Printing from your phone is straightforward once your phone and printer share the same Wi-Fi network. Modern printers support driver-free printing: AirPrint on iPhone/iPad and the Android Print Service on Android. You can also print through official apps, Wi-Fi Direct, or—on Android—USB-OTG if you need a quick wired option.
This guide explains each method in plain English and gives fixes for the most common issues.
All instructions are brand-neutral. You stay in full control of your devices. Keep the printer close to the router during setup and stick to the 2.4 GHz band for a stable wireless link. While searching for the printer, turn off VPN or mobile data so the phone stays on your local network.
If the printer is new in your home, connect it to Wi-Fi first. Your phone can only discover a printer that’s already on your network or offering Wi-Fi Direct.
The Five Reliable Ways to Print
1. AirPrint (iPhone/iPad)
Use this when your printer supports AirPrint and is on the same Wi-Fi.
It works directly from Photos, Files, Mail, Safari, and most apps.
2. Android Print Service
Built into Android. Works with most printers through Mopria or a maker’s plugin.
3. Official Printer App
Useful when the printer doesn’t appear in the native list. Also adds scanning and extra features.
4. Wi-Fi Direct
Ideal when there’s no router available. Your phone connects directly to the printer’s temporary hotspot.
5. USB-OTG (Android only)
A quick fallback when Wi-Fi is unreliable. Great for testing because it bypasses the network.
Before You Start
• Make sure the phone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network.
• Use the 2.4 GHz band for the printer.
• Turn off VPN or mobile data during printer discovery.
• Check that both the phone and the printer are set to the same paper size (A4 in the UK).
Method 1 — AirPrint on iPhone & iPad
AirPrint needs no drivers. If the printer supports it, it will appear automatically.
How to print:
- Open the item.
- Tap Share → Print.
- Choose your printer.
- Set options like colour/B&W, number of copies, or A4 size.
- Tap Print.
If the printer doesn’t show:
• Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi.
• Move the printer closer to the router.
• Restart the printer and phone.
• If the printer is older, use the maker’s official app instead.
Method 2 — Android Print Service
Android devices can print using the built-in service, Mopria, or a manufacturer plugin.
Enable printing:
- Go to Settings → Connected devices → Printing.
- Turn on Default Print Service.
- Install Mopria or a maker plugin if needed.
How to print:
- Open the item.
- Tap Menu (⋮) → Print.
- Select your printer and set options.
- Tap the print icon.
If the printer doesn’t show:
• Ensure both devices use the same Wi-Fi (not guest mode).
• Turn off VPN/mobile data.
• Install Mopria or the printer plugin.
Method 3 — Using the Official App
Every major printer brand offers an app for iOS and Android.
These apps can help the printer join your Wi-Fi and often provide scanning tools.
How to use it:
• Install the app from the App Store or Play Store.
• Add your printer inside the app.
• Print photos, PDFs, or webpages directly.
Method 4 — Wi-Fi Direct (No Router Needed)
If you don’t have access to your home network, use Wi-Fi Direct.
Steps:
- Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on the printer.
- Join the printer’s temporary Wi-Fi on your phone.
- Print through the maker’s app or the system print function.
- Switch your phone back to your home Wi-Fi when done.
Method 5 — USB-OTG (Android Only)
A quick option when Wi-Fi won’t cooperate.
What you need:
• A USB-OTG adapter
• The printer’s USB cable
Open the official app or a USB-printing app and follow the prompts.
Correct Size, Orientation & Colour
• Set paper size to A4 on both phone and printer.
• Choose portrait or landscape based on the preview.
• Rotate photos in the gallery first if needed.
• Use borderless only for photos.
• Pick B&W for documents to save ink.
When Your Phone Can’t See the Printer
• Check that both are on the same Wi-Fi and the same SSID.
• Use 2.4 GHz for the printer.
• Disable VPN/mobile data.
• Restart the printer, phone, and router (if other devices also have issues).
• Install Mopria or the maker’s plugin/app.
• Try Wi-Fi Direct to confirm the printer is working.
Privacy & Safety Basics
• Connect only to Wi-Fi Direct networks you started on your own printer.
• Avoid guest networks that isolate devices.
• Keep your Wi-Fi password private.
• Keep the printer on your main network and guests on a separate SSID.
Keep It Reliable Long-Term
• Reserve a fixed IP for the printer in your router.
• Stick to one printing method in your household (AirPrint or Android Print Service).
• Keep the printer on the 2.4 GHz band for best stability.