How can I print from my iPhone without AirPrint?
How can I print from my iPhone without AirPrint?
I’m having trouble figuring out how to print from my iPhone without AirPrint. I understand that AirPrint is Apple’s solution for wireless printing, but my printer doesn’t support this feature. Despite searching through several online resources, I’m still confused about the alternative methods available to me. I’ve come across a few suggestions talking about third-party apps and possible steps to connect via WiFi or using a computer as a mediator, but none of the solutions I’ve tried so far have worked for me. I need a clear, step-by-step explanation that breaks down the options so I can effectively print documents and images directly from my iPhone. Without having to rely on AirPrint, what are my best alternatives to get this done efficiently?
7 Answers
This method involves using a USB cable and a USB OTG adapter to connect your iPhone directly to the printer, if your printer supports it: 1. Get a USB OTG adapter compatible with your iPhone. 2. Connect your iPhone to the printer using a USB cable and the adapter. 3. Check if your printer needs a specific app for the connection (some Epson or HP models might). 4. On your iPhone, open the document or image. 5. Tap the share button, then choose ‘Print’. 6. Follow the on-screen instructions to print. This straightforward method only requires compatible hardware.
Here’s a simpler workaround: email the document to yourself and print it from a computer. Here’s how: 1. On your iPhone, open the document or image. 2. Select the share button and choose ‘Email’. 3. Email it to yourself as an attachment. 4. Open the email on a computer connected to the printer. 5. Download the attachment and print it. This approach avoids the need for extra apps or setups.
Bluetooth printing is another viable option. If your printer supports Bluetooth, pairing it with your iPhone can allow direct print jobs: 1. Enable Bluetooth on both your iPhone and printer. 2. Pair your iPhone with the printer by selecting it from available devices. 3. Open the document or image on your iPhone, tap ‘Share’. 4. Choose ‘Print’, then select the Bluetooth printer. 5. Follow any prompts to complete the job. This method is fast and eliminates the need for Wi-Fi connections or extra apps.
Many printers have dedicated apps to facilitate printing from iPhones. Printer manufacturers like HP, Canon, and Epson offer such apps. Steps: 1. Download the relevant app from the App Store (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson iPrint, etc.). 2. Ensure your printer and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi network. 3. Open the app and add your printer following the instructions. 4. Select the item to print within the app. 5. Follow the app’s specific directions to print. These apps make sure you get the best performance from your printer.
For Mac users, try installing software like Printopia to set up a virtual printer. This software acts as a bridge to enable AirPrint functionalities for non-compatible printers: 1. Download and install Printopia on your Mac. 2. Ensure your Mac and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi network. 3. Add your printer to Printopia. 4. On your iPhone, open the document or image, then tap ‘Share’. 5. Choose ‘Print’ and select your Printopia software printer. 6. Printopia will route the job to your physical printer via the Mac. This can make printing seamless and hassle-free.
Using third-party apps is a practical solution. Follow these steps: 1. Download an app like Printer Pro, PrintCentral Pro, or Print n Share. 2. Install it on your iPhone and allow necessary permissions. 3. Connect your iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network as your printer. 4. Open the app and select the document or image you want to print. 5. Follow the app’s instructions to pick your printer and start printing. These apps can work with many printer models and provide a smooth workaround.
Consider using a cloud printing service like PrinterShare. Despite Google Cloud Print’s discontinuation, you can use PrinterShare as an alternative: 1. Install PrinterShare on your iPhone. 2. Install PrinterShare software on a computer linked to your printer. 3. Log into PrinterShare on your iPhone, choosing your computer as the print server. 4. Select the file to print and send it via your computer. Though more complex, this method is reliable for non-AirPrint printers.