Gone are the days of needing a computer as a middleman to print documents and photos. Today, printing directly from your smartphone is easier than ever. Whether you’re using an Android or iOS device, connecting to your printer wirelessly opens up a world of convenience. This guide will walk you through various methods to connect your phone to your printer, ensuring you can print effortlessly via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even email.
Setting Up Your Printer for Wireless Connection
Before connecting your phone, you need to ensure your printer is set up for wireless printing. The initial setup process varies between printer brands and models. Your printer’s manual is the best resource, so start there to find specific networking instructions.
If you’ve misplaced the physical manual, don’t worry. Most printer manufacturers provide digital manuals online. Simply search for your printer brand and model number on the manufacturer’s website to find a PDF version. The model number is usually printed on a sticker located on the bottom or side of your printer.
Once your printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network, you’re ready to connect your Android or iOS phone and start printing wirelessly. Let’s explore the different connection methods for each operating system.
Connecting Your Android Phone to a Printer
Android devices offer several seamless ways to connect to compatible printers. The most common and straightforward method is using the Default Print Service, which replaced Google Cloud Print.
Connecting via Wi-Fi: The Default Print Service
Android’s Default Print Service is designed to automatically detect printers on the same Wi-Fi network. Most major printer manufacturers like Canon, Epson, HP, and Brother support this service, making it highly likely your printer is compatible.
To establish a connection, first, ensure both your printer and Android phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This method will not work if your phone is using mobile data (4G or 5G).
Here’s how to connect via Wi-Fi using the Default Print Service:
- Open Settings on your Android phone.
- Search for “Printing” in the settings search bar.
- Select “Printing” from the search results.
- Tap on “Printing” again within “Connection preferences”.
- Choose “Default Print Service” and toggle it “On”.
Your phone will automatically scan for and display compatible printers on your Wi-Fi network. Simply select your printer from the list to connect.
Android default print service
Android Default Print Service displaying a list of available printers on the Wi-Fi network.
Troubleshooting: Printer Not Showing Up?
If your printer doesn’t appear in the list of available printers, here are a few troubleshooting steps:
- Install Manufacturer-Specific Print Service Plugin: Return to the “Printing” settings and tap “Add service”. This will redirect you to the Google Play Store, where you can find printer service plugins from various manufacturers. Search for your printer brand (e.g., “Epson Print Service Plugin,” “HP Print Service Plugin”), download and install the appropriate plugin. Once installed, return to the “Printing” settings; your printer should now be discoverable.
Android print service
Adding a manufacturer-specific print service plugin from the Google Play Store to enhance printer discovery.
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Try a Third-Party Print Service App: If a manufacturer plugin isn’t available or doesn’t work, consider using a third-party printing app. These apps, also available on the Google Play Store, can scan your network for printers regardless of the brand. Popular options include “PrinterOn” and “PrinterShare Mobile Print,” although it’s advisable to research reviews and features before installing.
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Manually Add Printer via IP Address or Wi-Fi Direct: For more advanced users, you can manually add your printer to the Default Print Service using its IP address or Wi-Fi Direct.
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Using IP Address:
- Access your router’s settings page (the method varies depending on your router brand – consult your router manual).
- Find the section listing “Attached Devices” or similar, which shows devices connected to your network.
- Locate your printer in the device list and note its IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100).
- On your Android phone, go back to “Default Print Service” settings.
- Tap the three vertical dots (menu icon) in the top right corner and select “Add printer”.
- Choose “Add printer by IP address”.
- Enter the printer’s IP address and tap “Add”. Your printer should now appear in the list.
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Using Wi-Fi Direct:
- In the “Add printer” menu, select “Wi-Fi Direct printing”.
- Turn on “Wi-Fi Direct printing”. Your phone will scan for Wi-Fi Direct-enabled printers nearby.
- Select your printer from the list to establish a direct connection without needing an internet connection.
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Android WiFi direct 1
Accessing manual printer addition options within the Default Print Service menu.
Android WiFi direct 2
Options to add a printer by IP address (left) or via Wi-Fi Direct (right) on an Android device.
Connecting via Bluetooth: A Direct Wireless Option
While less common than Wi-Fi for printers, Bluetooth offers a simpler connection method, bypassing the need for a network. If your printer supports Bluetooth, connecting is similar to pairing with Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
- Enable Bluetooth Scanning on Your Printer: Consult your printer’s manual to find out how to activate Bluetooth scanning. This process differs between models.
- Pair on Your Android Phone:
- Go to your phone’s Settings.
- Tap “Connected devices”.
- Select “Pair new device”. Your phone will scan for nearby Bluetooth devices.
- When your printer appears in the list, tap to connect.
Android Bluetooth
Initiating Bluetooth pairing on an Android phone to connect with a printer.
Once paired, your printer will be listed under “Previously connected devices”. Bluetooth connections are typically short-range. If the connection drops, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices and they are within proximity. Reconnection should be automatic, or you can manually reconnect from the “Connected devices” menu. You can also rename your printer in Bluetooth settings for easier identification.
