You are trying to print a document from your smartphone to a printer. Samsung via Wi-Fi, but the device stubbornly ignores your commands? This problem is familiar to many users, especially when printing from a computer works flawlessly, but the mobile device refuses to cooperate. There could be dozens of reasons, from a simple connection failure to hidden router settings blocking local traffic.
In this article we will look at all possible reasons, why the printer Samsung won't print from phone via Wi-Fi - from the obvious to the exotic. You will receive step-by-step instructions For Android And iOS, proven network diagnostic methods, and tips for setting up a router and printer. We'll focus on the following models: Samsung M2020/M2070, SL-M2020W and other popular devices with support Wi-Fi Direct And Mobile Print.
Don't rush to reset your settings or call a service center—in 90% of cases, the problem can be resolved independently in 10–15 minutes. Let's start with the simplest steps!
1. Check the basic conditions: Wi-Fi, power, and compatibility
Before digging deep into the settings, make sure you have completed minimum requirements to print from your phone:
- 📶 The printer and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.Even if the network names (SSID) are the same, make sure that it is the same access point (for example, not
TP-Link_5Ginstead ofTP-Link_2.4G). - 🔋 The printer is on and not in sleep mode.. In models Samsung Xpress the Wi-Fi indicator should be on green (flashing orange - error sign).
- 📱 Wi-Fi is turned on on the phone and mobile data is turned off.Some applications (eg. Samsung Mobile Print) block printing when mobile internet is active.
- 🔄 The printer supports printing from mobile devices. Obsolete models (eg. Samsung ML-1660) may require a USB cable or special adapter.
If any of the conditions are not met, further diagnostics are pointless. For example, Samsung ProXpress series printers require the "Mobile Print" feature to be enabled in the settings menu—without this, they simply cannot see requests from smartphones..
⚠️ Attention: On some routers (especially with firmware Keenetic or ASUS Merlin) function enabled AP Isolation (Client Isolation). This blocks data exchange between devices on the same network—for example, between a phone and a printer. Check this setting in your router's control panel.
2. Connection errors: the printer is not visible on the network
If your printer doesn't show up in the list of available devices on your phone, the problem lies in network interactionHere is the verification algorithm:
- Restart your printer and routerUnplug both devices from the power outlet for 30 seconds, then turn on the router first, then the printer. Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer stops blinking.
- Check the printer's IP address. Print it out.
Network report(on most models Samsung hold the buttonWi-Fi5-10 seconds). In the report, find the lineIP Address. If there0.0.0.0or169.254.x.x— the printer is not connected to the network. - Make sure the printer is not in standby mode.
Wi-Fi DirectIn this mode, it creates its own network (for example,DIRECT-xx-Samsung_M2020), and the phone should connect to it, and not to your home Wi-Fi.
If the printer's IP address starts with 192.168., but the phone doesn't see it, try manually adding the printer by IP in the app Samsung Mobile Print or the standard print menu Android/iOSTo do this:
- Open the document to print on your phone.
- Select an option
Add a printer manually(V Android it could beSettings → Connected devices → Printing). - Enter the printer's IP address (e.g.
192.168.1.105) and port9100.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The printer is not visible in the list of devices. | Disabled mDNS (Bonjour) on the router |
Turn on Multicast And UPnP in the router settings |
| Printing starts but stops | Weak Wi-Fi signal or interference | Move the printer closer to the router or change the Wi-Fi channel to 1–6 |
| Error: "Device unavailable" | The router's firewall is blocking the port. 9100 |
Add an exception for the local IP printer |
The printer and phone are on the same network|The printer's IP address is correct (not 0.0.0.0)|Wi-Fi Direct is disabled if not in use|Ports 9100 and 631 are open on the router-->
3. Problems with the Samsung Mobile Print app
Official app Samsung Mobile Print This often becomes a source of problems, especially if it's outdated or conflicts with the printer firmware. Here are some common errors and their solutions:
- 🔄 The app freezes while searching for a printer.. Remove it, reboot your phone and install the latest version from Google Play or App Store. For Android Also clear the app cache in settings.
- 📱 "Incompatible device" errorCheck if your printer model supports mobile printing. For example, Samsung ML-1665 requires a firmware update to version
V3.00.01.18. - 🖨️ The document is being printed, but the printer is not responding.In the app settings, disable the option.
Quick Print- it may conflict with printer drivers.
If the problem persists, try alternative printing methods:
- Through the cloud: Upload the document to Google Drive or Dropbox, then open it through the printer app.
- By email: Some models Samsung (For example, Xpress C1810W) support email printing. Find the printer's address in the network report and send an email with an attachment.
⚠️ Attention: On iPhone With iOS 16+ a conflict may arise between Samsung Mobile Print and built-in functionAirPrintIf the printer supportsAirPrint(check the instructions), delete the application Samsung and use standard printing throughFiles → Print.
4. Router settings blocking printing
In 30% of cases, it is not the printer that is at fault, but router configurationHere are the key parameters to check:
- 🌐 Wi-Fi operating modePrinters Samsung often do not support networks
802.11ac(5 GHz). Switch the router to the mode802.11n(2.4 GHz) or turn onMixed mode. - 🔒 Encryption typeSome models (for example, SL-M2020W) don't work with
WPA3Switch to .WPA2-PSK (AES). - 🔄 Function
AP IsolationAs previously noted, it blocks data exchange between devices. Disable it in the router settings (usually in theWireless → Advanced). - 📡 Wi-Fi channel. Channels
12–14may not be supported by the printer. Select a channel1–11manually.
