Modern users rarely print from computers, preferring to send documents and photos directly from their smartphones. Model Epson L222 It was originally designed as a budget solution for the home, but without built-in Wi-Fi. However, this doesn't mean you can't print from your phone—there are proven wireless connection methods.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to turn your printer into a network device accessible from any device in your home. You'll learn about connection methods via Wi-Fi Direct, use Epson iPrint and technology Apple AirPrint.
Implementing wireless printing requires proper configuration of the router or smartphone itself. Even without a built-in Wi-Fi module in the printer, we can establish a stable data transfer channel. This will allow you to forget about wires and USB cables, making the printing process as convenient as possible.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin software configuration, you need to make sure all components of your network are ready for operation. Printer Epson L222 It's equipped with a USB 2.0 port, which is the primary connection to the computer, but for mobile printing, we'll need to create an intermediate link. Make sure the drivers are installed on your PC if you plan to use it as a print server.
Your smartphone must support the standards Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nMost modern Android and iOS devices meet these requirements. Make sure your router is broadcasting in the 2.4 GHz band, as older printer models and some adapters may not be able to detect 5 GHz networks.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your printer has the latest firmware version. Outdated firmware may not work correctly with newer versions of mobile operating systems.
You'll also need a stable power connection. Power surges can interrupt the setup process or damage the circuit board. If you're using a laptop for the initial configuration, connect it to a charger to prevent unexpected shutdowns.
☑️ Pre-launch check
It's important to understand that some connection methods require the computer to remain on. If you plan to print at night or while you're away, consider purchasing an external printer. Wi-Fi adapter or a print server that will allow the device to operate autonomously.
Wi-Fi Direct: Direct connection without a router
One of the easiest ways to set up printing is to use technology Wi-Fi DirectIn this case, your smartphone connects directly to the adapter plugged into the printer (or to your computer if it's configured as an access point), bypassing your home router. This is ideal for printing photos while traveling or in areas without access to the main network.
To implement this method on a Windows device, you need to go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile HotspotActivate the feature and set an easy-to-recognize network name. Then connect the printer to this computer via USB and ensure it's set as the default device.
Now pick up your phone and find the hotspot you created in the list of available networks. Enter the password you set in the hotspot settings. Once successfully connected, your smartphone and printer will be connected to the same local network, even without internet access.
- 📱 Open Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone and select your computer's network.
- 💻 Make sure network discovery is turned on in Windows for the current network.
- 🖨️ Launch your printing app and select the connected one Epson L222.
The main advantage of this method is its independence from external equipment. However, it's worth remembering that while you're typing, your phone won't have internet access unless special traffic redirection is configured on your computer. This is a temporary inconvenience, but the speed of setup makes up for it.
Setup via the Epson iPrint app
Official app Epson iPrint is the most comprehensive print management tool. It not only allows you to send documents, but also scan (if your MFP model supports it), and check the ink levels in your CISS. You can download the app for free from Google Play or the App Store.
After installation, launch the app. If your phone and printer are on the same network (e.g., via a USB adapter or a shared router), the app will automatically detect the device. If the printer isn't found, click "Select Printer" and then "Add Printer by IP Address" or use the search.
For users whose printer is connected to a computer, it is important to set up sharing. In Windows, go to Control Panel → Devices and Printers, right-click on Epson L222 and select "Printer Properties." On the "Sharing" tab, check the "Share this printer" box.
| Function | Description | The need for a PC |
|---|---|---|
| Photo printing | High quality, customizable fields | No (with Wi-Fi Direct) |
| Scanning | Saving as PDF/JPG | Yes (for L222) |
| Monitoring | Checking ink levels | No |
| Cloud Print | Printing from the cloud | Yes |
The app's interface is intuitive. You can select a document source: a gallery, Google Drive or Dropbox cloud storage, or even a web page. The app will automatically select the optimal settings for the selected paper type.
Using Apple AirPrint technology
Owners of Apple devices (iPhone, iPad) are at an advantage thanks to the built-in technology AirPrintIt allows you to print without installing additional drivers or applications if the printer is supported by the system or connected via a compatible adapter. Epson L222 This works through computer software or third-party USB Wi-Fi adapters.
