Modern Xiaomi smartphones have long since become powerful office tools, capable of handling most work tasks without a computer. However, when it comes time to transfer a digital document or photo to paper, users often encounter difficulties. Unlike computers, where drivers are installed automatically or from a disc, mobile printing requires proper software and network settings. Wireless printing — This is a standard that eliminates unnecessary wires, but requires care during the initial connection.
The Android ecosystem, which underpins MIUI or HyperOS, offers several built-in mechanisms for interacting with peripherals. You don't need to look for specific apps for each model if your printer supports modern protocols. The main standard here is the technology Mopria, which is built into the system core. If your printing device is an older generation, you'll have to use proprietary plugins from the manufacturer, such as HP Print Service Plugin or Epson Print Enabler.
Before proceeding with any specific steps, ensure both devices—your smartphone and printer—are on the same local network. This is a fundamental requirement for hardware detection. In this article, we'll cover all setup steps in detail, from checking network settings to using specialized apps for advanced print setup.
Preparing equipment and checking network parameters
The first step to successful printing is ensuring a stable connection. The Wi-Fi router acts as an intermediary between the phone and the printer, transmitting data packets. If one of the devices is connected to a guest network or using 4G/5G mobile internet, the connection between them will fail. Make sure your Xiaomi smartphone and printer are connected to the same SSID (network name).
Many modern routers support dual-band mode, operating simultaneously on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. While most modern printers support both bands, some older models may only operate on the 2.4 GHz band. 2.4 GHzIf your phone is connected to a 5G network and the printer only sees 2.4G, they may not be able to find each other even if they're on the same network. In this case, it's recommended to temporarily switch your smartphone to the 2.4 GHz frequency for setup.
⚠️ Important: If your router uses "guest mode" or AP Isolation, devices on the network will not be able to see each other. To print, you must disable this feature in your router settings.
It's also worth paying attention to the printer's status. It should be on and in standby mode, not in deep sleep. Some energy-saving models may disable the Wi-Fi module to save power. Check the printer's menu (either on the screen or through the indicator lights) to ensure the wireless network function is active.
Using the built-in Mopria plugin on Xiaomi
Starting with certain Android versions, Mopria technology support is built right into the system. On Xiaomi smartphones, this means you may not need to install third-party apps for basic printing. The system automatically detects compatible printers on the local network. To check activation, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Printing.
In the menu that opens, you'll see a list of available printing services. By default, only the system plugin may be activated. If you see an option here Default Print Service or Mopria Print Service, make sure the switch is green. The system will begin searching for devices. If the printer supports the Mopria standard (which includes about 90% of modern HP, Canon, Samsung, and Brother models), it will appear in the list of available devices.
In some cases, especially on global MIUI firmware versions, the default plugin may be hidden or removed by the manufacturer to save space. In this case, you'll need to download the official app. Mopria Print Service from the Google Play Store. After installation and granting the necessary permissions, the functionality remains the same: automatic detection and printing.
☑️ Checking Mopria's operation
Once the printer is found, the system may ask you to confirm driver installation. This is normal, as the phone downloads a basic profile for your device to format the page correctly. After this, your model will appear in the printer list when you print any document (photo gallery, browser, documents).
Configuration via manufacturer's proprietary applications
If the standard plugin doesn't detect your device or you require advanced functionality (scanning, checking ink levels, adjusting tray settings), the best solution is to install the native app from the printer manufacturer. For owners of HP this application HP Smart, For Canon — Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY, and for Epson — Epson iPrint.
The setup process for such apps is usually standardized. After installation and launch, the app will ask for permission to access geolocation and the local network. This is critical: without permission to access the local network, the app will not be able to find the printer via Wi-Fi. Next, click the Add Printer button (often indicated by a plus sign). +) and wait for the search to complete.
| Printer brand | Application name | Key Features | Scanning support |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP | HP Smart | Printing photos, documents, web pages | Yes |
| Canon | Canon PRINT | Cloud printing, paper settings | Yes |
| Epson | Epson iPrint | Printing from cloud storage, PDF creation | Yes |
| Brother | Brother iPrint&Scan | Scan to PDF/JPG, print documents | Yes |
| Pantum | Pantum Mobile Printing | Basic printing, toner monitoring | Limited |
Using native apps is especially useful for MFPs (multifunctional devices). They allow you to not only print a document but also initiate a scan, with the result immediately saved to your phone's gallery. This turns your smartphone into a fully-fledged remote control for your office equipment.
What should I do if the app doesn't find the printer?
