The easiest way to print from your iPhone or iPad is with AirPrint. When you add a printer to your iPhone with AirPrint, you can print with a wireless connection. You can also print from your iPhone by manually connecting to your printer with a USB cord.
The easiest way to see if your printer has AirPrint installed on it is to check with Apple. Apple makes this easy by having an Apple Support webpage that lists all current AirPrint devices. Check out Apple's list here to see if your printer has AirPrint.
Check the network connection. Make sure the printer Wi-Fi signal is on, and that it connects to the same network as your mobile device. If the printer has a Wireless icon or button with a light, make sure the light is on. The printer is disconnected from the network if the light is off or blinks.
Check the printer connection status: Make sure the wireless signal is on, and the printer is connected to the same network as your computer or mobile device. If your printer has a light next to a Wireless icon or button , make sure the light is on. If it is off or blinks the printer is disconnected from the network.
The simplest way to print from an iPhone is by adding a printer with AirPrint, so you can print directly with a wireless connection. You can also print wirelessly without AirPrint by downloading your printer's app on an iPhone or iPad, or by connecting your devices with a USB cable and adapter. Here's how to do it all.
Print without AirPrint
Even if your printer isn't AirPrint enabled you may still be able to print from iPhone and iPad. The most common way this works is through an app from the manufacturer. For example, you can browse your iPhone or iPad's documents, photos, and more directly from the app and quickly print.
Print with AirPrint
Open the app that you want to print from. To find the print option, tap the app's Share button or or the Actions button . Scroll down and tap the Print button or Print. If you can't find the print option, check the app's User Guide or Help section.
AirPrint Activator is a free download, although the developer politely asks for a small donation, making it a much more inexpensive option than the $20 Printopia.
Check Connections on Your Printer
If you haven't checked already, make sure you refer to Apple's AirPrint guide to verify that your printer is AirPrint compatible. Next, check your printer's Wi-Fi connection, and ensure that your printer and your iPhone or iPad are connected to the same wireless network.
Most modern printers will have Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, or require you to download a printer app to your phone. This allows you to send a document from your phone to a printer wirelessly. If your printer has none of these features, you will need to connect your phone to the printer using a USB cable.
AirPrint is Apple's branded technology for wireless printing between an Apple device, such as iPhone, iPad, or Mac, to an enabled printer. AirPrint makes it incredibly easy to print from your mobile phone, for example, without additional steps.
Most modern printers with wireless capability have the AirPrint feature, which enables the printer to wirelessly connect to an iPhone 11 or iPad and print directly. If your printer does not support AirPrint, you can still print by installing your printer's app from the App Store or by email.
Almost all new printer models support AirPrint and you can use AirPrint on any Apple device, including your iPhone, iPad or Mac computer. To print with AirPrint, all you have to do is open the browser or app you want to print from, select the “share” icon (the box with the arrow on top) and select “print”.
Printing from your iPad or iPhone with a USB cable
You'll need an OTG (on-the-go) USB cord. Make sure your iPhone or iPad supports USB OTG (not all phones do). You'll also need a USB cable to attach to the printer. Make sure the printer hardware is ready.
AirPrint Requirements
To use AirPrint, you need three things. First, you need a Wi-Fi network that allows AirPrint signals to pass. Next, you need a Mac OS X or iOS device that's connected to the network. Finally, you need an AirPrint-compatible wireless printer.
AirPrint Requirements
iPhone 3GS or newer. 3rd generation iPod touch or newer. Any model iPad.
Mac compatibility
Most printers these days are Mac-compatible, but we have seen quite a few printers that work better with Windows PCs. The problem here lies in the driver software that controls the printer, which may be different on Macs and PCs.
The best AirPrint printer we've tested is the Brother MFC-L8905CDW, a color laser all-in-one. It has many connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, and it supports AirPrint, so you don't have to install any drivers or third-party apps when printing from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
While there are plenty of affordable AirPrint-compatible printers out there, you may have already invested in a model that doesn't support Apple's wireless printing protocol. Luckily, adding AirPrint to a non-AirPrint printer is quick, easy, and affordable thanks to a clever Mac app called handyPrint.