Modern smartphones Xiaomi, running on the operating system Android, have long ceased to be mere devices for making calls and have become powerful multimedia centers capable of solving tasks previously reserved for personal computers. One such task is printing documents and photos, which can now be accomplished without unnecessary wires and complex settings using a wireless connection. Wi-Fi.
Device owners Redmi And Poco often face the need to urgently print a ticket, contract, or school project while away from the computer. Fortunately, the ecosystem MIUI and standards Android provide several effective ways to implement this function, each of which has its own characteristics and hardware requirements.
In this article, we'll cover all available connection methods in detail, including built-in system tools, third-party utilities, and potential issues you might encounter during setup. You'll learn how to manage your printer directly from your smartphone, saving time and eliminating the need for intermediary devices.
Equipment preparation and basic requirements
Before you begin setting up the software, you need to make sure your hardware is ready to work wirelessly. A fundamental requirement is the presence of Wi-Fi module in the printer or MFP itself, since wired models will require connection to the router via Ethernet cable or use an additional adapter.
Make sure your smartphone Xiaomi and the printing device are connected to the same wireless network. This is critical, as local network protocols prevent devices on different subnets from seeing each other without complex routing.
⚠️ Important: If your router supports split-frequency functionality (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and creates separate network names (SSIDs), make sure both devices are on the same frequency band, preferably 2.4 GHz, as many older printers cannot see 5 GHz networks.
It's also worth checking the cartridge status and the presence of paper in the tray to avoid a physical error after successful digital setup. Enabling the function WPS on the router can significantly simplify the initial setup of the printer itself if it does not have a full screen for entering the password.
Some models may require pre-installation of drivers or updating the printer's firmware via a computer to activate network functionality. Check the documentation for your model to ensure it supports this standard. AirPrint or Mopria.
Using MIUI's built-in printing service
Operating shell MIUI installed on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi And Poco, has a built-in system print service, which is based on the standard MopriaThis standard ensures compatibility with a huge number of printers without the need to install additional applications from manufacturers.
To activate this feature, you need to go to the system settings. Typically, the path looks like this: Settings → Connection and Sharing → PrintingIn the menu that opens, you will see a list of available services, of which only the following may be enabled by default. Google Cloud Print (which is now being abolished) or Default Print Service.
Activate the switch opposite the item Default Print ServiceThe system will automatically search for available printers on the local network. If your printer supports discovery, it will appear in the list of available devices within a few seconds.
- 🖨️ Open any document or photo in your gallery or file manager.
- 📑 Tap the three dots in the corner of the screen or the "More" button to open the action menu.
- 🔍 Select "Print" or "Print" from the list of available options.
- 📡 At the top of the screen, select the detected printer from the drop-down list.
After selecting your device, you can configure print settings such as number of copies, color, margins, and page orientation. Click the confirm button, and the document will be sent to the print queue.
It's important to note that the embedded service may not support specific features of your MFP, such as duplex printing or tray selection, unless the manufacturer provides an advanced profile through this channel.
Apps from manufacturers: Canon, HP, Epson and others
Major printing equipment manufacturers are developing their own applications for mobile devices that provide advanced functionality compared to standard tools. AndroidThese programs allow you not only to print, but also to scan documents, check ink levels, and clean nozzles.
In the store Google Play Market or GetApps (Mi Store) you can find official apps like HP Smart, Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY, Epson iPrint or Brother iPrint&ScanDownload the app that matches your printer brand and follow the setup wizard within the program.
When you first launch the app, it will ask for permission to access your local network and geolocation. These permissions are necessary to detect the printer on the network. Wi-FiAfter scanning the network, the program will offer to add a new device.
The interfaces of such apps are usually more informative and allow you to see the exact status of your cartridges in real time. Furthermore, they often support direct printing from cloud storage and social networks, bypassing the phone's file system.
| Manufacturer | Application name | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| HP | HP Smart | Printing, scanning, ordering ink |
| Canon | Canon PRINT | Print photos, adjust parameters, scan |
| Epson | Epson iPrint | Cloud printing, calendar creation |
| Brother | iPrint&Scan | Mobile scanning, OCR |
Using proprietary software is especially important for photographers who require precise adjustment of the color profile and paper type, which standard tools MIUI may not provide in full.
Alternative solutions: Mopria and Google Cloud
If built-in tools Xiaomi If they don't work correctly and the manufacturer's app seems too heavy, installing a universal plugin would be a great solution. Mopria Print ServiceThis application is a benchmark for Android and ensures maximum compatibility with most printer models.
