Say Hello to iPhone Printing
Printing from your iPhone doesn’t have to be a mystery. Whether you’re sending photos, documents, or emails to paper, modern iPhones make the process fast and simple. In today’s tech-driven world, knowing how do you add printer to iPhone is essential for both personal and professional use.
This guide will walk you through different ways to add printer to iPhone, whether you’re using AirPrint, a third-party app, or even a USB cable. No more emailing documents to your laptop just to print them out — we’ll show you how to connect iPhone to printer directly.
Is Your Printer AirPrint-Ready?
Before diving into setup steps, check if your printer supports AirPrint. AirPrint is Apple’s built-in printing solution that lets you print from any iOS device without needing to install drivers or software. Most modern printers come with AirPrint built-in, especially models from brands like HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother.
To check if your printer supports AirPrint:
- Visit Apple’s official list of AirPrint-enabled printers.
- Refer to the printer’s manual or manufacturer’s website.
- Check the printer settings on the device itself.
If your printer supports AirPrint, you’re in luck. It’s the fastest and easiest way to print from iPhone.
Adding an AirPrint Printer to Your iPhone
Setting up an AirPrint-compatible printer is a breeze. Here’s how to do it wirelessly:
- Connect your printer to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone.
- On your iPhone, open the app with the content you want to print (like Photos, Safari, or Mail).
- Tap the Share icon (a square with an upward arrow).
- Scroll down and tap “Print.”
- Choose your AirPrint-enabled printer.
- Adjust settings if needed, then tap “Print.”
No additional app or configuration required — AirPrint handles it all. It supports both color and black-and-white printing and allows you to select specific pages, paper size, and number of copies.
Adding a Non-AirPrint Printer to Your iPhone
Not every printer comes equipped with AirPrint, especially older models. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Here’s how to add printer to iPhone without AirPrint:
Option 1: Use the Manufacturer’s App
Most major printer brands have their own apps to enable printing from iPhones. Here are some examples:
- HP: HP Smart
- Canon: Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY
- Epson: Epson iPrint
- Brother: Brother iPrint&Scan
Steps:
- Download the app from the App Store.
- Connect your printer and iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the app and follow the on-screen setup instructions.
- Select the file you want to print and choose your printer.
These apps often offer extra features like scanning, ink level monitoring, and printer status updates.
Option 2: Third-Party Printing Apps
If your printer brand doesn’t offer an app or you want something more universal, try a third-party app like:
- Printopia
- Printer Pro by Readdle
- Print n Share
These apps work by communicating with your printer over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or through your computer. Be sure to check app compatibility and printer support.
How to Print from iPhone Using USB Cable
You can even connect iPhone to printer using a USB cable — perfect for when Wi-Fi isn’t available.
What you’ll need:
- A USB cable compatible with your printer
- A Lightning-to-USB adapter or USB-C adapter (depending on your iPhone model)
- A compatible printer that supports USB printing from iOS
Steps:
- Connect the USB cable to your printer and adapter.
- Plug the adapter into your iPhone.
- If prompted, allow the device to connect.
- Use a compatible app (usually from the printer brand) to print.
Note: Not all printers support direct USB printing from iPhones. Always check the printer’s user manual.
Troubleshooting iPhone Printing Problems
Running into problems while trying to print from your iPhone? Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues:
Printer Not Showing Up
- Make sure both iPhone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network
- Restart both your iPhone and printer
- Check that the printer is turned on and not in sleep mode
Can’t Print with AirPrint
- Ensure your printer supports AirPrint
- Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version
- Try printing from a different app to rule out app-specific issues
Connection Errors
- Forget and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network
- Reset your network settings (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset Network Settings)
- Check your router settings or try connecting via WPS if supported
USB Not Recognized
- Try a different adapter
- Check if your printer supports USB communication with iOS
Best Practices for Smooth iPhone Printing
To make your printing process smoother, keep these tips in mind:
- Always update your printer’s firmware
- Use original cartridges for best print quality
- Keep your iPhone and printer connected to the same stable Wi-Fi network
- Regularly restart your devices to clear any cache-related issues
- Use apps like HP Smart for advanced print settings and monitoring
Recommended iPhone Printing Apps
Here are some apps we highly recommend for printing from an iPhone:
- HP Smart – great for HP printers, includes scanning and faxing
- Canon PRINT – ideal for Canon models
- Printer Pro – excellent for non-AirPrint printers
- Brother iPrint&Scan – powerful and user-friendly
- Print n Share – great for document management and printing
Each app offers unique tools for managing print jobs, scanning documents, and configuring printers.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re using a state-of-the-art wireless printer or an older USB model, printing from your iPhone is more accessible than ever. From AirPrint to manufacturer apps to USB cable connections, there’s a solution for every type of user.
Understanding how to connect iPhone to printer empowers you to get more done, from anywhere, without relying on a desktop. With a little setup and the right tools, you’ll never have to scramble to find a computer just to print a simple document again.
Remember to keep your devices updated and connected properly. That way, your printing experience remains seamless, whether you’re working, learning, or managing tasks on the go.
FAQs
Can I print from iPhone without Wi-Fi?
Yes! You can print using a USB cable and an adapter if your printer supports direct iOS printing. Alternatively, some printers support Bluetooth printing or Wi-Fi Direct.
What apps work best for non-AirPrint printers?
Apps like Printer Pro, HP Smart, and Print n Share are excellent options for non-AirPrint-compatible printers. These apps let you print a variety of documents and often offer added functionality like scanning and file management.
Can I print photos from my iPhone?
Absolutely. Use the Photos app, tap Share, then Print. Choose your AirPrint-enabled printer or one connected through an app.
How do I delete or cancel a print job on iPhone?
Double-tap the Home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen, tap Print Center (if visible), and select the job to cancel.
Does printing from iPhone use data?
Printing over Wi-Fi doesn’t consume mobile data. If you’re printing remotely through cloud services, there may be minimal data use.
Need help with another Apple device or printer setup? Drop your question in the comments or check out our other printer-friendly guides!