How to Print From Phone to Wireless Printer

Lawrence Bonk Profile image

Written By:

Updated November 15, 2022

High-quality wireless printers are simply astounding technology, as they eliminate the need for unsightly and frustrating cables. The technology allows Android phone owners to complete print jobs wirelessly.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Android phones are highly capable when it comes to conducting print jobs with a wireless printer.
  • Ensure your printer can integrate with the Android platform by reading the instructions or contacting the manufacturer.
  • For simplicity, you should also ensure that your printer and your phone are on the same wireless network.

Do Android Phones Feature a Proprietary Technology Like AirPrint?

Android phones can connect to wireless printers and easily complete print jobs, but there is no buzzworthy affiliated technology such as Apple’s AirPrint. Don’t worry, though, just because there is no name behind the technology on Android phones does not mean it is not there. You can also print using other options other than Wireless, like Bluetooth or USB.

Insider Tip

If you cannot access the same network as the printer, there is some hope, as certain printing applications can print via the cloud.

Print Directly From Android Phones to Printers

If you’re using the best small printer with wireless features, you’ll be able to print from your smartphone to the printer. However, it may not always be easily spelled out in the printer’s directions. In that case, here are some general tips and guidelines for printing directly from an Android phone or tablet to a compatible wireless printer.

Make Sure Your Printer is Compatible

You will first have to ensure that your printer features wireless technology and can support the Android platform. Hundreds of mobile printers are available for purchase that seamlessly integrate with Android phones. To find out if your printer can work with Android-based print jobs, we recommend reading the instruction manuals or contacting the manufacturer directly. If you have an old-school standard printer, it is likely not to feature wireless technology of any kind, so do your research ahead of time.

Insider Tip

To find out if your printer can work with Android-based print jobs, we recommend reading the instruction manuals or contacting the manufacturer directly.

Check Wireless Network Efficiency

To begin sending out wireless print tasks from your Android phone, you should first complete a health check on your wireless network. Take a look at your modem and your router, ensuring that both operate efficiently. You should also ensure that your printer and your phone are on the same wireless network. Some printers include Bluetooth receivers, but most will have to operate via a Wi-Fi connection. If you cannot access the same network as the printer, there is some hope, as certain printing applications can print via the cloud.

Moreover, if your printer has no wireless capabilities, you can convert just about any printer to a WiFi one. And, there are ways to print from mobile devices using a USB cable.

Use Your Favorite Printing App

Android phones are not tied to a particular printing app, so those created by any of the major printer manufacturers should work. The printing process, however, will differ depending on your printer and the app used. If your printer and phone are on the same wireless network, conducting a print job should be really simple. Just open up the app, select the source document and the number of copies you want to make, and hit “print.” However, you can also print onto a tabloid-sized printer paper using your printer, depending on the make and model.

Warning

You should also ensure that your printer and your phone are on the same wireless network.

F.A.Q.

I don’t have a computer can I still use this with my smartphone to print documents?

Yes, in most cases. Modern wireless printers are typically built from the ground up for smartphone and tablet integration. Do some research ahead of time to be sure.


Can I print from my Apple smartphone?

Yes. Apple phones, including the iPhone, feature a robust wireless printing technology called AirPrint. In other words, you should have no problem completing digital print jobs with an Apple device


Can you print wirelessly with Galaxy phones and tablets?

Yes, in most cases. Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets use the Android operating system and can integrate with many wireless printing devices.



STAT: The increasing popularity of Android devices is supported by the app store, the largest app store in the world with 2.87 million apps available for download as of December 2020. (source)

Lawrence Bonk Profile image