Printing from a smartphone should be quick and easy, yet many users run into issues that stop them from completing what should be a simple task. Whether you are trying to print an email, a PDF file or a photo, the process can be interrupted by compatibility problems, app limitations or printer connectivity errors.
This article looks at the most common reasons why printing from your phone might not work, and what you can do to fix it. Whether you are using an Android or iPhone device, the advice below will help you troubleshoot the issue and get your documents on paper quickly and easily.
Check Printer Compatibility
The first step is to confirm that your printer actually supports mobile printing. Most modern wireless printers do, but older models may not. If your printer is several years old and only has USB or Ethernet connectivity, it will not accept direct print jobs from a smartphone. Look in the manual or on the manufacturer’s website to see if mobile printing is listed as a feature.
Printers that support Apple AirPrint (for iPhones) or Mopria/Google Cloud Print (for Android) usually allow direct wireless printing from mobile devices. Many brands also have their own apps, such as HP Smart, Canon PRINT or Epson iPrint, that are required to send jobs from your phone.
Is Your Phone and Printer on the Same Wi-Fi Network?
If you are connected to mobile data or a different Wi-Fi network than your printer, your device will not find the printer. Your phone and the printer must be on the same wireless network for them to communicate.
Double-check your phone’s connection in the Wi-Fi settings and make sure the signal is strong. Also ensure the printer is not in “sleep” mode or offline, as this can make it invisible to your device.
If your network has multiple access points or a guest network, your printer may not be reachable from certain devices. Try restarting the router and printer to refresh the connection.
You May Need to Use a Dedicated App
Some printers will not accept files from your phone unless you use the manufacturer’s app. Even though the phone’s built-in print option works for some printers, others only recognise print jobs sent via their official app.
For example, to print from an HP printer, you may need to use the HP Smart app. The same goes for Canon, Brother, Epson and Samsung. These apps also offer more features, such as scanning, ink level checks and document previews, which can improve the experience.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, install it and follow the setup process to link your printer to your phone.
File Format or App Limitations
Not all files can be printed directly from all apps. For instance, some email attachments or web content may not print properly using your phone’s basic print menu. If the file is in an unsupported format or the app does not support printing, you may need to download the file or open it in a different app.
Try opening the file in a PDF reader, image viewer or word processor app, depending on the content. Most of these offer better compatibility with printers and allow for easier print settings adjustments.
Update Your Devices
Outdated firmware or app versions can cause problems with printing. Make sure your phone’s operating system is up to date and that your printer’s firmware is the latest version. You can usually check for printer updates through the manufacturer’s app or web interface.
Also check that the print service plugins are installed and up to date on your phone. Android users often require specific print service extensions for certain brands.
Bluetooth Printing May Not Be Enabled
Some mobile printers support Bluetooth printing, but this must be manually enabled in both the printer and phone settings. Even if the printer is visible via Bluetooth, it does not mean it is ready to accept print jobs unless the feature is supported and active.
Wireless printing is usually more reliable than Bluetooth for smartphones, but check your model’s settings if you are trying to use a Bluetooth connection.
No Default Print Service Installed
On Android, the print feature is sometimes missing or limited unless a print service is installed. You can go to your device’s settings, find Printing in the System menu, then check if the Default Print Service is enabled. If not, install it from Google Play.
iPhones use AirPrint by default, so you will need an AirPrint-compatible printer or the relevant manufacturer app. If your printer does not support AirPrint, try using an app that acts as a bridge between your phone and printer.
Try Restarting Everything
If all else fails, restart your phone, router and printer. Sometimes a full reboot of all devices resets any hidden issues that are preventing communication between your phone and printer.
Also unplug the printer and router for a minute then power them back on. Reconnect your phone to the network and try again after everything has restarted fully.
Final Thoughts
Printing from a phone should be seamless but a few missing connections or incorrect settings can create obstacles. The most common issues relate to Wi-Fi network mismatches, printer compatibility or outdated software. With the right printer app, a stable connection and a supported file format, your mobile device should be able to print without any problems. Taking a few minutes to troubleshoot the setup will often solve the issue and let you get on with your day.