Modern Honor smartphones running Android have become powerful mobile offices, capable of handling most work tasks without a computer. However, the need to obtain a physical copy of a document or photo often becomes an unexpected problem when a laptop is not at hand. Honor device owners are faced with the question of how to quickly and easily print a file using only wireless network capabilities, without the need for cables.
There are several proven methods for establishing communication between a mobile device and printing equipment, each of which has its own characteristics. Wireless connection This eliminates tangled wires and allows freedom of movement around the room or office while preparing documents. The key is to properly configure both devices so they can "see" each other on the local network.
In this article, we'll cover all current connection methods in detail, from standard system functions to specialized apps. You'll learn which router settings can block printing and how to resolve common errors that occur during initial setup. Wi-Fi Direct technology and cloud services open up new possibilities that many users don't even know about, considering printing from a phone a complicated procedure.
⚠️ Note: Menu interfaces on Honor smartphones may vary slightly depending on the Magic UI or EMUI version. If you can't find the item you're looking for, use the settings search or consult the manufacturer's official documentation.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before setting up, make sure your printer supports wireless connectivity. Most modern models from HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother have built-in Wi-Fi, but older devices may require an external adapter or router. Check for the appropriate icon on the printer's body or in the manual for your device. MFP.
The second critical point is that all devices must be on the same network. The Honor phone and printer must be connected to the same router. If you have a guest network set up at home or use the 5 GHz band for some devices and the 2.4 GHz band for others, this can create isolation, preventing the devices from discovering each other. Local area network must be unified for successful data exchange.
It's also worth checking the cartridge status and paper availability, as some printer models enter sleep mode and don't respond to search requests until the user physically approaches the device to wake it up. Make sure the wireless connection indicator on the printer screen is lit and not blinking, indicating a connection error.
- 📶 Make sure your router is broadcasting in the 2.4 GHz range, as many printers do not support the 5 GHz frequency.
- 🔋 Check your Honor phone's battery level to ensure the setup process doesn't interrupt at the most inopportune moment.
- 📄 Prepare the files you plan to print in advance by saving them in an accessible folder.
- 🔄 Restart your router if the network is unstable or devices are not connected for a long time.
Some corporate networks have strict security policies prohibiting direct connections between client devices (AP Isolation). In this case, printing from a phone will be impossible without changing router settings or contacting a system administrator. Home routers typically don't have such restrictions by default, but it's worth keeping in mind if you're trying to print from the office.
Using the built-in Google Print service
The easiest and most versatile way to set up printing on an Honor device is to use Google's native service, which is already built into the Android operating system. You don't need to install any additional apps if your printer supports this technology. Google Cloud Print or has built-in support for Google protocols. The system will automatically detect available devices on the network.
To activate this feature, go to your phone's settings and find the "Connected devices" or "Connection and sharing" section. Select "Settings" or "Print" from the menu. Here you'll see a list of available plugins. If your printer is from a reputable brand, the plugin may download automatically if you have internet access. Otherwise, the system will prompt you to download the manufacturer's service plugin.
After activating the plugin, open any document or photo, tap the "Share" menu or the three dots in the corner of the screen, and select "Print." Your phone will begin searching for devices. If the printer is online and compatible, it will appear in the list. Tap it, select the number of copies and color settings, and then confirm. Mopria Protocol, often used in this combination, provides high quality data transfer without loss of detail.
⚠️ Note: As of 2021, Google has officially discontinued support for the Google Cloud Print service. If your printer is older and relied exclusively on Google's cloud service, the built-in method may not work. In this case, switch to using the manufacturer's apps.
It's important to note that for this method to work, your Honor phone must have an active internet connection, even if printing locally. This is necessary to authorize Google services and verify drivers. If there is no internet connection, the system may offer to save the file as a PDF for later printing, but direct printing will not work.
Specialized applications from manufacturers
If standard Android tools don't detect your printer or don't work correctly, the best solution is to install the official app from the hardware manufacturer. Major brands develop their own utilities that provide advanced functionality, from scanning documents directly to your phone to monitoring ink levels. For Honor printers, such apps are available in the AppGallery or through third-party sources if Google Play is unavailable.
Let's look at popular options. There's an app for HP devices. HP Smart, which automatically configures the printer and allows you to print photos, web pages, and files from the cloud. Canon users can use the app Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY, and Epson owners - Epson iPrintThese programs often have more flexible printing settings than the standard Android interface.
