Modern office and home Samsung printers They offer a wide range of features that allow you to send documents and photos directly from your mobile device, bypassing your computer. This significantly speeds up your workflow, as you don't need to first transfer files to your PC and then print. However, to take advantage of this convenient feature, you need to properly configure the network connection between your device and the printing device.
There are several proven methods for establishing a connection, and the choice of a specific method often depends on your printer model, smartphone operating system version, and access to a Wi-Fi router. We'll cover the most current options, including using proprietary apps, Wi-Fi Direct technology, and standard Android and iOS protocols. Correct configuration will ensure stable operation and high quality of documents.
In this article, we'll walk you through each setup step in detail, focusing on the nuances that users often overlook. You'll learn how to avoid common connection errors and which network parameters are critical for uninterrupted data transfer. Make sure your router operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency, as many older printer models do not support 5 GHz networks.
Preparing equipment and checking network settings
Before setting up the software, you need to ensure the hardware is physically ready for wireless operation. First, your Samsung printer must be powered on and in good working order, with no paper feed errors or low toner levels. If the device was previously used only with a USB cable, you will need to activate the wireless module through the printer's control panel.
The key is to ensure all devices are on the same local network. Your smartphone and printer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi router. If you're using a guest network or the 5 GHz band on a router that isolates devices from each other, printing may be impossible. Check your router's security settings.
For models without a touchscreen, WiFi activation is often accomplished with a button combination. Typically, this involves holding down the button with the antenna icon or pressing it repeatedly. Menu → Network → WirelessThe wireless connection indicator should light up on the display. If the indicator is flashing, the device is in search or setup mode.
⚠️ Attention: Some corporate networks have strict security rules that block direct connections between mobile devices and peripherals. In such cases, contact your system administrator for permission or use of a dedicated VLAN.
Make sure GPS (geolocation) is enabled on your mobile phone. In modern versions of Android (starting with 6.0), this is required so that apps can scan available Wi-Fi networks and find printers on the local network. Without geolocation enabled, device searches may simply fail.
Using the Samsung Mobile Print app for Android
The most functional printing method for Android smartphone owners is to use the official app Samsung Mobile PrintThis software is designed specifically for Samsung devices and offers advanced settings not available in the standard system menu. You can download it from the Google Play store, making sure the developer is listed as Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
After installation and first launch, the app will automatically search for available printers on the network. If a device is found, you can immediately proceed to file selection. The app supports printing PDF, DOC, XLS, and PPT documents, as well as JPG and PNG images. The interface allows you to resize margins, select duplex printing, and scale content.
To manually configure the connection, click the "Add Printer" button in the main menu. Select the "Wi-Fi" connection type and wait for the scan to complete. If the printer doesn't appear in the list, check the device's IP address. You can find it by printing a network configuration report from the printer's menu, usually via Menu → Report → Network.
The app also lets you monitor toner levels and drum status in real time. This is a useful feature for planning consumable purchases in advance. Additionally, Mobile Print lets you scan documents directly to your phone if your MFP supports this feature.
Printing from iPhone and iPad via AirPrint
Users of the Apple ecosystem are at an advantage because the technology AirPrint AirPrint is built directly into the iOS operating system. To print to a Samsung printer, you don't need to install any additional drivers or apps if your printer model supports this protocol. Most modern Samsung models released after 2015 are compatible with AirPrint.
The printing process is as simple as possible. Open the document, photo, or webpage you want to print. Tap the "Share" icon (the square with an upward-facing arrow) and select "Print" from the menu that appears. The system will automatically search for compatible printers on your Wi-Fi network.
In the window that opens, select your Samsung printer from the list. You can adjust the number of copies, select pages to print, and enable duplex printing if supported by your device. After clicking the "Print" button in the upper right corner, the job will be sent to the queue.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | AirPrint | Set as default on iOS |
| Net | Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz) | The devices must be on the same subnet. |
| Formats | PDF, JPG, PNG, DOC | Supported natively |
| Drivers | Not required | Built into iOS |
If your printer doesn't appear in the AirPrint list, make sure Bonjour is enabled on it. You can do this through the printer's web interface by entering its IP address in your computer's browser. In the network settings section, find the option Bonjour or Apple AirPrint and set the value On or Enable.
