How Do I Connect My Phone to Printer?

by

I'm a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

In the age of mobile technology, printing documents directly from your phone is a convenience many of us can’t do without. Whether it’s for work, school, or personal use, connecting your phone to a printer is a task worth mastering. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to accomplish this, with a focus on various popular printer models.

How Do I Connect My Phone to Printer?

General Connection Steps

Wi-Fi Enabled Printers

  • Network Compatibility: Ensure both your phone and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Print from Phone: Open the document or image on your phone, tap the share or print icon, select your printer, adjust settings if needed, and start printing.

USB Connection

  • For printers without wireless features, use an OTG (On-The-Go) cable to connect your printer to your smartphone.

Bluetooth Printers

  • Activate Bluetooth on both devices and pair them. Once connected, you can print directly from your phone.

Specific Printer Model Instructions

Canon Printers (e.g., Canon Pixma TS6420a)

  • Canon printers often use the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app for mobile printing. The app allows for easy setup and printing from iOS and Android devices.

HP Printers (e.g., HP DeskJet 2755e)

  • HP printers typically use the HP Smart app. The app guides users through the Wi-Fi setup process and enables direct printing from the phone.

Epson Printers (e.g., Epson EcoTank ET-3850)

  • Epson printers use the Epson iPrint app. This app provides a user-friendly interface for connecting to the printer and printing directly from mobile devices.

Dymo Printers (e.g., Dymo LabelWriter 450)

  • Dymo printers, especially label printers, have specific mobile apps like Dymo Connect that facilitate wireless printing from phones.

Brother Printers

  • Brother printers utilize the Brother iPrint&Scan app, which offers a straightforward setup for connecting and printing from mobile devices.

Using AirPrint (for Apple Devices)

  • Ensure your printer is AirPrint-enabled and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone or iPad.
  • Select the print option from within the app and choose your printer.

FAQs

  1. How do I know if my printer is compatible with my phone?
    • Check the printer’s specifications for mobile connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or AirPrint (for iPhones).
  2. Can I print from my phone without a Wi-Fi network?
    • Yes, using Bluetooth or a USB OTG cable, you can print without a Wi-Fi network.
  3. What should I do if my phone doesn’t find the printer?
    • Ensure both devices are on the same network, check for any printer-specific apps, and ensure Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is enabled on both devices.
  4. How do I print from an Android phone?
    • Use the manufacturer’s app or the default print service in your phone’s settings, and select the printer from the available list.
  5. Can I print directly from cloud services or email?
    • Yes, most printer apps provide options to print directly from cloud services or email.
  6. Is it possible to print from my phone to a non-wireless printer?
    • Yes, using a USB OTG cable, you can connect your phone directly to the printer.
  7. Do I need to install any drivers on my phone?
    • Typically, no. Mobile printing apps usually contain all necessary drivers.
  8. How can I print from an iPhone to a non-AirPrint printer?
    • You can use third-party apps like Printer Pro to print from an iPhone to non-AirPrint printers.
  9. Can I print to a network printer from my phone?
    • Yes, as long as your phone is connected to the same network as the printer.
  10. What file types can I print from my phone?
    • Common file types include PDF, DOC, JPG, and PNG, but this can vary depending on the printer and app.

5 Detailed Questions

How Do I Connect My Phone to a Canon Printer?

  • Download the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app.
  • Ensure your phone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Open the app, find your printer, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect.
  • Once connected, select the document or image in the app and tap print.

How Do I Connect My Phone to an HP Printer?

  • Install the HP Smart app on your phone.
  • Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Use the app to set up the printer and print directly from your phone.

What Steps Should I Follow for an Epson Printer?

  • Download and open the Epson iPrint app.
  • Connect your phone and printer to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Select your printer within the app and choose the file you want to print.

Can I Print From My Phone to a Dymo Label Printer?

  • Install the Dymo Connect app on your phone.
  • Pair your phone with the printer via Bluetooth.
  • Open the app, create or select your label design, and print.

How Do I Use AirPrint With My iPhone?

  • Ensure your printer supports AirPrint and is on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone.
  • Open the document or image, tap the share icon, select ‘Print’, and choose your printer.
  • Adjust any necessary print options and tap ‘Print’ to start printing.

For more information on printer comparisons and features, explore the insightful comparison between the Canon Pixma TS6420a and HP DeskJet 2755e here.