How to Print from Your Android Phone
Once your printer is connected via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, printing from your Android phone is straightforward and consistent across connection types.
Printing Images:
- Open the image you want to print in your Photos app or gallery.
- Tap the three vertical dots (menu icon), often located in the top right or bottom corner.
- Scroll through the horizontal menu options and tap “Print”.
Printing Documents (e.g., PDFs, Documents):
- Open the document in its respective app (e.g., Google Drive, Microsoft Word).
- Tap the three vertical dots (menu icon), usually in the top right corner.
- Select “Print” from the menu.
Print Settings and Finalizing Print:
In the print preview screen:
- Tap “Select a printer” and choose your connected printer from the list.
- Adjust print settings as needed (e.g., paper size, color, number of copies).
- Preview the document to ensure it looks correct.
- Tap the print icon (usually a printer symbol) to start printing.
Android print 1
Accessing the print option for images on an Android device via the three-dot menu.
Android print 2
Standard print preview screens on Android, showing options to select printer and adjust settings before printing.
Connecting and Printing from Your iOS Device (iPhone/iPad)
Apple’s iOS ecosystem provides equally user-friendly printing capabilities through AirPrint, a technology built directly into iOS.
Connecting via AirPrint: Seamless Wi-Fi Printing
AirPrint allows for effortless printing to compatible printers over Wi-Fi. A vast range of printers from major brands support AirPrint. You can find an extensive list of AirPrint-compatible printers on Apple’s website.
When purchasing a new printer for use with your iPhone or iPad, look for the AirPrint logo on the packaging to ensure compatibility.
Airprint icons
The AirPrint logo, indicating compatibility with Apple’s wireless printing technology.
Setting up AirPrint:
- Connect your AirPrint-enabled printer to your Wi-Fi network following the printer’s instructions.
- Ensure AirPrint is enabled in the printer’s settings. This is usually done through the printer’s control panel or web interface. Refer to your printer’s manual for specific steps to access settings, often found in the “Network” or “Wireless” section.
Printing with AirPrint from iOS:
- Open the document, photo, or webpage you want to print on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the Share icon (a square with an arrow pointing upwards), typically located at the bottom or top of the screen depending on the app.
- Scroll down the share options and select “Print”. This will open the “Printer Options” screen.
Print from iOS 18 – 1
The share icon in iOS, used to access the print function and other sharing options.
- Select Printer: If it’s your first time using AirPrint, tap “Select Printer” at the top of the “Printer Options” screen. Your iPhone/iPad will automatically detect AirPrint-enabled printers on the same Wi-Fi network. Choose your printer from the list. iOS will usually remember your last selected printer as the default for future use.
- Adjust Print Options: Configure settings like copies, paper size, and page range.
- Tap “Print” in the top right corner to send the print job to your printer.
Print from iOS 18 – 2
iOS print options screen, showing the “Printer” selection area and print button.
What if My Printer Isn’t AirPrint Compatible?
If your printer doesn’t support AirPrint, you still have options:
- Manufacturer’s App: Many printer manufacturers offer free apps in the App Store that enable printing from iOS devices to their printers. Search for your printer brand in the App Store, download the app, and follow its instructions to connect and print. Some apps require you to print directly from within the app, while others integrate with the iOS share sheet for a more seamless experience.
- Third-Party Printing Apps: Apps like “Printopia 3” and “Print n Share” offer broader compatibility and features. These apps may provide enhanced control or support for older printers. However, they may come with a cost, so explore their features to see if they meet your needs.
Bluetooth and NFC: Alternative iOS Connection Methods?
Bluetooth: While some sources suggest Bluetooth printing from iOS, Apple doesn’t officially support it for printers, and practical implementation can be unreliable. AirPrint remains the recommended wireless solution for iOS.
NFC (Near Field Communication): Some printers feature NFC for simplified Bluetooth pairing on Android devices. However, NFC is not a standard method for initiating printing on iOS directly. NFC on printers is primarily designed for quick connection setup, often in conjunction with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct.
NFC
The NFC icon, often found on printers to indicate the NFC touch point for easy pairing.
Printing via Email: Print from Anywhere
A convenient feature offered by some printer brands is email printing. This allows you to print documents and photos by simply emailing them to your printer’s dedicated email address. This method works regardless of your location, as long as your printer is powered on and connected to the internet.
Setting up Email Printing:
The setup process varies depending on your printer brand. Some, like HP, may require specific software installation, while others might involve printer registration. Typically, you’ll either be assigned an email address for your printer or be able to create one yourself through the printer manufacturer’s online portal or software. Refer to your printer’s documentation or the manufacturer’s website for detailed instructions on setting up email printing for your specific model.
By understanding these various methods, you can easily connect your phone to your printer and enjoy the convenience of wireless mobile printing, whether you’re an Android or iOS user.
