How to Connect Phone to Wireless Printer (4 Methods)

Do you need to print something from your phone but are unsure how to connect to a wireless printer? Don’t worry- I’ve got you covered.

Multiple methods exist to connect your Android or iPhone phone to a wireless printer. This includes Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, AirPrint, and manufacturer-specific apps (like HP Smart). But first, ensure your devices meet compatibility requirements, so you can easily print wirelessly.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the details.

Overview of Methods to Connect Your Phone to a Wireless Printer

Method	Compatible Devices	Brief Description
Wi-Fi Direct	Android, iOS	Connects devices directly without the need for a wireless router. Find Wi-Fi settings on your device, activate Wi-Fi Direct, then connect to the printer.
Bluetooth	Android, iOS	Enables a connection between your phone and printer without Wi-Fi. Turn on Bluetooth on your device, make the printer discoverable, select the printer from available devices, and pair your device with the printer.
AirPrint	iOS	Allows iOS devices to print wirelessly to compatible printers. Check your printer’s AirPrint compatibility, connect your devices to the same Wi-Fi network, and print directly from an app.
Manufacturer Apps	Android, iOS	Manufacturer-specific apps that allow easy connection to their printers. Download the app (HP Smart app, Canon, Epson, Brother, etc.), follow the app’s instructions to connect with the printer, and print directly from your phone.

Requirements and Compatibility

One of the most essential aspects of connecting a phone to a wireless printer is ensuring requirements and compatibility are met. Let me share some helpful information to make this process easier for you.

First off, both devices should be Wi-Fi enabled. Modern smartphones and tablets, like many printers, usually have Wi-Fi capabilities. 

Android and iOS systems have slightly different steps for connecting to a wireless printer. Check your smartphone’s OS to ensure it is compatible with the printer’s model and brand.

More general requirements that will ensure a successful connection:

• Always update your device and printer firmware to the latest versions to avoid potential connection issues.
• Ensure your smartphone, printer, and router are all connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This will ensure that the devices can communicate effectively.

You should have no issue connecting your phone to your wireless printer by checking these requirements and ensuring compatibility.

Method 1. Connecting via Wi-Fi Direct

Wi-Fi Direct is a fantastic feature that allows users to connect their mobile devices directly to a wireless printer. It’s a game changer for quick and easy printing from smartphones and tablets.

Android Devices

On your Android device, interacting with Wi-Fi Direct is super easy. Let me guide you through the process:

1. Find Wi-Fi settings: Open your device’s settings and navigate to the Wi-Fi menu. Look for the Wi-Fi Direct settings listed under Advanced or Additional settings.
2. Activate Wi-Fi Direct: Turn on Wi-Fi Direct. Your device will automatically start scanning for available Wi-Fi Direct-enabled printers.
3. Connect to the printer: Select your printer from the list of available devices. You might need to enter the printer’s SSID or press the WPS button on the printer to establish a connection.

You’re all set! Now you can easily print from your Android device using Wi-Fi Direct.

iOS Devices

If you’re an iPhone or iPad user, don’t worry! Wi-Fi Direct works for iOS devices too. Here’s how to connect your iOS device to a wireless printer:

1. Access Wi-Fi settings: Go to your device’s settings, then open the Wi-Fi menu. Look for the Wi-Fi Direct option.
2. Enable Wi-Fi Direct: Activate Wi-Fi Direct on your device, and it will automatically start searching for nearby Wi-Fi Direct-enabled printers.
3. Select the printer: Choose your printer from the list. You might have to input its SSID or press the WPS button on the printer to finalize the connection.

Method 2. Connecting via Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a fantastic way to connect your phone to a wireless printer, making it easy to print documents and photos without cables. In this section, we’ll look at how to connect your Android or iOS device to a Bluetooth-enabled printer.

Android Devices

Oh, how I love Android devices! Connecting your Android phone to a Bluetooth printer is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your Android device by going to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth, and switch to “On.”
2. Make your printer discoverable. You’ll need to refer to your printer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions on how to do this.
3. Scan for available devices on your Android phone. In the Bluetooth settings, tap “Scan” or “Search for devices.”
4. Select your printer from the list of available Bluetooth devices.
5. Pair your Android device with the printer. You might need to enter a passkey (usually found in the printer’s manual) to complete the pairing process.

