Mobile printing plays an important role in life. Whether you're printing work documents or precious photos, you can print directly from your iPhone with the utmost convenience. So how do I add a printer to my iPhone? This blog will introduce multiple ways to add a printer to your iPhone for quick printing.
Index:
- Add a Printer to iPhone Using AirPrint
- Add a Printer to iPhone Using the Printer Manufacturer App
- Add a Printer Using Third-Party Printing Apps
- Printing via Email
I. Add a Printer to iPhone Using AirPrint
Adding a printer using AirPrint is one of the easiest and most straightforward methods. AirPrint is Apple's built-in wireless printing solution designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of printers. With AirPrint, there's no need to install any extra drivers or software on your iPhone.
What Is AirPrint?
AirPrint is Apple's built-in wireless printing solution that lets you print from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch without installing drivers or downloading software. It's designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of printers for easy and efficient printing. AirPrint supports a wide range of printers from leading manufacturers and is a popular choice for iPhone users.
How to Add a Printer to iPhone Using AirPrint
Using AirPrint is the fastest way to print from your iPhone, provided your printer supports it.
Ensure Compatibility: First, check to see if your printer supports AirPrint. You can do this by visiting the manufacturer's website or checking your printer's manual.
Connect to Wi-Fi: Connect both your iPhone and printer to the same Wi-Fi network.
Open an App: Open the application you want to print to e.g. Photos, Safari, Mail.
Select Print Options: Tap the “Share” icon or the three-dot menu, then select “Print.”
Select a Printer: Your iPhone will automatically detect AirPrint-compatible printers on the network, then select your printer from the list.
Adjust Print Settings: Customize your print settings like number of copies, color options, paper size, and more.
Perform Printing: Tap “Print” in the upper-right corner, and your document or photo will be sent to the printer.
II. Add a Printer to iPhone Using the Printer Manufacturer App
If your printer isn't AirPrint-compatible, or you prefer to use specific features provided by the manufacturer, consider using the printer manufacturer's software. Many printer brands offer their own dedicated apps.
These apps can provide additional features tailored to specific printer models, such as advanced print settings, scanner integration, and maintenance tools. Below we'll explore how to use apps from HP, Epson, and Canon printer manufacturers.
1. How to Add a Printer to My iPhone Using HP Smart?
HP Smart is an application developed by HP that allows users to manage HP printers and print from their iPhone.
Download HP Smart: Install the HP Smart app from the App Store.
Open the App: Open HP Smart and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your printer.
Connect to Wi-Fi: Make sure your HP printer and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Add an HP Printer: Tap the “+” icon to add a new HP printer. The HP Smart app will search for available HP printers near your WiFi.
Select a Printer: Select your printer from the list and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
Make a Print: Open the document or photo you want to print, tap the “Share” icon, select “Print,” and then select HP Smart as the print option.
2. How to Add a Printer to Your iPhone Using Epson iPrint?
Epson iPrint is an app that allows iPhone users to print to Epson printers.
Download Epson iPrint: First, get the Epson iPrint app from the App Store.
Open the App: Launch the Epson iPrint application and follow the setup instructions.
Connect to Wi-Fi: Then, connect your iPhone and Epson printer to the same Wi-Fi network.
Add Printer: Next, click “Printer,” and then click “Add Printer” to search for available printers.
Select Printer: Select your Epson printer from the list and complete any additional setup steps.
Print: Finally, open the document or picture you want to print, tap the “Share” icon, select “Print,” and then select Epson iPrint as the print option.
3. How Do I Add a Printer to My Phone Using Canon PRINT?
The Canon PRINT is an app designed to work with Canon printers.
Install Canon PRINT: First, install the Canon PRINT app from the App Store.
Open the App: Launch the Canon PRINT app and follow the instructions to set up your printer.
Set up Wi-Fi Connection: Connect your iPhone to your home Wi-Fi network. Then, turn on your Canon printer and connect it to your WiFi as well.
Add a Canon Printer: Tap the “Add Printer” button to search for available Canon printers near your WiFi network.
Select Your Printer: Choose your Canon printer from the list and complete the setup process.
Start Printing: Open the document or photo you want to print, tap the “Share” icon, select “Print,” and then select Canon PRINT as the print option.
III. Add a Printer Using Third-Party Printing Apps
For those who need more flexibility or whose printers are not directly compatible with AirPrint or the manufacturer's app, third-party printing apps are a viable alternative. These apps can support a wider range of printers and often include additional features to improve your printing experience.
Pros and Cons of Using Third-Party Apps
Third-party apps can be a versatile solution, especially when dealing with non-AirPrint printers. While there are benefits to using third-party printing apps, there are also some disadvantages to consider.
Pros:
Compatibility: Works with a wider range of printers, including older models.
Advanced Features: Offers additional features such as print scheduling, enhanced print quality settings, and cloud storage integration.
Flexibility: Provides more control over print settings and options.
Cons:
Cost: Many third-party apps are not free and may require a purchase or subscription.
Setup Complexity: Can be more complex to set up than AirPrint or manufacturer apps.
Reliability: May not always be as reliable as native solutions and may cause compatibility issues.
Examples of Third-Party Printing Apps
There are several third-party apps that can help you print from your iPhone, here are two common examples:
Printer Pro by Readdle: First download and install the Printer Pro app from the App Store. Follow the setup instructions to add your printer. Then open the document or photo you want to print, tap the Share icon, select Print, and finally select Printer Pro as the print option.
PrintCentral: It is used in the same way as Printer Pro. After downloading and installing it from the App Store, add your printer. Finally, select PrintCentral as the printing option.
IV. Printing via Email
Another way to print from your iPhone is email printing. This option allows you to print documents and photos by sending an email to your printer's unique email address. This feature is especially useful when you are away from your usual Wi-Fi network or want to print from any location. A common example is HP ePrint.
How to Set Up Email Printing
Setting up email printing is easy, here are the steps:
Check Printer Compatibility: Make sure your printer supports email printing. Refer to your printer manual or the manufacturer's website.
Register Your Printer: Follow the instructions to register your printer's email address. This usually involves creating an account on the manufacturer's website.
Send an Email: Compose an email on your iPhone, attach the document or photo you want to print, and send it to your printer's email address.
How Do I Print Using HP ePrint?
HP ePrint is a service that enables HP printer users to print by sending an email to the printer's unique email address.
Register for HP ePrint: Visit the HP ePrint website and create an account. Register your printer and get its email address.
Send Email: Open the Email app on your iPhone, compose a new email, attach the document or photo you want to print, and then send it to the printer's email address.
Print: The printer will then receive the email and print the attachment automatically.
V. Wrap It Up
By following this guide, you can enjoy mobile printing in several ways by adding a printer using your iPhone. If your printer supports AirPrint, it's the easiest and most seamless option, while manufacturer apps offer brand-specific features and optimizations. Third-party apps offer wider compatibility and additional features, while email printing makes it easy to print from anywhere.
