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PrintDiag

Phone and tablet setup

How to connect a printer to a phone

Connect the phone and printer to the same Wi-Fi network, then use AirPrint on iPhone or the Print command available in the Android app you are using.

What you need

  • A network printer that supports your phone or its official manufacturer app
  • The phone and printer connected to the same Wi-Fi network
  • A document, photo, or webpage that can be used for a test print

Connect the printer

  1. 1

    Connect both devices to the same network

    Turn on the printer and connect it to the local Wi-Fi network. Connect the iPhone, iPad, or Android device to that same network; a cellular-data connection alone will not provide normal local-printer discovery.

    Source: Apple SupportUse AirPrint to print from your iPhone or iPad
  2. 2

    Check the supported printing method

    For iPhone or iPad, confirm the printer supports AirPrint. On Android, use the Print command offered by the app or install the printer manufacturer's official app when the printer requires it.

    Source: Apple SupportUse AirPrint to print from your iPhone or iPad
  3. 3

    Print from iPhone or iPad

    Open the item, use the app's Share or Actions menu, then choose Print. Tap No Printer Selected, choose the AirPrint printer, set the options, and tap Print. Not every app provides a print command.

    Source: Apple SupportUse AirPrint to print from your iPhone or iPad
  4. 4

    Or print from Android

    Open the file in an app that supports printing. In Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides, open More, choose Share & export, then Print. Select the printer, review the options, and tap Print. Menu wording differs in other apps.

    Source: Google Docs Editors HelpPrint a file on Android
  5. 5

    Confirm with a one-page print

    Print one page and confirm the correct printer receives the job. If the printer is not listed, keep both devices on the same non-guest network and continue with the matching discovery diagnostic.

    Source: Apple SupportUse AirPrint to print from your iPhone or iPad

How to confirm it worked

The printer appears in the phone's printer chooser and completes a one-page print without requiring the phone to join a separate temporary printer network.

If it did not work

Choose the symptom that best matches what happened. These links lead to the existing diagnostic pages rather than repeating generic setup steps.

Documented from official support guidance. Last verified 2026-08-13.

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