience. Whether it’s capturing a quick snapshot, preserving an important document, or needing a hard copy on the go, mobile printing bridges the gap between your digital and physical worlds. While Apple’s AirPrint simplifies wireless printing, it’s not always a viable option. What if your printer isn’t AirPrint-enabled? Fortunately, printing from your iPhone without AirPrint is not only possible but often just as straightforward. This guide will walk you through several effective methods to print from your iPhone, even if you don’t have an AirPrint printer at your disposal.

Connecting iPhone to printer for document printing without AirPrint

Understanding AirPrint and Exploring Alternatives

AirPrint is Apple’s proprietary technology that allows seamless wireless printing to compatible printers over a Wi-Fi network. It’s incredibly user-friendly: if your printer supports AirPrint and is on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone, you can print with just a few taps. However, AirPrint compatibility isn’t universal. Many older printers, or even some newer models, may not support this feature. This doesn’t mean you’re unable to print from your iPhone; it simply means you need to explore alternative methods. Luckily, several excellent workarounds exist that are just as efficient, and sometimes even more versatile, than AirPrint. Let’s delve into these practical solutions.

Methods to Print from iPhone Without AirPrint

If AirPrint isn’t an option for your printer, don’t worry. You have several reliable ways to print documents and photos directly from your iPhone. Here are some of the most effective methods:

Leverage Cloud-Based Printing Services: Cloud printing services offer a robust and flexible solution to print from your iPhone to virtually any printer, regardless of AirPrint compatibility. Services like ezeep Blue act as intermediaries, connecting your iPhone to your printer through the cloud. This method is particularly advantageous because it often supports a wider range of printers, including older models and USB-connected printers. Furthermore, cloud printing services can enable printing to printers that are not on the same Wi-Fi network, offering true “print from anywhere” capability.
Utilize Wi-Fi Direct: Some modern printers come equipped with Wi-Fi Direct. This feature allows your iPhone to connect directly to the printer’s Wi-Fi signal, bypassing the need for a traditional Wi-Fi network or router. If your printer supports Wi-Fi Direct, you can establish a direct wireless connection and print without AirPrint. You’ll typically need to enable Wi-Fi Direct on your printer and then select the printer’s Wi-Fi network on your iPhone.
Explore Printer Manufacturer Apps: Many printer manufacturers, such as HP, Epson, Canon, and Brother, offer their own mobile apps. These apps often provide printing capabilities for iPhones, even to printers that are not AirPrint compatible. These apps usually handle the connection and driver aspects, allowing you to print documents, photos, and more. Check the App Store for an app specifically designed for your printer brand.
Consider USB Connection (Less Common): While less convenient for mobile printing, connecting your iPhone to a printer via a USB cable might be possible in some scenarios, often with the help of specific third-party apps. However, this method is generally less practical for iPhones and is often surpassed in ease and functionality by cloud printing or Wi-Fi Direct options. It might also require adapters depending on your iPhone and printer’s ports.

Step-by-Step Guide: Printing from iPhone Without AirPrint Using ezeep Blue

For a seamless and versatile printing experience without AirPrint, ezeep Blue stands out as a user-friendly solution. It allows you to print to almost any printer, including USB printers and network printers, from your iPhone, regardless of location. Here’s how to set it up and print:

Setting Up ezeep Blue:

Install the ezeep Blue App: Download the ezeep Blue Printer App from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
Create an ezeep Account: Open the app and sign up for a free ezeep Blue account. If you’re using it for business, you can create an ezeep Organization to manage multiple users and printers.
Install the ezeep Connector (for USB and Network Printers): To enable printing to printers connected to your computer or network, you’ll need to install the ezeep Connector software. Download it from the ezeep website (ezeep.com) and install it on a Windows PC or Windows Server that is connected to your printer(s). (Note: macOS connector is coming soon). Ensure your printer is already installed and working on this computer.
Connect Your Printer: Within your ezeep Blue account (via the web portal or app), you can add printers. The ezeep Connector will detect printers connected to the computer where it’s installed. You can assign printers to yourself or share them with other users if needed.

Selecting a printer in ezeep Blue app

Allowing ezeep Blue to find printers

Selecting printer model in ezeep Blue app

Selecting printer drivers in ezeep Blue app

Selecting WiFi printer in ezeep Blue app

Device ready to print with ezeep Blue

Printing via the Share Button (Most Common Method):

Open the Document: Locate the document, photo, email, or webpage you want to print on your iPhone.
Tap the Share Icon: This is usually a square with an arrow pointing upwards, often found at the bottom or top of the screen depending on the app.
Scroll and Select “Print with ezeep Blue”: In the share sheet that appears, scroll through the options until you find “Print with ezeep Blue”. Tap it.

Share button to print from iPhone using ezeep Blue

Print with ezeep Blue option in share sheet

Select Printer and Print: The ezeep Blue app will open, showing a print preview. Choose your desired printer from the list (All Printers, My Printers, or Wi-Fi). Adjust print settings if needed (copies, paper size, etc.), and tap “Print”.

Printing When the Share Button Isn’t Available (e.g., from some Email Apps):

Open the Document and Access Print Options: Open the document or content you want to print. Look for a small arrow or menu icon (often three dots or lines) within the app.
Tap “Print”: In the menu, find and tap the “Print” option. This will typically open a standard iOS print preview screen.
Zoom and Share: Use two fingers to zoom in on the print preview. This action will reveal the share icon (square with an upward arrow) in the upper right corner of the preview. Tap the share icon.
Select “Print with ezeep Blue”: From the share sheet, choose “Print with ezeep Blue”.
Print: The ezeep Blue app will open, allowing you to select your printer and print as described in the previous “Printing via Share Button” steps.

How to connect printer to iPhone without AirPrint visual guide

How to print from iPad visual guide

Print to iPhone AirPrint alternative visual guide

Benefits of Choosing ezeep Blue for iPhone Printing

Opting for a cloud-based printing solution like ezeep Blue offers several advantages beyond just printing without AirPrint:

Universal Printer Compatibility: Print to virtually any printer, regardless of brand, model, or AirPrint support.
Print from Anywhere: Print to printers even when you’re not on the same Wi-Fi network, enabling remote printing.
Supports USB Printers: Easily print to older USB printers that are connected to a computer running the ezeep Connector.
User-Friendly App: The ezeep Blue app is designed for simplicity and ease of use, making mobile printing straightforward.
Scalable Solution: Suitable for both individual users and businesses needing a robust and manageable printing solution.
Cost Optimization: Features like Printer Profiles (to set default print settings) can help reduce printing costs and minimize errors by standardizing print behavior.

Conclusion: Effortless iPhone Printing, AirPrint or Not

Printing from your iPhone doesn’t have to be limited by AirPrint compatibility. As we’ve explored, several effective methods, particularly cloud printing solutions like ezeep Blue, provide simple and reliable alternatives. With ezeep Blue, you unlock the freedom to print from your iPhone to almost any printer, anywhere, with ease and flexibility. Say goodbye to AirPrint limitations and embrace seamless mobile printing today!