☑️ Check before installing the app
The setup process is usually simple: download the app, register (if required), and follow the setup wizard. The app will prompt you to add the printer. In some cases, you may need to temporarily connect your phone to the printer's Wi-Fi network for the initial router configuration. Afterwards, the device will reconnect to the public network.
| Printer brand | Application name | Key Features | OS requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP | HP Smart | Printing, scanning, ordering ink | Android 8.0+ |
| Canon | Canon PRINT | Photo printing, collage creation | Android 7.0+ |
| Epson | Epson iPrint | Print from the cloud, scan | Android 9.0+ |
| Brother | Brother iPrint&Scan | Batch printing, tray management | Android 8.0+ |
Using native software is especially important if you need to print a specific format, such as labels or 10x15 photos with specific margins. Standard Android drivers may not support such fine-tuning, cutting off the edges of the image. Manufacturers' apps often allow you to calibrate colors and select paper type, which is critical for photo printing.
Printing via Wi-Fi Direct without a router
One of the most useful scenarios is printing in places where there is no access to a Wi-Fi router, for example, at a guest's house or in the country. Technology Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to create a direct wireless connection between your Honor phone and printer, bypassing the router. The printer then acts as an access point.
To use this method, enable Wi-Fi Direct on the printer itself. This is usually done through the menu on the device's screen or by pressing a dedicated button with a smartphone icon. The printer will display the network name (SSID) and password for connection. This information can also be printed on a configuration test page.
On your Honor phone, go to Wi-Fi settings. You'll see your printer's name (often including the device model) in the list of available networks. Tap it and enter the password provided on the printer's screen or in the instructions. After a successful connection, your phone may warn you that "there is no internet connection." This is normal; agree to keep the connection.
What should I do if my phone loses internet connection when connected to a printer?
When connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, many phones switch all data traffic to the printer, which disrupts mobile data. To avoid this, some Honor models allow you to enable the "Data Transfer" feature for mobile data even when Wi-Fi is active, or use a mode that uses Wi-Fi only for local connections. However, if the printer doesn't support both client and access point modes, Wi-Fi internet access will not work in any case.
Now open the document, select Print, and locate the printer. Since the connection is direct, there will be virtually no delays, and the data transfer speed is limited only by the Wi-Fi capabilities of the devices. This method is ideal for quickly printing multiple pages without setting up a complex network infrastructure.
Setting up cloud printing and remote access
For those who frequently work away from home, the ability to print documents remotely is essential. If your printer supports cloud technologies, you can print a file from across town. For Honor devices without Google services, this can be accomplished through the manufacturer's cloud services or third-party solutions.
Many modern printers have their own IP address and web interface. By registering with the manufacturer's personal account (for example, HP Connected or Epson Connect), you link the printer to your account. Then, by installing the corresponding app on your Honor and logging into the same account, you can access the device from anywhere with internet access.
There's also a universal method using virtual printers. You can use services that assign a unique email address to your printer. By sending an email with an attached file to this address from your phone, you initiate printing. However, this method requires the printer to be constantly on and connected to the network.
- 🌐 Make sure your router has a static IP address reserved for the printer so that the settings are not lost after a reboot.
- 🔒 Use strong passwords for cloud accounts, as the printer has access to your documents.
- ⚙️ Check your router's firewall settings to ensure it is not blocking outgoing connections from the printer.
⚠️ Please note: Remote printing features may consume your mobile data if you are not connected to Wi-Fi. Large files, such as high-resolution photos, are best sent while within range of a Wi-Fi network.
Solving common connection problems and errors
Even with proper setup, issues may still occur. Often, the problem lies in the Honor phone and printer being on different subnets, especially if you're using a mesh network or multiple routers. Ensure both devices are connected to the default gateway. Clearing the print service cache in Android settings also helps.
If printing is slow or drops out, check the Wi-Fi signal strength where the printer is installed. Metal objects, microwaves, and thick walls can block the signal. In such cases, moving the router closer to the printer or using a Wi-Fi repeater can help.
Another common error is file format incompatibility. If your printer won't print PDFs or images of a certain type, try opening the file in a standard viewer first and taking a screenshot or exporting it to a simpler format, such as JPEG. Mobile device drivers are less versatile than computer drivers.
Why doesn't my Honor phone see the printer on the network?
The most common cause is that the devices are connected to different router frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), which are isolated from each other by the router's settings. It's also worth checking whether the "AP Isolation" feature is enabled on the router, which prevents devices on the same network from exchanging data.
Is it possible to print from Honor if there are no Google services?
Yes, you can. The lack of Google services does not block the Wi-Fi module. You can use manufacturer apps (HP Smart, Epson iPrint) that work independently of Google services, or Wi-Fi Direct. Printing plugins can also be installed through third-party app stores.
How to improve the quality of photo prints from your phone?
Use the printer manufacturer's native apps, not the standard Android service. In the print settings, select "Photo" as the paper type and maximum resolution. Make sure the source image on your phone has sufficient resolution (at least 300 dpi for the print size).