In today’s modern technology era, smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. With the advancement of technology in smartphones, we can now perform almost all tasks that we used to do on a computer. One of those tasks is printing documents. Yes, you heard it right! You can easily print your documents directly from your iPhone without the need for any computer. However, many people are not aware of this feature or do not know how to connect their printer to their iPhone. In this blog post, we will discuss and guide you on how to connect your printer to your iPhone.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Connect Your iPhone to a Printer
Printing a document is still one of the most important things you might need to do on your phone even in this digital age. There are various reasons why you need to connect your iPhone to a printer. Few of them are:
1. Unavailability of computer: Sometimes, you might not have access to a computer, and you need to print some important documents. In such cases, you can directly print them from your iPhone.
2.Easy to work on-the-go: Printing documents from your iPhone can help you to work efficiently even on the go.
3.Eco-friendly: Printing directly from your iPhone can help you to save paper, making it an eco-friendly option.
Now that you have understood the importance of connecting your printer to your iPhone, let’s move forward and discuss the different methods.
Method 1: Using AirPrint
AirPrint is a native printing protocol developed by Apple that allows you to print directly from your iPhone without any third-party app or software. Here are the steps to connect your printer to your iPhone via AirPrint:
Step 1: Check compatibility
Make sure that your printer supports AirPrint. You can visit the official website of Apple for the list of printers compatible with AirPrint.
Step 2: Enable Wi-Fi
Ensure that your iPhone and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 3: Open document
Open the document that you want to print from your iPhone.
Step 4: Tap Share icon
Tap the share icon on the screen, and select the print option.
Step 5: Select Printer
Choose your printer from the given option and select the number of copies you want to print.
Step 6: Print
After selecting the required options, tap on the "Print" button to print the document.
Pros:
1. No need to install any app or software
2. Native printing protocol by Apple
3. Easy to use and compatible with most printers
Cons:
1. Limited to only Apple devices
2. Fewer customization options
Method 2: Using a Third-party App
Another way to connect your printer to your iPhone is by using a third-party app. Several third-party apps are available on the App Store, which allows you to print your documents from your iPhone. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Download Printer App
Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for a Printer app.
Step 2: Install and Open
Install the app and open it.
Step 3: Connect to Wi-Fi
Ensure that both your printer and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 4: Add printer
In the app, add your printer and select the required options such as the number of copies and page range.
Step 5: Print
After selecting the required options, tap on the "Print" button to print the document.
Pros:
1. Available for both Android and iPhone
2. Easy to use
3. Can print from almost any printer with a wireless capability
Cons:
1. Need to install a third-party app
2. Paid apps offer more features
Method 3: Using Google Cloud Print
Google Cloud Print is a service provided by Google that allows you to print documents from anywhere using the Cloud Print-enabled printer. Here are the steps to connect your printer to your iPhone using Google Cloud Print:
Step 1: Connect Printer to Google Cloud Print
Connect your printer to Google Cloud Print by signing in to your Google account on your computer and adding your printer.
Step 2: Enable Printer Sharing
Enable printer sharing in Settings>Printers>Share Printers.
Step 3: Download App
Download the Google Cloud Print app from the App Store on your iPhone.
Step 4: Sign in to Google Account
Sign in to your Google account on the app.
Step 5: Choose Printer and Print
Choose your printer from the list of available printers and print the document.
Pros:
1. Print from anywhere
2. Compatible with most printers
3. Can print from any device with a Google account
Cons:
1. Need Google account and internet access
2. Setup process can be complicated
What to Do If You Can’t Connect Your Printer to Your iPhone
Sometimes, despite following all the steps correctly, you might not be able to connect your printer to your iPhone. Here are a few things you can do if you face such a situation:
1. Restart your iPhone and printer and try again.
2. Make sure that the printer is turned on and connected to the Wi-Fi network.
3. Check whether the printer is compatible with AirPrint or other methods.
4. Check the cables and connections of the printer.
5. Contact the manufacturer for support.
Bonus Tip
If you want to print a document, but do not want to keep a hard copy, you can save it as a PDF and share it with your colleagues or friends.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I print directly from my iPhone without Wi-Fi?
A: No, you cannot print from your iPhone without Wi-Fi. Both your printer and iPhone should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network to print.
Q2: Why is my printer not appearing in the Printer app?
A: Make sure that both your printer and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Also, ensure that your printer is compatible with the app.
Q3: Can I print documents using a USB connection?
A: No, you cannot print documents from your iPhone using a USB connection.
Q4: Does every printer support AirPrint?
A: No, not every printer supports AirPrint. You can check the compatibility list on the official website of Apple.
Q5: Is it safe to use third-party printer apps?
A: Yes, it is safe to use third-party printer apps from the App Store. However, it is recommended to read the reviews before installing any app.
Final Thoughts
Printing documents directly from your iPhone can save you valuable time and provide you with more flexibility. By following the methods discussed in this blog, you can easily connect your printer to your iPhone and print documents hassle-free. Make sure to check the compatibility of the app with your printer or use AirPrint for native printing. If you face any issues, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer for support. Remember to always keep your printer and iPhone updated for better compatibility and functionality.