How To Print From Android And iPhone Using Wireless Printer
The process depends on your phone and printer. Android phones can use a built-in printing service or a compatible printer manufacturer's app, while iPhones can print to compatible printers using Apple's AirPrint feature.
This guide explains how to connect your phone to a wireless printer, print documents and photos, and fix common connection problems.
What You Need Before Printing
Before you start, make sure you have the following:
- An Android phone or iPhone.
- A wireless printer that supports your preferred printing method.
- A Wi-Fi network if you intend to print through your local network.
- A compatible printing service or the printer manufacturer's app, if required.
For Wi-Fi printing, connect your phone and printer to the same network. If your printer supports Wi-Fi Direct, you may also be able to connect your phone directly without using a router.
Check your printer's manual to confirm which wireless printing methods it supports.
How To Print From An Android Phone Using A Wireless Printer
Android phones can print through a compatible built-in printing service or an app provided by the printer manufacturer.
Follow these steps to print a document:
- Turn on your wireless printer and connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
- Connect your Android phone to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Search for Printing or Print services.
- Enable a compatible printing service if one is installed.
- Open the document you want to print, such as a PDF file.
- Tap the three-dot menu or Share option and select Print, depending on the app.
- Choose your printer from the list.
- Adjust the paper size, orientation, colour and number of copies.
- Tap the Print icon to send the document to the printer.
The exact steps may vary depending on your Android version, phone manufacturer and the app containing the document.
If your printer does not appear in the list, check whether a compatible printing service is installed. You can also install the official Android printing app for your printer from the Google Play Store.
How To Print Photos From An Android Phone
You can print pictures directly from your phone's Gallery or Google Photos app, provided the app supports printing or lets you open the picture in another compatible app.
- Open your Gallery or Google Photos app.
- Select the picture you want to print.
- Tap the three-dot menu or Share option.
- Select Print if the option is available.
- Choose your wireless printer.
- Adjust the paper size, orientation and other settings.
- Tap Print.
Check the print preview before sending the image to the printer to make sure the picture fits the selected paper size.
If you cannot find the Print option, use the printer manufacturer's app or another compatible app that supports photo printing.
How To Print From An iPhone Using A Wireless Printer
iPhones can print to compatible wireless printers using Apple AirPrint. This feature allows you to print from supported apps without installing an additional printer app or driver.
To print a document or photo:
- Turn on your wireless printer and connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
- Connect your iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the photo, PDF, email or document you want to print.
- Tap the Share button or the app's menu.
- Scroll through the options and tap Print.
- Tap Printer if a printer has not already been selected.
- Choose your AirPrint-compatible printer.
- Adjust the available print settings, such as the number of copies and page range.
- Tap Print.
Your iPhone will send the job to the selected printer.
The Print option may appear in different places depending on the app. Some apps do not support printing directly, so you may need to open the file in another app that does.
If your printer does not support AirPrint, check whether the manufacturer provides an iPhone app that supports your printer model.
How To Print Without A Wi-Fi Router
You may still be able to print wirelessly without a conventional Wi-Fi router if your printer supports Wi-Fi Direct.
Wi-Fi Direct allows compatible devices to connect directly to a printer. The setup process varies by manufacturer, and some printers require their official app.
For Android, follow these general steps:
- Check your printer's manual to confirm that it supports Wi-Fi Direct.
- Enable Wi-Fi Direct through the printer's control panel or setup instructions.
- Open your phone's Wi-Fi settings.
- Find the printer's direct wireless network and connect using the required password.
- Open the document or photo you want to print.
- Select Print and choose the printer if it appears.
For an iPhone, check whether your printer supports direct wireless printing through AirPrint or its manufacturer's app. Connecting to a printer's Wi-Fi Direct network does not automatically guarantee that printing will work.
If your printer does not support Wi-Fi Direct, use another wireless printing method supported by the device.
How To Print Using The Printer Manufacturer's App
Some printer manufacturers provide apps that make it easier to set up and manage compatible printers.
Examples include the HP app for supported HP printers, Epson Smart Panel for supported Epson models and Canon PRINT for compatible Canon printers. The available apps and features depend on the printer.
To use a manufacturer's app:
- Open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Search for the official app for your printer brand.
- Install the app on your phone.
- Turn on your printer and connect it to the appropriate network.
- Open the app and follow the instructions to add your printer.
- Select the document or photo you want to print.
- Adjust the available settings and send the print job.
Some apps also support scanning, checking printer status and monitoring ink or toner levels.
Before installing an app, confirm that it supports your particular printer model.
What To Do If Your Phone Cannot Find The Wireless Printer
If your Android phone or iPhone cannot find the printer, try the following solutions.
1. Check the Wi-Fi connection
Make sure your phone and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network when using network printing. Some routers separate devices on guest networks, preventing them from communicating.
2. Restart the printer
Turn the printer off and back on. Wait for it to reconnect to the network before trying to print again.
3. Check the printer's wireless settings
Confirm that Wi-Fi is enabled and that the printer has successfully connected to the network.
4. Check the required printing method
On Android, make sure a compatible printing service is enabled or use the printer manufacturer's app. On an iPhone, confirm that the printer supports AirPrint or use a compatible manufacturer's app.
5. Update the printer app
If you use a printer manufacturer's app, check the relevant app store for updates.
6. Check for printer errors
Make sure the printer has paper and ink or toner and is not displaying an error message. A paper jam or other fault may prevent printing.
7. Check router settings
Some routers prevent connected devices from communicating with one another. If this setting is enabled, your phone may not detect the printer even when both are connected to Wi-Fi.
After checking these points, try selecting the printer again.
Android Vs iPhone Wireless Printing
Both Android phones and iPhones can print wirelessly, but the setup method may differ.
| Feature | Android | iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| Main printing method | Built-in printing service or compatible app | Apple AirPrint or compatible app |
| Printer selection | Through the Print menu or a printing app | Through the Print menu or a printing app |
| Same Wi-Fi network | Usually required for network printing | Required for AirPrint over Wi-Fi |
| Printer app | May be required | May be required for printers without AirPrint |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Depends on printer and printing-service support | Depends on printer and app compatibility |
The easiest method depends on your printer model and the printing features it supports.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I print from my phone without installing an app?
Yes. Android phones can use a compatible built-in printing service, while iPhones can use Apple AirPrint with supported printers. If your printer is not supported by the built-in printing method, you may need the manufacturer's app.
2. Do my phone and printer need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network?
Usually, yes, when printing through a local network. However, a compatible printer may support Wi-Fi Direct, allowing your phone to connect directly without a router.
3. Why is my wireless printer not showing on my phone?
The printer may be offline, connected to another network or incompatible with your phone's printing service. Check the connections and confirm that the printer supports the method you are using.
4. Can I print without internet access?
Yes. Internet access is generally not required for printing over a local Wi-Fi network or through Wi-Fi Direct, provided the phone and printer can communicate with each other.







