In the past, printing documents from your phone involved a cumbersome process of transferring files to a computer first. Thankfully, times have changed. Now, you can effortlessly print directly from your smartphone or tablet using various wireless technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even email. This guide will walk you through the steps to connect your printer to your phone and start printing with ease.
Setting Up Your Printer
Before connecting your phone, ensure your printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network. The setup process varies between printer brands and models, so the best approach is to consult the user manual that came with your printer.
If you’ve misplaced the physical manual, don’t worry. Most printer manuals are available online in PDF format. Simply search for your printer’s brand and model number on the manufacturer’s website. You can usually find the model number printed on the printer itself, often on the bottom, side, or a sticker.
Once your printer is successfully connected to your Wi-Fi, you can proceed with connecting your Android or iOS phone by following the instructions below.
Connecting a Printer to an Android Device
For Android devices, the most straightforward method for connecting to compatible printers is using the Default Print Service. This built-in Android feature replaced Google Cloud Print and offers seamless connectivity.
Connecting via Wi-Fi
Android’s Default Print Service is designed to automatically detect printers that are on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or tablet. Major printer manufacturers like Canon and Epson widely support this service, ensuring a smooth setup experience.
Make sure both your printer and Android device are connected to your home Wi-Fi network. Printing over a mobile data connection (4G or 5G) via this method will not work.
To enable the Default Print Service and connect your printer:
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Search for “printing” in the settings search bar.
- Select Printing from the search results.
- Tap Printing again under Connection preferences.
- Choose Default Print Service and toggle it On.
Your Android device will then scan for and display a list of compatible printers on your Wi-Fi network. Simply select your printer from the list to establish the connection.
Android default print service
Android Default Print Service settings showing a list of available printers on the network.
If your printer doesn’t appear in the initial list, you have several options to try:
- Add Manufacturer-Specific Service: In the Printing settings, instead of Default Print Service, tap Add service. This will redirect you to the Google Play Store, where you can find printer services or plugins offered by specific manufacturers. Search for your printer brand, download and install the relevant service, and then return to the Printing settings to see if your printer is now detected.
Android print service
Android Print Service options showing the “Add service” option to install brand-specific printer plugins.
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Third-Party Print Services: If a manufacturer-specific service isn’t available or doesn’t work, consider using a third-party print service app. These apps are also available on the Google Play Store and can scan your network for printers regardless of the brand. Popular choices include PrinterOn and PrinterShare Mobile Print, though it’s recommended to research and choose one that suits your needs.
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Manually Add Printer via IP Address or Wi-Fi Direct: You can manually add your printer to the Default Print Service.
- IP Address: To use the IP address, you’ll need to find your printer’s IP address through your router’s settings. Access your router’s settings (the method varies depending on your router brand), look for a section like Attached Devices or Device List, locate your printer, and note down its IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100). Then, in the Default Print Service settings, tap the three vertical dots (menu icon) in the top right corner, select Add printer, then Add printer by IP address. Enter the IP address and tap Add.
- Wi-Fi Direct: Alternatively, in the Add printer menu, you can select Wi-Fi Direct printing. Turn this option on, and your phone will scan for printers that support Wi-Fi Direct, allowing for a direct connection without needing a Wi-Fi network.
Android WiFi direct 1
Manually adding a printer option in Android Default Print Service menu.
Android WiFi direct 2
Options to add a printer by IP address or select from Wi-Fi Direct enabled printers on Android.
Connecting via Bluetooth
While less common than Wi-Fi, some printers offer Bluetooth connectivity. Connecting via Bluetooth is often simpler as it doesn’t rely on network configurations. The process is similar to connecting to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones.
- Enable Bluetooth scanning on your printer. Refer to your printer’s manual for specific instructions on how to activate Bluetooth pairing mode.
- On your Android phone, go to Settings, then Connected devices, and select Pair new device.
- Your phone will scan for nearby Bluetooth devices. When your printer appears in the list, tap on it to connect.
Android Bluetooth
Pairing a new Bluetooth printer from the “Connected devices” settings on Android.