Setting up Wi-Fi Direct for direct printing
Technology Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to create a direct wireless connection between your phone and printer without a Wi-Fi router. This is ideal for situations where the router is unavailable, located far away, or when you're visiting someone with limited local network access. In this mode, the printer acts as an access point.
To activate this mode, press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the printer control panel or go to Menu → Network → Wi-Fi DirectOn the device's screen or on the printed configuration report, you'll see the network name (SSID) and connection password. The network name typically includes the word "Direct" and the printer model.
☑️ Setting up Wi-Fi Direct
Next, open your phone's Wi-Fi settings, find your printer's network, and connect to it by entering the password. After a successful connection, your phone may warn you that there's no internet access—this is normal, as the connection is local. Now you can print documents using the app or the standard menu.
Data transfer speeds using Wi-Fi Direct may be lower than through a full-fledged router, especially for large files. It's also worth remembering that while your phone is connected to the printer, it won't have internet access unless it's using mobile data.
⚠️ Attention: When connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, make sure you're not confusing the printer's network with any open neighboring networks. Always check the SSID before entering the password.
Alternative methods: Google Cloud Print and third-party apps
Although Google Cloud Print has officially shut down, many users are still looking for ways to print via the cloud. For modern Samsung devices, it's more convenient to use the app HP Smart (which often supports printers from other brands) or Mopria Print ServiceMopria is the standard for Android and is often pre-installed on the system.
Mopria allows you to print from virtually any Android app. After installing the Mopria Print Service plugin from Google Play, it automatically integrates with the system. When printing from the gallery or browser, simply select "Mopria" as your printer. The service will automatically find your device on the network.
What should I do if Mopria doesn't see the printer?
If the automatic search doesn't work, open the Mopria Print Service app, click the three dots in the corner, and select "Find printers by IP." Enter the address you found earlier in the network report. Also, try rebooting your router, as the multicast packets for the search may have gotten lost.
For owners of older models without built-in Wi-Fi, there are special Wi-Fi adapters that plug into the printer's USB port. These allow you to turn a regular USB printer into a network device. However, setting up these adapters requires precise adherence to the adapter manufacturer's instructions.
Another option is to use your computer as a print server. You can connect a printer to your PC via USB and share it on your local network. Then, install a remote printing app (such as PrinterShare) on your phone, which will send print jobs to your computer, which in turn will send them to the printer. This is more complicated, but it works with any printer model.
Diagnostics and connection solution
Even with proper setup, problems can still occur. One common issue is when the router changes the printer's IP address. If addresses change dynamically (DHCP), the phone may lose connection with the device. The solution is to configure a static IP address for the printer in the router or in the printer's menu.
If printing works, but text is blurry or artifacts appear, try lowering the print resolution in your phone's driver settings. Also, check that your Wi-Fi network isn't overloaded by other bandwidth-hungry devices, such as 4K video streaming.
If the printer is completely inoperable, reset the network settings of the printer. This is usually done through the menu. Admin → Network → ResetAfter the reset, you'll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password. Make sure MAC address filtering isn't enabled on your router, as this could block new devices.
⚠️ Attention: Samsung printer menu interfaces may vary depending on the series (SL, SCX, MFP) and year of manufacture. If you can't find the exact menu item you're looking for, look for a similar one in the Network or Wireless sections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to print from a phone if the printer does not have a screen?
Yes, you can. For models without a display, use the WPS button on the router (if supported) or set up Wi-Fi Direct, the password for which is often printed on a sticker inside the device. The Samsung Mobile Print app, which can set up a network via a USB cable (an OTG adapter is required), can also help.
Why can't my phone see my Samsung printer on the Wi-Fi network?
The most likely cause is that the devices are connected to different networks (for example, one to 2.4 GHz, the other to 5 GHz), and the router is isolating them. Also, check whether your phone's antivirus software is blocking local scanning and whether geolocation is enabled.
Does Wi-Fi Direct printing work from iPhone?
Wi-Fi Direct technology on Samsung printers is primarily designed for Android devices. AirPrint is preferred for iPhones. If AirPrint doesn't work, you can try the Samsung Mobile Print app for iOS, which supports Wi-Fi Direct connections.
How to find a printer's IP address without a computer?
On most Samsung models, this can be done by printing a network configuration report. Go to the printer menu, select "Report" or "Information," and click "Network Config." The address will be listed in the IPv4 field.