Once these steps are completed, you can easily print from your Android device to the Bluetooth printer.

iOS Devices

Despite being an Android enthusiast, I can’t deny that iOS devices have their charms too. Connecting an iPhone or iPad to a Bluetooth printer can be as straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a hassle-free experience:

1. Enable Bluetooth on your iOS device by going to Settings > Bluetooth and toggling the switch to “On”.
2. Ensure your printer is in discovery mode.
3. Head to the Printers & Scanners section on your iOS device by going to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners.
4. Tap “Add device” to search for nearby Bluetooth printers.
5. Choose your printer from the list of available devices and follow any on-screen prompts to complete the pairing process.

And voilà! Now you can quickly print documents and photos, all without the hassle of using cumbersome wires. Happy printing!

Method 3. Connecting via AirPrint

Finding Airprint Support

When I first wanted to print something from my iPhone or iPad, I wasn’t sure if my printer supported AirPrint. It turns out that discovering AirPrint compatibility is quite easy!

1. Check your printer manual or the manufacturer’s website for AirPrint-enabled printers in the specifications.
2. Look for the AirPrint logo on the printer or its packaging.
3. You can also search for compatible printers on Apple’s official list of supported printers.

Using Airprint on iOS Devices

Once I knew my printer supported AirPrint, I couldn’t wait to start printing from my iPhone and iPad. Here’s how to do it:

1. Ensure your iPhone, iPad, and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the app you wanted to print from (e.g., Mail, Photos, or Safari).
3. Tap the app’s Share button (usually a square with an arrow pointing up) or Actions button (three dots).
4. Scroll down and tap the Print button.
5. Choose your AirPrint-enabled printer from the list.
6. Adjust any necessary print settings, like the number of copies or page range.
7. Finally, tap Print again to send the document to your printer.

After following these steps, using AirPrint on my iPhone and iPad was a breeze. It’s a friendly way to print wirelessly, making it much more convenient to print from home or on the go.

Method 4. Using Manufacturer Apps

Thanks to the official apps provided by printer manufacturers, connecting your phone to a wireless printer has become a breeze.

HP Printers

For HP printers, the HP Smart app is your go-to tool. I’ve found it user-friendly, efficient, and available on the Google PlayStore and App Store.

You’ll connect with your HP printer by following these steps:

1. Download and install the HP Smart app from the Play Store or App Store.
2. Open the app and sign up or log in with your HP account.
3. Follow the app’s on-screen instructions to connect with and control your printer.
4. Once connected, you can print documents and photos directly from your phone!

Other Printer Brands or Third-Party Apps

No worries if you don’t have an HP printer! Many other printer brands also have their own apps for easy wireless printing. Here’s a general guide to follow:

1. Head to the Play Store or App Store and search for your printer manufacturer’s app (e.g., Canon, Epson, Brother, etc.)
2. Download and install the app onto your Android or iPhone.
3. Open the app and follow its specific setup instructions.
4. Turn on your phone’s Wi-Fi and ensure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
5. Go to Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Printing on your Android device, or open the app on your iPhone.
6. You should now be able to print documents and photos wirelessly from your phone!

Remember, each manufacturer’s app has a unique layout and capabilities, so always explore its features and user guide for optimal performance.

References

Organizations:

• Bluetooth SIG. https://www.bluetooth.com/
• Wi-Fi Alliance. https://www.wi-fi.org/
• Mopria Alliance. https://mopria.org/

Websites

• Apple AirPrint Guide. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201311
• HP Printer Support. https://support.hp.com/us-en/printer
• PrinterShare Help. https://printershare.net/help-android.sdf
• PrintHand User Guide. http://printhand.com/docs/PrintHand_User_Guide.pdf

Video References

CeLL

Xprinter Group

Copy Print Scan

thecollegepicker