Once paired, your printer will appear in the list of previously connected devices. Note that Bluetooth connections are typically shorter-range, and the printer might disconnect if it’s too far from your phone or if Bluetooth is turned off. Reconnecting is usually automatic when both devices have Bluetooth enabled and are in range. If not, you can manually reconnect from the Connected devices settings. You can also rename your printer in Bluetooth settings for easier identification by tapping the cog icon next to the printer’s name, then the pencil icon, and entering a new name.
How to Print from an Android Device
Once your printer is connected to your Android phone, printing is straightforward, regardless of whether you used Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
To print an image or document:
- Open the image or document you want to print.
- Look for the Share icon (often three dots or a stylized share symbol).
- Tap the Share icon and find the Print option in the sharing menu.
- In the print preview screen, tap Select a printer and choose your connected printer from the list.
- Adjust any print settings as needed (e.g., paper size, orientation, color).
- Tap the Print icon (usually a printer symbol) to start printing.
Android print 1
Accessing the print option for images from the share menu on Android.
Android print 2
Standard print screen on Android showing print preview and the print icon.
Connecting and Printing from an iOS Device
Similar to Android, iOS devices (iPhones and iPads) have a built-in print service called AirPrint, which simplifies connecting to compatible printers over Wi-Fi. Apple maintains a list of AirPrint-compatible printers on their website.
If you are purchasing a new printer and intend to use it with your iPhone or iPad, look for the AirPrint logo on the printer’s packaging to ensure compatibility.
After setting up your printer and connecting it to your Wi-Fi network, ensure AirPrint is enabled in the printer’s settings. The method to access these settings varies; typically, you access your printer’s settings through a web browser by entering its IP address. Look for a Network or Wireless tab and then find the AirPrint section to enable it.
To print from your iPhone or iPad (using iOS 18 as an example, but the process is similar across recent iOS versions):
- Open the document, photo, or webpage you wish to print.
- Tap the Share icon (a square with an arrow pointing upwards), usually located at the bottom of the screen.
- Scroll through the sharing options and select Print. This will open the Printer Options screen.
- If this is your first time using AirPrint, tap Select Printer at the top of the screen and choose your AirPrint-enabled printer from the list. iOS should remember this printer for future use.
- Tap Print in the top right corner to send the print job.
Airprint icons
AirPrint logo commonly found on printer packaging, indicating iOS compatibility.
Print from iOS 18 – 1
The share icon on iOS, which provides access to the “Print” option.
Print from iOS 18 – 2
Printer Options screen on iOS, allowing printer selection and print command.
If your printer is not AirPrint-compatible, you might need to use the printer manufacturer’s app. Search for your printer brand in the App Store, download their app, and follow the app’s instructions to connect and print. Some apps let you print directly from within the app, while others might integrate with the iOS share sheet for easier access.
Third-party apps like Printopia 3 or Print n Share are also available, offering potentially different interfaces or features, but they may require purchase or subscription.
Connecting via Bluetooth
While some sources suggest Bluetooth printing with iOS, Apple doesn’t officially support it, and reliable Bluetooth printing from iPhones or iPads is generally not feasible. AirPrint remains the recommended wireless printing method for iOS devices.
Tap and Print with NFC
Some modern printers feature NFC (Near Field Communication) for even simpler Bluetooth pairing. To use NFC printing, ensure both your phone and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (this might be a prerequisite for the NFC handshake even if the printing itself isn’t over Wi-Fi). Enable NFC on your phone and tap your phone against the NFC touchpoint on the printer (usually marked with an ‘NFC’ logo). NFC should automate the connection process, after which you can print as usual.
NFC
NFC icon indicating the area on the printer for NFC tap-to-connect functionality.
Printing from an Android or iOS Device via Email
Certain printer brands offer a convenient email-to-print feature. This allows you to print documents, photos, or webpages by simply emailing them to a unique email address associated with your printer. You need to set up this email address for your printer (usually through the printer’s online account or software). Once configured, you can email files to this address, and the printer will automatically print them, regardless of whether you are on the same network or even at home, as long as the printer is powered on and connected to the internet. The setup process for email printing varies by printer brand; check your printer manufacturer’s website or documentation for specific instructions. Brands like HP often require software installation or product registration to enable this feature.
By utilizing these methods, printing from your phone is now easier and more accessible than ever before. Whether you are using an Android or iOS device, you can quickly connect to your printer and print your important documents and photos wirelessly.
