How to Print from Android Phone

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

AndroidPrintingWireless PrintingSmartphonesSettingsConnectivityUser InterfaceMobile DevicesFeaturesGuides

In today's fast-paced world, having the ability to print documents directly from your Android phone can be incredibly useful. Whether you need to print tickets, photos, or important documents, knowing how to do it quickly and efficiently will save you time and hassle. This guide will walk you through the different methods you can use to print from your Android phone, including everything from setting up your printer to effectively executing a print job.

Setting up your printer for android printing

Before you can print from your Android device, you need to make sure your printer is set up correctly. Most modern printers support wireless connections, making them easy to connect to your Android device. Here's how you can set up your printer for Android printing:

Connect your printer to Wi-Fi

The first step is to make sure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Android device. Most printers have a built-in Wi-Fi setup wizard that guides you through the process. Here's a general guideline for connecting your printer to Wi-Fi:

1. Turn on your printer and go to the Settings menu.
2. Select the "Network" or "Wireless" settings option.
3. Select "Wireless Setup Wizard" or a similar option to begin the Wi-Fi connection process.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network.

Once your printer is connected to Wi-Fi, you are ready to print from your Android phone.

Printing from google cloud print (legacy method)

Google Cloud Print was a popular service for printing from Android devices, but it's important to note that Google officially discontinued the service on December 31, 2020. However, if you're still able to access it via a third-party app or workaround, here's how it generally works:

1. Make sure your printer supports Google Cloud Print or that Google Cloud Print is setup on a connected computer.
2. On your Android phone, open the document or photo you want to print.
3. Tap the Share or Menu icon to find the Print option.
4. Select "Print" and choose Google Cloud Print as your printer.
5. Adjust your print settings as needed and tap the "Print" button.

Since this service is no longer officially supported, it is recommended to migrate to other services or methods available on modern Android devices.

Printing with "Mopria print service"

Mopria Print Service is a simple and reliable way to print from your Android device. It supports a wide range of printers and does not require any additional apps for your specific printer model. Here's how you can use Mopria Print Service:

1. If the Mopria Print Service app is not already installed on your device, download and install it from the Google Play Store.
2. Make sure your printer is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Android device.
3. Open the file or photo you want to print.
4. Tap the menu icon (usually three dots or lines) and select "Print."
5. The Mopria Print Service will detect available printers. Select your printer from the list.
6. Adjust print settings such as number of copies, page orientation and color options as needed.
7. Tap the "Print" button to initiate the print job.

Mopria Print Service simplifies the printing process and doesn’t require complicated setup, making it ideal for quick and simple print jobs.

Printing using manufacturer-specific apps

Many printer manufacturers offer Android apps that allow you to print directly from your phone. These apps often offer more specific features tailored to your printer model and make it easier to manage print jobs. Below are instructions for using some common manufacturer-specific apps:

HP smart app

If you have an HP printer, you can use the HP Smart app to print from your Android device. Follow these steps:

1. Download and install the HP Smart app from Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to add your HP printer.
3. Make sure your printer and Android device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
4. Open the document or photo you want to print via the HP Smart app or your gallery/files.
5. Tap the print icon or option, choose a print setting, then tap "Print."

Epson iPrint app

Those who have an Epson printer can use the Epson iPrint app to print jobs:

1. Download and install the Epson iPrint app from Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and follow the prompts to connect your Epson printer using Wi-Fi or a direct connection.
3. Select a document or image to print from the app.
4. Choose your preferred print settings and initiate the print job by tapping "Print."

Canon print Inkjet/SELPHY app

Canon printer users can take advantage of the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app. Here's how:

1. Download and install the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app from the Google Play store.
2. Launch the app and add your Canon printer according to the guide available in the app.
3. Select the file or photo you want to print.
4. Review or change the print settings and press "Print" to begin printing.

Using third-party printing apps

Many third-party apps provide additional functionality for printing from Android devices. These apps work with a wide variety of printers and may be a suitable alternative if manufacturer-specific apps are not available. Some popular third-party printing apps include:

PrinterShare

PrinterShare offers extensive functionality and is compatible with many printer brands. Here's how you can use it:

1. Download and install the PrinterShare app from the Google Play Store.
2. Start the app and choose your preferred connection type (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB).
3. Select the document or image you want to print from your device or services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and more.
4. Select your printer and make the necessary adjustments to the print settings.
5. Tap "Print" to send the document to your chosen printer.

PrintHand mobile print

PrintHand Mobile Print is another versatile app for Android printing. To use PrintHand, follow these guidelines:

1. Install PrintHand Mobile Print from Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and select a document or photo to print.
3. Connect to your printer by following the on-screen instructions and selecting the connection type (local network, USB, etc.).
4. Configure print settings (number of copies, page size, etc.).
5. Click "Print" to begin the job.

Direct USB connection printing

If your printer and Android phone support USB connectivity, you can print directly via a USB cable. This method requires an OTG (On-The-Go) adapter to connect your phone to the printer. Here are the steps to print using a direct USB connection:

1. Make sure your printer supports USB connections and has a USB cable available.
2. Connect your printer to your Android phone using an OTG adapter.
3. Use the printer software (e.g., printer service app) on your Android device to print the document you want.
4. Select the document or photo you want to print and choose print settings.
5. Tap "Print" to send the file to the printer.

Troubleshooting common printing problems

Even though printing from an Android phone is easy, you may encounter some common problems. Here are solutions to some common problems:

Printer not found

If your printer is not detected, make sure it is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Android phone. Try restarting both devices and check for any firmware updates for your printer.

Print job stuck or not printing

When a print job is stuck, cancel it from your Android device and clear the print queue on the printer. Make sure the printer has enough paper and ink/toner before sending the print job again.

Poor print quality

If prints appear faded or spotty, check whether the ink or toner needs to be replaced, and clean the print head if necessary. Verify your print settings for the correct quality options.

Conclusion

Printing directly from an Android phone offers convenience and flexibility, eliminating the need for a computer to deal with documents or photos. By setting up your printer correctly and taking advantage of built-in Android features or third-party apps, you can easily print anything you need whenever and wherever you want. With this guide, you've learned different ways to print from your Android phone and how to troubleshoot common problems. This knowledge ensures you stay connected and productive without disruptions.

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