The fastest way: AirPrint
If your printer has AirPrint built in, connecting takes about 30 seconds. AirPrint is Apple's wireless printing system, and most printers made in the last five years support it. Your iPad and printer just need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
To check if your printer supports AirPrint, look at the printer's manual or visit the manufacturer's website and search for your exact model number. You can also try the steps below — if your printer appears in the list, it has AirPrint.
Here is how to print something:
- Make sure your iPad and printer are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the document, photo, or webpage you want to print.
- Tap the Share button (the square with an arrow pointing up).
- Scroll down and tap Print.
- Tap Select Printer and choose your printer from the list.
- Set the number of copies and any other options you need.
- Tap Print in the top right corner.
Your printer will start printing within a few seconds. If your printer does not appear in step 5, it either does not have AirPrint or is not on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPad.
Key Takeaways
- AirPrint is the easiest method and works with most modern printers — your iPad and printer just need the same Wi-Fi network.
- If your printer is older or does not support AirPrint, you can use the manufacturer's app, which you download from the App Store.
- Some printers need a USB adapter or a separate print server device to work with iPad at all.
- If printing fails, restart both your iPad and printer, then check that they are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Using the printer manufacturer's app
If your printer does not show up when you try to print, the manufacturer may offer an app that handles the connection instead. Companies like HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother all have their own printing apps in the App Store.
Download the app for your printer brand, then open it and follow the setup instructions. The app will walk you through connecting to your Wi-Fi and finding your printer. Once set up, you can print directly from the app, or in some cases the app adds your printer to the standard print menu so the normal Share → Print route works.
The downside is that you have to install and maintain a separate app for each printer. If you have an older printer, the manufacturer may no longer update the app, which can cause problems when you update your iPad.
Printers that need a USB adapter or print server
Some older printers have no wireless capability at all — they only connect via USB cable. For these, you have two options, both of which require extra hardware.
The first option is a USB-to-Wi-Fi print server, a small device that plugs into your printer's USB port and connects to your Wi-Fi network. The printer then appears on your network as a wireless printer. These devices cost between $30 and $100 depending on the brand. HP, Canon, and other manufacturers sell their own versions, or you can buy a third-party option.
The second option is an iPad USB adapter that lets you plug the printer directly into your iPad. Apple sells the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter for about $25. This only works if your printer is nearby and you do not mind plugging and unplugging cables. Many older printers are not fully compatible with this method even if you have the adapter.
Troubleshooting when your printer does not appear
If you have set everything up but your printer still does not show in the print menu, start with these steps in order.
First, check the Wi-Fi network. Open Settings on your iPad, tap Wi-Fi, and confirm you are connected to your home or office network. Then go to your printer's settings (usually a button on the printer itself or a menu on its screen) and confirm it is also on the same network. If the printer shows a different network name, reconnect it to the correct one using the printer's menu.
Second, restart both devices. Turn off your iPad completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Do the same with your printer — switch it off at the power button, wait 10 seconds, and switch it back on. This clears temporary connection problems that prevent the devices from finding each other.
Third, move the devices closer together. If your printer is far from your Wi-Fi router, it may not have a strong enough signal. Move the printer closer to the router or to your iPad and try again. Walls and metal objects can block the signal, so moving to an open area sometimes helps.
If the printer still does not appear after these steps, check the printer's manual to see if there is a specific Wi-Fi setup process you need to follow first. Some printers require you to press a button or enter a code before they will connect to your network.
Printing from email and cloud storage
You do not always need to print from the original app. If you have a document in Mail, Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud Drive, you can print it directly from there.
Open the file, tap Share, and select Print. The same printer menu appears, and you can print the same way. This is useful if you want to print something you received in an email without opening a separate app.
Cloud storage apps like Google Drive and Dropbox also let you print files stored in them. Open the file in the app, look for a menu button (usually three dots), and tap Print if the option is available.
What to do if you have a very old printer
Printers from before 2010 almost never work with iPad, even with an app or adapter. If you have an older printer that you want to keep using, your best option is to print from a computer instead and use that computer to send the file to the printer.
If you need to print from your iPad regularly, replacing the printer with a newer model that supports AirPrint is usually cheaper and simpler than buying adapters or print servers. Modern printers are inexpensive — basic wireless models start around $50 to $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print to a printer that is not on my Wi-Fi network?
Not with AirPrint or most manufacturer apps. Both require your iPad and printer to be on the same network. If you are away from home, you would need to use a cloud printing service like Google Cloud Print (though Google discontinued this service in 2020), or print to a computer and have someone else handle the physical printer.
Why does my printer appear in the list but printing fails?
The most common cause is that the printer ran out of paper or is jammed. Check the printer itself first. If paper and toner are fine, restart both devices and try again. If it keeps failing, check the printer's manual to see if there is an error code on its screen.
Do I need to install anything on my iPad to use AirPrint?
No. AirPrint is built into iPad — you do not download or install anything. If your printer supports AirPrint, it will appear automatically when you try to print, as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Can I print wirelessly if my printer only has an Ethernet cable?
Yes, but only if the printer is plugged into your router with an Ethernet cable. The printer will still appear on your Wi-Fi network and work with AirPrint or the manufacturer's app. Ethernet actually gives a more stable connection than Wi-Fi.
What if I want to print from my iPad but the printer is at someone else's house?
You would need to connect to their Wi-Fi network first. Ask for their network name and password, connect your iPad to it, and then try to print. Your printer should appear in the list if it is on the same network. When you leave, reconnect to your own network.