How to print from an iPhone or Android

These days, many of us use our phones to take photos and get work done on the go. If you’re someone who does this, you may find yourself wanting to print directly from your phone.

 

With such an interconnected world, it’s only natural to want to print from your mobile device every now and then. Many modern printers can now print files through Wi-Fi, meaning you don’t need to worry about finding the right cords to get your printing done. Assuming you have a printer that’s compatible with AirPrint or Google Cloud Print, the process is actually pretty simple. We’ll go over the steps for both iOS and Android devices.

 

In today’s article, we explain how to print from your phone to printer, with both iPhone and Android phones. Read on to learn more about how to connect your phone to your printer. 

 

Printing from your iPhone or other Apple device 

When it comes to how to print from an iPhone, it’s a relatively simple task. One of the easiest ways to connect your phone to the printer (for iPhones) is to use Apple AirPrint. Apple AirPrint allows you to print photos and documents from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.

 

First, ensure your Apple device and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Stay within the range of your printer to make sure your device can be picked up and can transmit the files across the network.

 

Check to make sure the app you wish to use is supported by Apple AirPrint. Not all apps are, so it’s good to figure this out first to avoid disappointment. Next, open the app you wish to print from. This can be your Photos app, Microsoft Word, or another app that stores your files. Click on the share icon for the app then scroll down until you find the Print icon.

 

Select the printer you wish to use, ensuring it’s AirPrint-enabled. Here you can then select which pages you wish to print, the number of copies you’d like to make, and other options. Once you’ve made all your selections, tap Print and your files should print.

 

If you want to check on the status of your print, open the App Switcher and select the Print Centre. Here you should see a badge on the icon that shows the number of documents in the queue. If you then wish to cancel the print job you can simply select the Print Centre and then select Cancel Printing. 

 

When printing a document, you’ll want to select the share or more icon (depending on the app), then tap on Print. If you don’t see Print available as an option, swipe up. 

 

Printing from your Android device

There are a few ways you can print photos and documents from your Android phone or tablet. When it comes to how to connect your phone to your printer, you have a few options that can vary depending on the make and model of your printer.

 

One of the simplest ways to perform Android wireless printing is to use Google Cloud Print. Google Cloud Print is a free service that allows you to print from any compatible printer, from anywhere you have an internet connection.

 

To get it set up, first you’ll need to add your printer to Google Cloud Print. Open Chrome, click on the menu button, then Settings, Advanced, and select Printing. Here you should see an option for Google Cloud Print. Once you’ve selected this option, click on Manage Cloud Print devices then click Register for the printer you wish to add, then Confirm.

 

Next, download the Google Cloud Print app on your phone. You should be able to find it in the Play Store. Make sure you are signed in to the same Google account on both your computer and phone so you can see your printer.

 

When printing files from the internet, click the menu button in the top right corner of Chrome, then select Share, then Print. Choose the printer you’d like to use and then select the Print button. Your documents should then be printing.

 

If you want to print a photo or document from your phone, open the file you wish to print and click on the menu button. Select Print, then click on the dropdown arrow, then select the Printer you wish to use. Once selected, click the Print button and your files should print.

 

Printing from a phone with an older printer

If you’re using an older printer, it may not have AirPrint or Google Cloud Print capabilities. When this is the case, you may need to use a cable to connect your phone to the printer. 

 

Those with an older printer or those wishing to use something other than Apple AirPrint or Google Cloud Print will likely want to check their printer’s manual to see how to connect a phone to the printer. This can vary depending on the make and model of your printer, so it’s important to do your research. 

 

When printing from an iPhone or Android, as when printing from a computer, it’s important to ensure you invest in good quality ink. Good quality ink can have a big impact on print results. When you invest in quality ink, prints tend to turn out cleaner and clearer. 

 

InkStation stocks a wide range of ink cartridges and toners for different makes and models of printers at competitive prices. 

 

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about how to connect your phone to your printer. With modern printers, this is a relatively straightforward process, generally using either Apple AirPrint or Google Cloud Print (as explained above). With older machines that don’t have Apple AirPrint or Google Cloud Print capabilities, it’s a good idea to consult your printer owner’s manual. Many machine brands also have their own applications for easy printing from mobile devices.

 

InkStation has a wide variety of printer inks for both laser and inkjet machines to help you create your phone-printed documents and photos.