If your printer is connected to a macOS or Windows computer (with iTunes and Bonjour installed), your iPhone will see it as a network device. Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open a document, photo, or web page, click the "Share" button, and select "Print."
It should appear in the list of printers. Epson L222If it's not there, check your firewall settings. Sometimes antivirus programs block ports required for the Bonjour protocol. Add an exception for the print service in your security settings.
⚠️ Please note: AirPrint technology is sensitive to network latency. If printing is very slow or drops out, try moving the router closer to the computer connected to the printer.
Print quality via AirPrint is generally high, as iOS uses native color profiles. You can manage the number of copies, page range, and choose between black-and-white or color printing directly in the preview menu.
What should I do if AirPrint doesn't see my printer?
Make sure Client Isolation is disabled on your router. This feature prevents devices on the same Wi-Fi network from "seeing" each other, which is necessary for AirPrint to work.
Printing from Android via Google Cloud Print and Plugins
The Android ecosystem offers a variety of solutions, among which the most prominent one is Google Cloud Print (although support is officially discontinued, many features are integrated into Mopria) and third-party plugins. For Epson L222 It is often recommended to use the "Epson Print Enabler" plugin or the universal "Mopria Print Service".
Install the selected plugin from Google Play. After installation, the system will prompt you to enable the service. Go to your phone's settings, find the "Connections" or "Connected Devices" section, and make sure the printing plugin is enabled. Android will begin searching for available printers on the network.
If the printer is connected to a PC, you may need a proxy application that will share the USB printer over the network, such as PrinterShareIt allows you to create a virtual printer accessible via Wi-Fi. This solution is especially useful for older models without a network interface.
- 🔌 Connect the printer to your computer and enable sharing.
- 📲 Install a client application on Android (for example, PrinterShare).
- 🔍 In the app, select "Selected Printer" → "Computers on the Network" → Your PC.
The advantage of Android solutions is their flexibility. You can scale the image, select paper type, and even print from file managers like Total Commander or ES File Explorer via the "Print" menu.
Troubleshooting connection issues and errors
Even with proper setup, glitches can occur. A common problem is IP address conflictIf your router assigns addresses dynamically, the computer or adapter's IP address may change after a reboot, and the phone will no longer see the printer. It is recommended to fix the IP address in the router settings (Static DHCP).
Another common error is "Printer is offline." This means that the computer it is connected to Epson L222, went into sleep mode. In Windows power settings, disable USB ports and prevent the computer from going to sleep while printing.
If your typing is slurred or cuts off mid-sentence, there may be a problem with your Wi-Fi signal. Walls, microwaves, and Bluetooth devices can interfere with the 2.4 GHz band. Try changing the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings to 1, 6, or 11.
⚠️ Note: Router and operating system interfaces are constantly updated. The location of settings may differ from those described. Always consult the official documentation from your equipment manufacturer.
It's also worth checking the length of the USB cable. For stable operation with adapters, the cable length should not exceed 1.5-2 meters without an active signal amplifier. Long cables often cause connection loss between the PC and printer.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect the Epson L222 to Wi-Fi without a computer?
The printer itself Epson L222 It doesn't have a Wi-Fi module, so it can't connect directly to the router without a PC or external adapter. However, you can use an OTG cable to connect your phone directly to the printer, but this will be a wired connection, not Wi-Fi.
Why does the phone see the printer, but printing doesn’t work?
Most often, the problem lies with the drivers or print queue. Try clearing the print queue on your computer. Also, make sure your antivirus isn't blocking the connection. Reinstalling the Epson iPrint app can sometimes help.
Does the Epson L222 support double-sided printing from a phone?
Model Epson L222 The printer doesn't have automatic duplexing (two-sided printing). However, the Epson iPrint app does have a manual duplexing feature: the program will print the odd-numbered pages, ask you to flip the sheet, and then print the even-numbered pages.
What is the maximum paper size supported for printing from a phone?
The printer supports A4, A5, A6, B5, Letter, Legal, and envelope sizes. When sending from a phone, make sure the correct size is selected in the document settings; otherwise, the image may be cropped or scaled incorrectly.