How to Print from Your Smartphone

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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In today's digital age, smartphones have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. We use them for communication, entertainment, and other tasks. One such task that is becoming increasingly common is printing documents directly from your smartphone. Whether it's for work, school, or personal use, printing from your smartphone can save you time and make your life easier. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the different methods you can use to print from your smartphone, including both Android and iOS devices. Let's dive in!

Why print from a smartphone?

Before we get into the specifics, it's important to consider why you might want to print from your smartphone. Here are a few reasons why it might be worthwhile for you:

• Convenience: You don't need to transfer files to a computer to print them.
• Mobility: You can print files on the go, which is especially useful when you’re traveling or away from your office.
• Speed: Quickly print documents, photos, and emails straight from your phone.
• Convenience: Modern printer and smartphone technology has made it easy to connect the two with minimal hassle.

General Requirements

Before you can print from your smartphone, you need to meet a few basic requirements:

• Wireless printer: Ideally, a printer that supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cloud printing.
• A compatible app: Many printers have their own dedicated apps, such as HP Smart, Epson iPrint, or Brother iPrint&Scan.
• Active Internet connection: Although not always required, an Internet connection can be useful for setting up some apps and cloud printing.
• Phone and printer on the same network: If you're using Wi-Fi, both your smartphone and printer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Print from an Android device

Using Google Cloud Print

Google Cloud Print was one of the most popular ways to print directly from an Android device, but it has been discontinued as of December 31, 2020. If you're using older tutorials or guides, keep in mind that this service is no longer available.

Using Printer Manufacturer Apps

Most modern printers have their own dedicated Android apps that make printing simple and easy. Below are the steps to print using some popular printer manufacturer apps:

HP Smart

1. Download the app: Go to the Google Play Store and download the HP Smart app.
2. Open the app: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your printer.
3. Select your document: Tap the “Print Document” option and select the document you want to print.
4. Print: Tap the Print button and customize your print settings, such as page size, number of copies, etc.

Epson iPrint

1. Download the app: Go to the Google Play Store and download the Epson iPrint app.
2. Open the app: Open the app and connect your Epson printer.
3. Select your document: Choose “Document” or “Photo” from the main menu.
4. Print: Choose your file and tap the Print button. Adjust print settings as needed.

Using Android's default print service

Most Android devices come with built-in printing services that support a wide range of printers:

1. Open Settings: Go to your phone's "Settings."
2. Search for printing: Type "printing" in the search bar and select "Printing" from the list.
3. Select a print service: Select “Default Print Service” or add a service by tapping “Add Service”.
4. Select your printer: Make sure your printer is connected to the same network and tap on it in the list.
5. Print your document: Open the document or photo you want to print, tap the menu button (three dots), and select "Print."

Using Third-Party Apps

There are also a number of third-party apps available that provide additional features:

PrinterShare

1. Download the app: Get PrinterShare from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app: Launch the app and connect to your printer.
3. Select your document: Choose the document or photo you want to print from the options.
4. Print: Tap the Print button and configure your print settings.

Using Email Printing

Many printers support email-to-print functionality. Here's how you can use it:

1. Set up email printing: Follow your printer's instructions to set up an email address for printing.
2. Send email: Email the document as an attachment on your smartphone. Send it to your printer's email address.
3. Print: Your printer will receive the email and print the attached document.

Print from an iOS device

Using AirPrint

AirPrint is Apple's native printing solution, supported by a number of printers:

1. Ensure compatibility: Make sure your printer supports AirPrint.
2. Connect to the same network: Both your iOS device and the printer must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Select your document: Open the app where the document or photo is stored.
4. Access the print option: Tap the share icon (a box with an arrow) and select "Print."
5. Select a printer: Choose your AirPrint-enabled printer from the list.
6. Print: Tap Print in the upper-right corner.

Using printer manufacturer apps for iOS

As with Android, many printer manufacturers have dedicated apps for iOS devices:

Canon Print

1. Download the app: Download Canon PRINT from the App Store.
2. Open the app: Launch the app and connect to your Canon printer.
3. Select your document: Choose “Document Print” or “Photo Print” from the menu.
4. Print: Choose your file and tap the Print button. Adjust settings as needed.

Brother iPrint&Scan

1. Download the app: Download Brother iPrint&Scan from the App Store.
2. Open the app: Launch the app and connect to your Brother printer.
3. Choose your document: Select the type of document you want to print from the menu.
4. Print: Choose your file and tap the Print button. Customize your print settings.

Using Third-Party Apps for iOS

There are also several third-party apps that can help you print:

PrintCentral

1. Download the app: Download PrintCentral from the App Store.
2. Open the app: Launch the app and connect to your printer.
3. Select your document: Open the document or photo you want to print.
4. Print: Tap the Print button and configure the print settings.

Using Email Printing on iOS

Just like Android, many printers support email printing. Here's how you can use email printing on an iOS device:

1. Set up email printing: Follow your printer's instructions to set up an email address for printing.
2. Send an email: Compose an email on your iPhone or iPad by placing the document as an attachment. Send it to your printer's email address.
3. Print: The printer will receive the email and print the attached document.

Troubleshooting common problems

Despite the best preparations, you may encounter problems when trying to print from your smartphone. Below are some common problems and how to resolve them:

Printer not found

Make sure both your smartphone and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Also, make sure your printer is turned on and within range of your Wi-Fi signal. Restarting your printer and smartphone may also help.

Print jobs are stuck in the queue

Open the print queue on your smartphone and clear all pending print jobs. You can also try restarting your printer and smartphone.

Poor print quality

Make sure your printer has enough ink or toner and that the paper is loaded properly. You can also check your print settings for resolution and quality options.

Conclusion

Printing from your smartphone can be incredibly convenient and straightforward, provided you have the right tools and knowledge. Whether you're using an Android device or an iPhone, there are many options available to suit your needs, ranging from built-in solutions like AirPrint to dedicated manufacturer apps and even third-party applications. By following the steps in this guide, you'll be able to easily print documents, photos, and more straight from your smartphone. Enjoy printing!

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