Technology
Print from an Android phone
Printing documents and photos directly from your phone has become easier and more convenient over the years.
Whether you want to print a family photo or a work document, many of the best Android phones and printers offer a seamless printing experience that lets you go from digital to physical in moments.
Here’s how to get started.
Print from an Android phone
Printing from an Android phone involves a few simple steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Connect your printer
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Make sure your printer is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Android phone.
For Bluetooth printers, make sure Bluetooth is turned on and paired on both devices.
Add a printer to your Android phone
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Most modern Android phones can automatically detect printers on the same network. However, sometimes you need to manually add a printer.
To do this, go to your phone’s settings, type “print” in the search bar and select “Print” from the results.
Then tap ‘Add Service’ to download and install the necessary print service plug-in for your printer brand.
Once the plugin is installed, your printer should appear in the list of available printers.
Print a document or photo
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Now that your printer is connected, you can print directly from apps that support printing. Use an app like Google Docs, Gmail, the Gallery app, or simply browse through your files to open the ones you want to print.
Then tap the menu icon (three vertical dots) and select ‘Print’. You may need to tap “Share” first and then select “Print.”
And finally, choose your printer from the list of available devices and tap the print icon to send the document or photo to your printer.
Use manufacturer apps
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
For more control and additional features, you can also use printer-specific apps. Here are some popular ones:
- HP Smart: Allows you to print, scan, and troubleshoot HP printers.
- Canon PRINT: Supports printing and scanning for Canon printers.
- Epson iPrint: Enables printing and scanning for Epson devices.
- Brother iPrint&Scan: Provides print and scan functionality for Brother printers.
Download the relevant app from the Google Play Store, follow the installation instructions and use it to manage your print tasks.
Which Android phones can you print from?
Most Android phones produced in recent years support printing. This includes phones from popular brands such as:
- Samsung: Galaxy series models including S, Note and A lines
- Google: Pixel phones, including the Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6 and newer models
- OnePlus: Devices such as the OnePlus 6, 7, 8 and higher
- Huawei: P series, Mate series and others models
- Sony: Xperia series.
Most Android devices running Android 4.4 (KitKat) and higher come with built-in printing capabilities integrated into the operating system. This makes it possible for a wide range of Android devices to support printing without additional software.
Which printers allow you to print from an Android phone?
To print from an Android phone, you need a compatible printer connected directly to your phone via Bluetooth or to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone.
Popular printer models compatible with Android printing include:
- HP: Models such as HP Envy, HP OfficeJet and HP LaserJet.
- Canon: PIXMA, MAXIFY and imageCLASS series.
- Epson: EcoTank, WorkForce and Expression series.
- Brother: MFC series, HL series and DCP series.
- Samsung: Xpress and ProXpress series.
If you need one, be sure to check out our list of the best printers you can buy right now. You can also choose one of the best 3D printers or the best portable printers for printing on the go.