If you have a dual-band router, try disable the 5 GHz network during setup. Many printers Samsung (especially budget ones) only work in the range 2.4 GHzOnce successfully connected, the 5 GHz network can be re-enabled—the main thing is to ensure that the phone and printer remain on the same subnet.
Example path to settings on a TP-Link router:
Advanced → Wireless → Wireless Settings → Channel Width (select 20 MHz)
5. Updating the printer and phone firmware
Outdated software is one of the most common causes of printing problems. Printer firmware may contain compatibility issues with newer versions. Android or iOS.
How to update printer firmware Samsung:
- Download the latest firmware version from official Samsung website (Please indicate the exact printer model!).
- Connect the printer to your computer via USB.
- Run the firmware file (usually with the extension
.exeor.dld) and follow the instructions.
For phone, update:
- Operating system (
Settings → Software Update). - Application Samsung Mobile Print (or alternative, if you use it).
- Services Google Play (on Android They are responsible for printing via the cloud).
⚠️ Attention: Do not interrupt the printer firmware update process! If the indicator Power will start flashing red, wait for it to complete (may take up to 10 minutes). Interruption will result in irreversible damage to the printer's memory and will require repair at a service center.
How do I find out my printer's current firmware version?
Print it out Network report (hold the button Wi-Fi 5-10 seconds). In the section Firmware Version the version will be indicated, for example V3.00.01.12Compare it with the latest version on the Samsung website.
6. Alternative printing methods if Wi-Fi doesn't work
If all attempts to set up printing via Wi-Fi have been unsuccessful, use bypass methods:
- 📎
Wi-Fi Direct. Activate this mode on the printer (buttonWi-Fi Director through the menu). On your phone, connect to the printer's network (for example,DIRECT-xx-Samsung_M2020) and start printing. - 🔌 USB-OTG. For Android-phones with support
OTGYou can connect the printer directly with a cable.USB-A → Micro-USB/Type-C. An application will be required. PrintHand or PrinterShare. - ☁️ Cloud printingUpload the document to Google Drive, open it through the browser on your phone and select
Print → Save as PDF, then send the PDF to the printer via email (if the model supports it)Email Print). - 🖥️ Intermediary-PCInstall the program on your computer. Samsung Easy Printer Manager, connect the printer via USB or Wi-Fi, and then allow network access. Your phone will be able to print from your PC.
For models Samsung ProXpress The function is also available NFS Print — Printing via a network drive. To set it up:
- Activate
NFSin the printer menu (Settings → Network → NFS). - On your phone, use a file manager (for example, Solid Explorer) to connect to the printer's network folder.
7. Reset your printer and phone
If none of the methods worked, there remains hard reset. Start with the printer:
- Turn off the printer.
- Hold the button
Cancel(orStop) and turn on the power. - Hold the button for 10-15 seconds until all indicators light up and then turn off. This will reset the network settings.
For phone:
- On Android:
Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings. - On iPhone:
Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset network settings.
After resetting, reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi and try printing again. If the issue persists, test the printer on a different phone or router—this will help isolate the source of the problem.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about printing from your phone to a Samsung printer
🔍 Why does my Samsung printer print from my computer but not from my phone?
This is a typical situation when the computer and printer are on the same subnet, but the phone is not. Check:
- Is the phone connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not a guest or 5 GHz network).
- Is the router blocking local traffic (settings)
AP Isolation). - Is the printer using a static IP that conflicts with DHCP?
You can also try manually adding the printer by IP address in your phone's printing settings.
📱 How to print from iPhone to Samsung printer without the app?
If your printer supports AirPrint (check list of compatible models), do the following:
- Open a document (photo, PDF, page in Safari).
- Click
Share → Print. - Select your printer Samsung from the list.
If your printer is not listed, update its firmware or connect via Wi-Fi Direct.
🖨️ Why does my Samsung printer accept a job but not print?
This may be due to:
- Print queueThe job may be blocked on the printer or computer (if used as an intermediary). Clear the queue by Samsung Easy Printer Manager.
- Lack of memory. For budget models (for example, ML-2165W) When printing complex PDFs, an error may occur. Try printing the document in the following format:
JPEGor with a lower resolution. - Incompatible formatSome printers do not support printing.
Office-documents directly. Convert the file toPDFbefore sending.
🌐 Can I print to a Samsung printer via mobile internet (4G/5G)?
No, the printer and phone must be in order to print. one local networkHowever, there are workarounds:
- Use
Wi-Fi Direct(the printer creates its own network, the phone connects to it). - Set up
VPNon the router and connect to your home network via the Internet (advanced settings required). - Send the document by email to the printer (if the model supports it)
Email Print).
🔧 How do I check if my Samsung printer supports printing from my phone?
There are several ways:
- Look at the printer body - if there is a button
Wi-FiorWi-Fi Direct, mobile printing support is most likely there. - Print it out
Network report(hold the buttonWi-Fi5-10 seconds) and find the linesMobile PrintorAirPrint. - Check the model on Samsung website in the "Specifications" section.
If your model does not support mobile printing, use USB-OTG or cloud services.