Make sure the app has permission to access the "Local Network" in your Android permissions settings. Also, check if your antivirus or router firewall is blocking local device discovery (mDNS or SSDP protocols).
Printing via the Mi Print Service plugin
Xiaomi often uses its own plugin called Mi Print Service (or Mi Print/Remotely Print). This service is designed specifically to optimize printer performance in the MIUI ecosystem. It's especially useful if the standard Android plugin is unstable or doesn't correctly detect page formatting.
To activate this method, you need to go to the print settings, as described earlier, and enable the plugin. Mi Print ServiceIf it's not on the list, you can find and install it through the app store. GetApps (Mi Store) or Google Play. After enabling the plugin, the process is similar to Mopria: the phone scans the network and prompts you to select a detected printer.
The main advantage of using Mi Print Service The advantage lies in better compatibility with the system interface. The preview window and margin settings in this plugin often look more organic and offer more options for a specific Xiaomi model than the standard Android tools. For example, it's easier to select paper sizes for non-standard formats or adjust print margins for Word documents.
⚠️ Note: The settings menu interface may differ depending on your MIUI version (12, 13, 14) or HyperOS. The path to the printing settings sometimes changes. Look for the "Connection and Sharing" section or simply search for "Print" in the settings.
If you plan to print frequently, it makes sense to set Mi Print Service as your default printing service. This will speed up the process, as the system won't have to ask which plugin to use each time. Simply select it as a priority in the plugin management menu.
Alternative methods: Google Cloud Print and third-party utilities
Although the classic Google Cloud Print has been officially discontinued, its successors and alternative solutions continue to develop. For users whose printers don't have built-in Wi-Fi but are connected to a computer or have an Ethernet port, intermediary apps are available. One of the most popular solutions is the app PrinterShare.
PrinterShare lets you print to virtually any printer visible on the network, even if it doesn't directly support mobile protocols. The app installs a virtual driver and translates the print job into a format the device understands. This "heavy artillery" helps when Xiaomi's built-in tools fail.
Another option is to use the manufacturers' cloud services. Many modern printers have their own email address or are linked to an account. By sending a document to this address or uploading it to the manufacturer's cloud via an app, you can print remotely, even when you're outside your home Wi-Fi network. This requires pre-registering the device with the manufacturer's cloud service.
However, it's worth remembering that third-party free apps often have limitations or watermarks. This is acceptable for one-time printing, but for regular use, it's better to use native system tools or official plugins.
Solutions to common problems and errors
Even with proper setup, issues can still occur. One of the most common problems is the "Printer Busy" or "Waiting" status, after which the task simply disappears or an error appears. This is often due to the phone and printer "seeing" each other but failing to establish a stable data connection. Try rebooting your router—this resolves 80% of device discovery issues on the local network.
Another common error is related to file formats. If you're trying to print a complex PDF or a document with a non-standard font, the printer may refuse the task due to insufficient memory or missing fonts. In this case, converting the document to a simple graphic format (JPG) or using the "Print as Image" mode in the plugin settings can help.
Users also often forget about the Wi-Fi security protocol version. If the router is configured to only operate in WPA3 mode, and the printer is an older model that only supports WPA2, they won't be able to connect. Set the router's security mode to mixed (WPA2/WPA3 Mixed) for maximum compatibility.
⚠️ Note: Interface and menu specifications may change with software updates. If you don't see the option described, check the official documentation for your printer model or update your printer's firmware.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect a printer to a Xiaomi via a USB cable?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires a USB-OTG adapter (usually Type-C to USB-A). Connect the printer to the adapter with a cable, and then connect the adapter to your phone. Enable "USB printing" in the printing settings. Your phone should automatically detect the device. However, this method doesn't work with all printers, as it requires driver support at the Android kernel level.
Why doesn't the printer print color photos, even though color is set in the settings?
Check two things: first, check the ink levels in the cartridges (the manufacturer's app will show this accurately). Second, in the print preview window on your phone, tap "Settings" and make sure "Color" is selected, not "Grayscale/B&W." Sometimes the intermediary app resets the settings to default.
How do I print if my printer doesn't support Wi-Fi Direct?
If the printer doesn't support Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection without a router), it must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the phone via a router. Alternatively, you can use a USB cable with an OTG adapter or connect the printer to a computer and share it over the network, although the latter method is more difficult to set up for mobile devices.
Is it safe to use third-party printing apps?
Popular apps from Google Play (e.g., PrinterShare, NokoPrint) are safe to use if you download them from the official store. However, they may request access to your files and gallery, which is necessary for their functionality. For printing sensitive documents, it's best to use official manufacturer plugins or the built-in Mopria app.