The simplest way to print from your phone

You can print from your phone to most modern printers using AirPrint (on iPhones and iPads) or Google Cloud Print and Google Print (on Android phones). Both work the same way: open the document or photo you want to print, tap the share or menu button, select print, choose your printer, and tap print. The printer must be on the same WiFi network as your phone, or connected to the internet through a cloud service.

If your printer is older or doesn't support wireless printing, you have two other options: print through your printer's own app (if it has one), or email the document to yourself and print it from a computer. Some printers also work with Bluetooth, which lets your phone connect directly without needing WiFi.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhones use AirPrint and Android phones use Google Print, both built into the operating system with no app needed.
  • Your printer must be on the same WiFi network as your phone, or you can use a cloud printing service to print from anywhere.
  • If your printer is older, check whether it has its own app in the App Store or Google Play, or use Bluetooth if available.
  • You can also email documents to yourself and print from a computer if wireless printing doesn't work.

How to print from an iPhone or iPad using AirPrint

Open the document, photo, or email you want to print. Tap the share button (usually a square with an arrow pointing up) or the menu button (three dots or lines). Scroll down until you see "Print" and tap it. A list of printers on your WiFi network will appear — select the one you want to use.

If your printer doesn't show up, make sure it's turned on and connected to the same WiFi network as your iPhone. Restart the printer if it still doesn't appear. You can also check the printer's manual to confirm it supports AirPrint — most printers made after 2010 do, but some older models don't.

How to print from an Android phone using Google Print

Open the document or photo you want to print. Tap the menu button (three dots) or the share button. Look for "Print" or "Print using Google Cloud Print" and tap it. Select your printer from the list. If you don't see your printer, tap "All Printers" to see options for adding it.

Google Print works with most modern printers, but you may need to set up your printer first through Google's printer setup page or your printer's own app. Android phones also work with many printer-specific apps — search your printer's brand name in Google Play to see if one exists.

Printing when your printer isn't on the same WiFi

If your printer is on a different network or you're away from home, you can use cloud printing. This means your phone sends the document to an internet service, which then sends it to your printer. Google Cloud Print (now part of Google Print) and HP's ePrint both work this way. You set up your printer once through the service's website, and then you can print from anywhere.

To use cloud printing, your printer must be turned on and connected to the internet (usually through WiFi). You'll need to create an account with the service and register your printer. After that, when you print from your phone, you'll see the printer listed even if you're not on the same network.

Using your printer's own app

Many printer brands — including Canon, Epson, Brother, and Xerox — have their own apps in the App Store and Google Play. These apps often work better than the built-in printing options and may include extra features like scanning or copying. Search your printer's brand name in your phone's app store to see if one is available.

Once you install the app, open it and follow the setup instructions to connect to your printer. Then you can print directly through the app instead of using AirPrint or Google Print. Some apps also let you print from other apps by selecting the printer app as your print destination.

Printing using Bluetooth

Some printers support Bluetooth, which lets your phone connect directly without needing WiFi. Go to your phone's Bluetooth settings, turn Bluetooth on, and look for your printer in the list of available devices. Tap it to pair. Once paired, you can print through your printer's app or through the built-in print options.

Bluetooth printing works best for printers that are close to your phone — usually within 30 feet. It's useful if your printer doesn't support WiFi or if you want to print without connecting to a network. Check your printer's manual to see if Bluetooth is available.

What to do if printing doesn't work

If your printer doesn't appear in the list, restart both your phone and printer. Make sure they're on the same WiFi network by checking your phone's WiFi settings and your printer's network settings (usually found in the printer's menu or on a settings page). If the printer has a display screen, it often shows which network it's connected to.

If restarting doesn't help, try removing the printer and adding it again. On iPhone, go to Settings > Printers & Scanners and tap the printer to remove it, then add it again. On Android, open the Google Print settings and remove the printer, then search for it again. If you still have trouble, check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website for troubleshooting steps specific to your model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print to a printer that's not on my WiFi network?

Yes, if you use a cloud printing service like Google Cloud Print or HP ePrint. You set up your printer once through the service's website, and then you can print to it from anywhere as long as the printer is turned on and connected to the internet. This works even if you're away from home.

Do I need to install an app to print from my phone?

No. iPhones have AirPrint built in and Android phones have Google Print built in, so you don't need an app. However, installing your printer's brand app often makes printing easier and gives you more options. You can use whichever method works best for you.

What if my printer is really old?

Older printers usually don't support wireless printing. Your best options are to print through a computer on the same network, email the document to yourself and print from a computer, or buy a wireless printer. Some older printers have apps available that add wireless printing support.

Can I print photos from my phone the same way as documents?

Yes. Open the photo in your phone's photo app, tap share or menu, select print, choose your printer, and print. The process is identical to printing documents. Some printer apps have special photo printing options that let you choose paper size or quality.

Why does my printer show up sometimes but not other times?

This usually means the printer lost its WiFi connection or went to sleep. Turn the printer off and back on, and make sure it's connected to the same WiFi network as your phone. Check your printer's display or settings page to confirm the WiFi connection is active.