How to print from Android

As smartphones become integral to our daily routines, the ability to print directly from mobile devices has transitioned from a luxury to a necessity. The good news is that printing from an Android phone is now more accessible than ever, thanks to an array of built-in features and compatible apps that facilitate wireless printing.

Essential Requirements for Mobile Printing

To embark on your printing journey, ensure you have the following:

• A compatible home printer (Wi-Fi enabled, Bluetooth, or connected via USB)
• The file or content you wish to print
• An internet connection for cloud printing
• Google Cloud Print or manufacturer-specific printing apps (optional)

Using Google Cloud Print (If Available)

Although Google Cloud Print was officially discontinued in December 2020, some users in certain regions or with older devices may still have access. If this applies to you, follow these steps:

1. Open the app (such as Google Chrome, Gmail, or Google Docs) containing the file you want to print.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select “Print” from the drop-down menu.
4. If your printer is linked to Google Cloud Print, it should appear in the list of available printers.
5. Select the printer and adjust print settings (number of copies, color options, paper size, etc.).
6. Tap “Print” to send the file to the printer.

For most users, transitioning to built-in Android printing features or third-party apps is advisable, as these options are more future-proof.

Utilizing Built-in Android Printing Features

Android devices come equipped with a built-in printing service that is compatible with many wireless printers. If you own a Wi-Fi-enabled printer, this method is both straightforward and efficient.

1. Navigate to the content you wish to print (e.g., a document, image, or webpage).
2. Tap the three-dot menu (usually located at the top-right of the app).
3. Select “Print.”
4. Choose the available printer from the list. If your printer doesn’t appear, confirm that it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone.
5. Adjust print settings, such as paper size, color, or print layout.
6. Tap the print icon to send the document to the printer.

In case your printer is not visible, you may need to install a specific print service plugin for your printer’s brand (e.g., HP Print Service Plugin, Epson iPrint, Canon Print Service) available on the Google Play Store.

Printing from Apps like Gmail or Google Docs

Many popular Android applications, including Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Drive, feature native print options. Here’s how to print from these apps:

Steps for Printing from Gmail:

1. Open the Gmail app on your phone.
2. Access the email you wish to print.
3. Tap the three-dot menu at the top-right corner.
4. Select “Print” from the options.
5. Choose your printer from the list of available printers.
6. Adjust any necessary print settings (page range, color, layout).
7. Tap “Print” to initiate the process.

Steps for Printing from Google Docs:

1. Open the Google Docs app and load the document you wish to print.
2. Tap the three vertical dots (menu) in the upper-right corner.
3. Select “Share & export,” then tap “Print.”
4. Choose the printer and set your desired print options.
5. Tap “Print.”

These steps are also applicable to Google Sheets and Google Slides, making it seamless to print spreadsheets or presentations.

Printing Images or PDFs Directly from Your Phone’s Storage

Android simplifies the process of printing images, PDFs, and other files directly from your phone’s internal storage or SD card. This method is particularly advantageous for printing saved images, receipts, or scanned documents.

1. Open your phone’s file manager or gallery app.
2. Navigate to the image, PDF, or document you wish to print.
3. Tap on the file to open it.
4. Tap the three-dot menu or the share icon.
5. Select “Print.”
6. Choose your printer from the list of available printers and adjust print settings (size, number of copies, etc.).
7. Tap “Print” to send the file to the printer.

For this method to work, ensure that your printer is connected to the phone via Wi-Fi, as most wireless printers operate over a Wi-Fi network, facilitating communication between your phone and the printer.

Printing via Third-Party Apps

For printers that do not natively support Android printing, third-party apps like PrinterShare, Mopria Print Service, or HP Smart can be utilized. These applications offer additional features such as remote printing, cloud print services, and advanced print settings.

Steps for Using PrinterShare:

1. Download and install PrinterShare from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and follow the setup instructions to connect your printer (via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB).
3. Once connected, choose the file you want to print. PrinterShare supports various formats, including PDFs, images, and web pages.
4. Adjust print settings like paper size, orientation, and number of copies.
5. Tap “Print” to commence printing.

Other apps, such as Mopria Print Service, function similarly and often provide extended support for printers from various manufacturers.

Tips for Printing from WhatsApp

• Ensure printer compatibility: Not all printers automatically support Android devices. It’s wise to verify if your printer model allows wireless or Bluetooth printing from Android. Most modern printers do, but older models may require additional setup or apps.
• Use Wi-Fi for faster printing: Whenever possible, opt for a Wi-Fi-enabled printer, as this eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick, remote printing.
• Update your Android OS and apps: Keeping your phone’s operating system and printer-related apps up to date is crucial. Updates often include bug fixes and enhanced printer support.
• Check printer settings: Before printing, confirm that printer settings such as paper size, print quality, and color preferences are accurate to avoid wasting resources.
• Utilize cloud storage: If you frequently print documents stored in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.), ensure your cloud storage apps are installed and linked to your Android device for easier access and printing on the go.
• Save as PDF: If uncertain about how a document will appear when printed, consider saving it as a PDF first to preserve formatting.