How to Print from Your Phone to a Wi-Fi Printer: A Complete Guide

Printing documents from a phone to a printer via Wi-Fi has become an integral part of the modern workflow. Whether you urgently need to print a contract, a photo, or a ticket, the ability to send files to a printer without using a computer saves time and simplifies tasks. However, many users encounter difficulties setting up this connection—especially if the printer and smartphone are different brands or use incompatible protocols.

In this article, we will look at all possible ways to connect a printer to a phone via Wi-Fi: from standard functions Google Cloud Print And AirPrint to manual setup via IP address. You'll learn how to check device compatibility, which apps can make the process easier, and what to do if your printer isn't detected on the network. We'll pay special attention to common errors, such as when your smartphone is connected to one network and your printer to another, or when your device drivers are out of date.

The material will be useful for both owners Android-devices and users iPhone, as well as those who work with printers of different brands - HP, Canon, Epson, Brother and others. All instructions are adapted to the latest versions of operating systems and printer firmware (at the time of publication).

1. Checking the compatibility of the printer and phone

Before attempting to connect your printer to your phone via Wi-Fi, make sure both devices support wireless printing. Modern printer models (released after 2015) are typically equipped with a Wi-Fi module, but there are some caveats:

  • 📱 For Android: standard support required Mopria Print Service (most printers HP, Samsung, Xerox) or Google Cloud Print (obsolete, but still works on some devices).
  • 🍎 For iPhone/iPad: support is needed AirPrint (built into printers) Canon, Epson, Brother last generations).
  • 🖨️ Universal option: If the printer does not support the listed protocols, you can use the manufacturer's proprietary applications (for example, HP Smart, Canon PRINT).

To check compatibility:

  1. Find your printer model on the manufacturer's official website (for example, enter "Canon PIXMA MG3640 specifications").
  2. Look for mentions of Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint, Mopria or Google Cloud Print.
  3. For Android check for the manufacturer's app in Google Play.
⚠️ Attention: Some budget printers (especially older models) Pantum or Kyocera) may not support wireless printing at all. In this case, a USB-OTG adapter or a computer connection will be required.
📊 What printer do you use?
HP
Canon
Epson
Brother
Another brand

2. Connecting the printer and phone to the same Wi-Fi network

The main requirement for Wi-Fi printing is that both devices must be in one local networkIf the printer is connected to the router via cable and the phone is connected to mobile data, printing will not work. Follow these instructions:

  1. Connect your printer to Wi-Fi:
    • On the printer panel, find the menu Settings → Network settings → Wi-Fi.
    • Select your network and enter the password (use the keyboard on the printer screen or the WPS button on the router).
    • Wait for connection confirmation (usually the green Wi-Fi indicator lights up).
  2. Connect your phone to the same network:
    • On Android: Settings → Wi-Fi → select a network.
    • On iPhone: Settings → Wi-Fi → select a network.
  • Check IP addresses:

    Make sure that the printer and phone have received addresses from the same range (for example, 192.168.1.x). To do this:

    • Print it on your printer network report (usually on the menu Settings → Network Report).
    • On your phone, check the IP in the Wi-Fi settings (on Android (click on the network name).
      • Device Path to Wi-Fi settings IP address example
      Canon PIXMA Menu → Settings → Wireless Network 192.168.1.105
      HP DeskJet Settings → Network menu → Wi-Fi 192.168.0.102
      Epson EcoTank Home → Settings → Network Connection 192.168.1.110
      Android Settings → Wi-Fi → [tap on the network] 192.168.1.5
      iPhone Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) next to the network 192.168.1.7
      ⚠️ Attention: If the printer is connected to the router via Wi-Fi Direct (Access point mode), the phone must connect directly to the printer, not to the home network. Otherwise, the phone's internet access will be lost.