Once installed and enabled, Mopria integrates into the system print menu. When you select "Print" in any application, devices discovered through this service will appear in the printer list. This often resolves issues with "invisible" printers.
⚠️ Note: Google Cloud Print was officially discontinued at the end of 2020. If you're using old instructions recommending it, they're no longer relevant. Use Mopria or a direct Wi-Fi connection.
Another option is to use technology Wi-Fi DirectThis mode allows you to connect your phone directly to the printer without a router. The printer creates its own wireless network, which you connect to like a regular access point.
To activate this mode on the printer, you usually need to press the button with the image of a smartphone or select the item Wi-Fi Direct in the device menu. On the phone Xiaomi The name of the printer will appear in the list of Wi-Fi networks; after connecting to it, you can send documents to print.
What is the difference between Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct?
Wi-Fi requires a router and allows all devices on the network to print simultaneously. Wi-Fi Direct creates a direct connection between your phone and printer, which is useful if you don't have a router nearby. However, in this mode, your phone's internet connection may temporarily stop working or switch to a mobile network.
Setting up printing via USB OTG cable
In situations where the wireless network is unstable or the printer does not have a module Wi-Fi, you can use a wired connection. To do this, your smartphone Xiaomi technology support will be required OTG (On-The-Go) and the corresponding adapter.
Most modern models Redmi And Poco support connection of peripherals via port USB Type-C or Micro-USBYou'll need a USB OTG adapter cable, which will allow you to connect your printer's standard USB cable directly to your phone.
After physical connection the system Android should detect the new USB device. However, printing in this mode often requires installing an additional driver. The app PrinterShare or Noko Print.
- 🔌 Connect the OTG adapter to your phone and the printer cable to the adapter.
- 📲 Launch a printing app (for example, Noko Print).
- ⚙️ In the printer selection menu, select "USB" or "Direct connection".
- ✅ Wait for the driver to install (this happens automatically) and test printing.
This method guarantees high data transfer speeds and no lag, which can be critical when printing large volumes of graphics. However, it also limits mobility, as the phone is tethered to the printer via a cable.
☑️ Check before purchasing a cable
Please note that when connected via USB, your phone may begin to drain power to the printer controller, which will drain the battery quickly. It is recommended to keep the device charged or have it readily available. Power Bank.
Solutions to common problems and errors
During setup, users often encounter a situation where the phone and printer are on the same network but can't see each other. First, check if "AP Isolation" is enabled on the router. If it's enabled, devices on the network are prevented from communicating with each other.
Another common problem is dynamic change IP addresses Printer. If the router rebooted, the printer might have received a new address, and the phone continues to search for it using the old one. In this case, restarting the printing service on the phone or reconnecting to Wi-Fi helps.
⚠️ Warning: Antivirus software or your router's built-in firewall may block ports required for the printing protocol (usually port 9100). Check your network security settings.
If the print is successful, but the text is "running" or cut off, the issue may be a paper size mismatch. Make sure the correct format is selected in the document settings on your phone. A4, and it is this paper that is loaded into the printer tray, not Letter.
For models with a continuous ink supply system (CIFS), when printing from a phone, it is important to ensure that the air filter valves are open, otherwise the vacuum in the system will prevent ink from reaching the print head.
In rare cases, the failure is caused by an outdated router firmware version that incorrectly processes multicast requests from the printer. Updating the router firmware may resolve the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to print a document from a Xiaomi if the printer is old and does not have Wi-Fi?
Yes, this is possible. To do this, you'll need to either connect the printer to a computer on the same Wi-Fi network and set up print sharing, or use a USB cable with an OTG adapter to connect directly to your phone after installing the driver app.
Why does the phone see the printer, but says "Print error"?
Most often, this means the printer is out of paper or ink, or the cover is open. The error can also occur if a previously printed, large document is stuck in the print queue. Try clearing the print queue in the settings.
Is it safe to print confidential documents over Wi-Fi?
Printing on a password-protected home network WPA2/WPA3, is considered safe. However, it's best to avoid printing data in public places (cafes, hotels), as theoretically, traffic could be intercepted, even though modern protocols encrypt the content.
How to print from multiple Xiaomi phones to one printer at once?
A network printer can accept jobs from an unlimited number of devices. All phones must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The print queue is created on the printer side, so documents will be printed in the order they are received.