Hey Android enthusiasts! Ever felt the need to print something directly from your Android device? You're not alone! While we live in a digital age, sometimes a hard copy is just what you need. Whether it's a boarding pass, an important document, or a cherished photo, printing from your Android phone or tablet is easier than you might think. This guide will walk you through the top 7 methods and apps to get your Android device printing like a pro. Let's dive in!
Before we jump into the apps, let's quickly cover the built-in printing capabilities of Android. Most modern Android devices come with a default printing service. To check if yours does, go to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Printing. If you see a printing service listed (like Default Print Service), you're already halfway there! You might need to add a printer, which we'll cover shortly.
Now, let's explore the top 7 apps and methods for printing from your Android device:
1. Cloud Print
While Google Cloud Print is no longer officially supported, it's worth mentioning as a historical solution. It allowed you to connect your classic printers to the cloud and print from anywhere. If you happen to have an older printer that doesn't support modern printing protocols, you might find some unofficial workarounds online to get Cloud Print working, but proceed with caution as these solutions may not be secure or reliable.
Note: Google Cloud Print service has been discontinued.
Link to Playstore: Cloud Print
Playstore Search: Cloud Print Search
2. HP Smart
If you own an HP printer, the HP Smart app is a must-have. This app goes beyond just printing; it allows you to scan documents, check ink levels, order supplies, and even troubleshoot printer issues. The printing functionality is seamless, allowing you to print photos, documents, and web pages directly from your Android device. It automatically detects HP printers on your network, making setup a breeze. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, even for beginners.
HP Smart also offers advanced features like mobile faxing and the ability to print to printers that are not on the same Wi-Fi network, as long as they are connected to the internet and registered with your HP account. This makes it a versatile solution for both home and office use. The app is regularly updated with new features and improvements, ensuring a smooth and reliable printing experience.
Link to Playstore: HP Smart
Playstore Search: HP Smart Search
3. Epson iPrint
Similar to HP Smart, Epson iPrint is designed specifically for Epson printers. This app allows you to easily print photos, documents, and web pages from your Android device. It also supports scanning directly to your device or to cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox. One of the standout features of Epson iPrint is its ability to print directly from cloud services, making it easy to access and print files stored online. The app also supports remote printing, allowing you to print to your Epson printer from anywhere in the world.
Epson iPrint also offers advanced features like the ability to print email attachments and the option to customize print settings such as paper size, print quality, and color mode. The app is compatible with a wide range of Epson printers, making it a versatile solution for both home and office use. The user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and use. Regular updates ensure compatibility with the latest Android devices and Epson printers.
Link to Playstore: Epson iPrint
Playstore Search: Epson iPrint Search
4. Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY
Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY is the official printing app for Canon inkjet and SELPHY printers. This app allows you to print photos, documents, and web pages directly from your Android device. It also supports scanning directly to your device or to cloud storage services. A key feature is its ability to print directly from social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, making it easy to print your favorite photos. The app also supports remote printing, allowing you to print to your Canon printer from anywhere in the world.
Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY also offers advanced features like the ability to print directly from cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox. The app also supports customizing print settings such as paper size, print quality, and color mode. It is compatible with a wide range of Canon printers, making it a versatile solution for both home and office use. The user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and use. Regular updates ensure compatibility with the latest Android devices and Canon printers.
Link to Playstore: Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY
Playstore Search: Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY Search
5. PrinterShare Mobile Print
PrinterShare Mobile Print is a versatile app that supports a wide range of printers, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB-connected printers. This app allows you to print photos, documents, web pages, and even contacts directly from your Android device. One of the standout features of PrinterShare is its ability to print directly to shared printers on a Windows network, making it a great option for office environments. The app also supports printing to Google Cloud Print-enabled printers.
PrinterShare Mobile Print offers advanced features like the ability to customize print settings such as paper size, print quality, and color mode. The app also supports printing from cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox. While the free version of the app has some limitations, the premium version unlocks all features and removes ads. The user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and use. Regular updates ensure compatibility with the latest Android devices and printers.
Link to Playstore: PrinterShare Mobile Print
Playstore Search: PrinterShare Mobile Print Search
6. Mopria Print Service
Mopria Print Service is a universal printing solution that aims to simplify printing from Android devices. It supports a wide range of printers from various manufacturers, including HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother. This app allows you to print photos, documents, and web pages directly from your Android device without the need for additional drivers or software. Mopria Print Service is often pre-installed on many Android devices, making it a convenient option for users who want a simple and reliable printing solution.
Mopria Print Service offers basic printing features like paper size selection, print quality adjustment, and color mode selection. The app also supports printing from cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox. The user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and use. Regular updates ensure compatibility with the latest Android devices and printers. Mopria Print Service is a great option for users who want a hassle-free printing experience without the need for manufacturer-specific apps.
Link to Playstore: Mopria Print Service
Playstore Search: Mopria Print Service Search
7. Brother iPrint&Scan
Brother iPrint&Scan is the official printing and scanning app for Brother printers and scanners. This app allows you to easily print photos, documents, and web pages from your Android device. It also supports scanning directly to your device or to cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox. One of the standout features of Brother iPrint&Scan is its ability to print directly from cloud services, making it easy to access and print files stored online. The app also supports remote printing, allowing you to print to your Brother printer from anywhere in the world.
Brother iPrint&Scan also offers advanced features like the ability to print email attachments and the option to customize print settings such as paper size, print quality, and color mode. The app is compatible with a wide range of Brother printers and scanners, making it a versatile solution for both home and office use. The user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and use. Regular updates ensure compatibility with the latest Android devices and Brother printers and scanners.
Link to Playstore: Brother iPrint&Scan
Playstore Search: Brother iPrint&Scan Search
Tips for Successful Android Printing
1. Ensure Compatibility: Before installing any printing app, check if it's compatible with your printer model. Most apps list supported printers on their Play Store page or website.
2. Network Connection: Make sure your Android device and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is crucial for wireless printing to work.
3. Update Your Printer's Firmware: Keeping your printer's firmware up-to-date can resolve compatibility issues and improve performance.
4. Adjust Print Settings: Experiment with print settings like paper size, print quality, and color mode to achieve the best results.
5. Use High-Quality Paper: For important documents or photos, use high-quality paper to ensure a professional finish.
6. Troubleshoot Connection Issues: If you're having trouble connecting to your printer, try restarting both your Android device and printer. Also, check your Wi-Fi network connection.
7. Explore Cloud Printing Options: If you need to print from anywhere, consider using a printer that supports cloud printing services like Google Cloud Print (if you can get it working) or the cloud printing features offered by printer manufacturers like HP and Epson.
8. Check for Driver Updates: While Android apps generally handle the printing process, ensuring your printer drivers are up-to-date on your computer (if you're printing through a shared printer) can improve compatibility and performance.
9. Consider a Dedicated Printing App: If you frequently print from your Android device, consider investing in a dedicated printing app like PrinterShare Mobile Print, which offers advanced features and support for a wide range of printers.
10. Test Print Before Committing: Before printing a large document or important photo, always do a test print to ensure everything looks as expected.
Conclusion
Printing from your Android device is now easier than ever, thanks to the wide range of apps and services available. Whether you own an HP, Epson, Canon, or Brother printer, or prefer a universal printing solution like Mopria Print Service or PrinterShare Mobile Print, there's an app out there to meet your needs. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can get your Android device printing like a pro in no time. Happy printing!
Remember to always check the app permissions before installing any printing app and be mindful of your privacy. With the right app and a little bit of know-how, you can easily print documents, photos, and web pages directly from your Android device, making your mobile life even more convenient.