      The printer is turned on and connected to Wi-Fi|

      The phone is connected to the same network|

      The printer printed a network report (IP check)|

      The manufacturer's proprietary application is installed (if necessary)|

      VPN and power saving modes are disabled on the phone-->

      3. Printing from Android using standard tools

      If the printer supports Mopria or Google Cloud Print, seal with Android It doesn't require any additional apps. Here's how it works:

      Method 1: Via the Print menu

      1. Open a document (PDF, photo, web page) in any application (Google Docs, Gallery, Chrome).
      2. Click ⋮ → Print (or Share → Print).
      3. Select your device from the printer list. If it's not there:
        • Click Add a printer.
        • Select Mopria Print Service or Google Cloud Print.
    • Adjust the settings (number of copies, orientation, color) and click Seal.

      • Method 2: Via Google Cloud Print (deprecated)

      Google officially shut down its Cloud Print service on December 31, 2020, but some printers still support it through their own apps. If your printer is compatible:

      1. Install the application Google Cloud Print (if still available).
      2. Add a printer via Settings → Printers.
      3. Use the Print option in any application.

    For printers without Mopria you will need a proprietary application:

    • 📄 HP Smart — for printers HP.
    • 📄 Canon PRINT - For Canon PIXMA And MAXIFY.
    • 📄 Epson iPrint - For Epson EcoTank And WorkForce.

      • 4. Printing from iPhone/iPad via AirPrint

      Technology AirPrint from Apple allows you to print from iPhone or iPad without installing drivers. The main requirement is that the printer must support this protocol. A list of compatible models is available at Apple's official website.

      AirPrint Printing Instructions

      1. Make sure that iPhone and the printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
      2. Open the document (in Photo, Mail, Safari or Files).
      3. Click the button Share (square with an arrow pointing up).
      4. Scroll down the menu and select Seal.
      5. In the section Printer Select your device. If it's not there:
        • Check the printer's connection to the network.
        • Update your printer firmware using the manufacturer's official app.
    • Set the parameters (number of copies, double-sided printing) and press Seal.

    If the printer does not support AirPrint, use branded applications:

    • 🍏 HP Smart — for printers HP.
    • 🍏 Canon PRINT - For Canon.
    • 🍏 Epson Print and Scan - For Epson.
    ⚠️ Attention: On some printers Brother to work with iOS the option needs to be enabled AirPrint in the device's web interface (access via the printer's IP address in the browser).

    5. Manual connection using the printer's IP address

    If automatic printer detection doesn't work, you can add it manually using its IP address. This method is universal and works for most devices.

    For Android:

    1. Find out the printer's IP address (print a network report or check it in the router's web interface).
    2. Open the document to print and select Print → Add Printer.
    3. Select Add manually or IP printer.
    4. Enter your details:
      • Address: Printer IP (for example, 192.168.1.100).
      • Protocol: LPD, IPP or Socket (try one at a time).
      • Port: usually 9100 or 631.
  • Specify the printer model (if required) and save the settings.

    • For iPhone:

    On iOS Manually adding an IP printer is only possible through third-party applications, for example Printer Pro:

    1. Install Printer Pro from App Store.
    2. Launch the application and select Add a printer → IP printer.
    3. Enter the IP address and port (9100).
    4. Select the driver from the list (for example, HP LaserJet for laser printers).

    If the printer supports Wi-Fi Direct, you can connect to it directly:

    1. Activate the mode on the printer Wi-Fi Direct (usually on the menu Settings → Wireless Network).
    2. On your phone, connect to the printer's network (the name will be something like DIRECT-xx-HP OfficeJet).
    3. Start printing through the standard menu or the proprietary application.
      4. What should I do if the printer does not print after manual connection?

      If the printer is added via IP, but printing does not start, check:

      1. Router firewall - it can block ports 9100 or 631Disable it temporarily for testing.

      2. Printer sleep mode — Some models disable Wi-Fi in power-saving mode. Disable this option in the printer settings. Sleep on a timer.

      3. Connection protocol - If LPD it doesn't work, try IPP or Raw.

      4. Firmware update — outdated printer software may not support modern printing standards.

      6. Solving common problems

      Even with proper setup, Wi-Fi printing may not work. Here are common errors and how to fix them:

      Problem Possible cause Solution
      The printer is not displayed in the list. Devices on different networks Connect your phone and printer to the same Wi-Fi
      The document is sent to print, but nothing is printed. Out of paper/ink Check the tray and cartridges, restart the printer
      Error: "Unable to connect to printer" Blocking ports with a router Open the ports 9100, 631 in the router settings
      Printing is very slow. Weak Wi-Fi signal Move the printer closer to the router or use a signal repeater
      AirPrint isn't working on my iPhone. Outdated printer firmware Update your printer software using the official app

      Additional tips:

      • 🔄 Reboot: Turn off the printer and router for 30 seconds, then turn them on again.
      • 📶 Wi-Fi signal: If the printer is far from the router, use Wi-Fi repeater or Mesh system.
      • 🔒 Safety: Turn it off VPN on the phone - it can block local connections.
      ⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, TP-Link with firmware Archer C6) function AP Isolation (Client Isolation) blocks devices from interacting with each other on the network. Disable it in your router settings (Wireless Mode → Advanced Settings).

      7. Alternative ways to print from your phone

      If you can't set up Wi-Fi printing, consider these alternatives:

      1. Printing via USB-OTG

      For Android-devices with support USB OTG:

      • Buy USB-OTG adapter (costs ~200–500 ₽).
      • Connect the printer to your phone via USB.
      • Use the manufacturer's proprietary printing application.

    2. Cloud printing (Google Drive, Dropbox)

    Some printers (eg HP with function ePrint) have their own email address:

    1. Find your printer's email address in its settings or on a sticker.
    2. Send the document to this address from your phone.
    3. The printer will automatically print the file.

    3. Printing via computer

    If the printer is connected to a PC:

    • Turn on your computer printer sharing (Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Printer Properties → Access).
    • Install the application on your phone PrinterShare and connect to the shared printer.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about printing from your phone over Wi-Fi

    Is it possible to print from a phone to a printer without Wi-Fi?

    Yes, there are several ways:

    • Through USB-OTG (requires adapter and printer support for direct connection).
    • Through Bluetooth (if the printer supports, for example, some models Canon Selphy).
    • Through SD card: Copy the file to the card, insert it into the printer and print.
    Why is the printer connected to Wi-Fi, but the phone can't see it?

    Possible reasons:

    • The printer and phone are on different subnets (for example, the printer is on 192.168.1.x, and the phone is on 192.168.0.x).
    • It's enabled on the router. AP Isolation (client isolation).
    • The printer firmware is outdated (update via the official app).
    • The firewall on your phone or router is blocking ports.

    Solution: Check IP addresses, disable firewall, update software.

    How to print from your phone to a printer via Wi-Fi Direct?

    Instructions:

    1. Activate on the printer Wi-Fi Direct (menu Settings → Wireless Network).
    2. Remember the network name and password (for example, DIRECT-72-HP_OfficeJet, password 12345678).
    3. On your phone, connect to this network in the Wi-Fi settings.
    4. Start printing through the standard menu or the proprietary application.

    Please note: in mode Wi-Fi Direct the phone will not have access to the internet.

    What apps do I need to print from Android?

    List of useful applications:

    • HP Smart — for printers HP.
    • Canon PRINT - For Canon.
    • Epson iPrint - For Epson.
    • PrinterShare — a universal application for printing to shared printers.
    • Mopria Print Service — for printers with support Mopria.
    Is it possible to print from an iPhone to an old printer without AirPrint?

    Yes, there are workarounds:

    • Use the manufacturer's proprietary application (eg. HP Smart or Epson Print and Scan).
    • Connect the printer to your computer and turn it on. public access, then print through Printer Pro.
    • Buy Wi-Fi adapter for printer (For example, TP-Link TL-WPS510U), if the printer does not have built-in Wi-Fi.

    📖 Read also

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