The simplest way to print from your iPhone
You can print directly from your iPhone to most modern printers without plugging in any cables. The method depends on what printer you have and what you're trying to print, but the most common route is AirPrint, which is built into iOS and works with thousands of printers made in the last ten years.
If your printer supports AirPrint, you won't need to install anything. Open the document, photo, or email you want to print, tap the Share button (the square with an arrow), scroll down and tap Print, select your printer, and tap Print again. That's the full process.
If your printer doesn't support AirPrint, you have two other options: use the printer manufacturer's own app, or connect through a computer that's already set up as a print server. Which one works depends on your specific printer model.
Key Takeaways
- AirPrint is the built-in wireless printing method for iPhones and works with most printers made after 2010 without requiring any app installation.
- Your iPhone and printer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for wireless printing to work.
- If your printer doesn't support AirPrint, check the manufacturer's website to download their branded app, which often adds wireless printing support.
- Older printers can still print wirelessly through a Mac or Windows computer set up as a print server.
Check if your printer supports AirPrint
Before you try to print, find out whether your printer is AirPrint-compatible. The easiest way is to visit Apple's official AirPrint printer list at support.apple.com/en-us/HT201311. Search for your printer brand and model number. If it's listed, you're ready to go.
If you don't know your printer model, check the physical printer itself — the model number is usually on a sticker on the back or bottom. You can also check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website. Common printer brands that support AirPrint include HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Xerox, and Ricoh, though not every model from these brands does.
If your printer isn't on the list, don't assume it won't work wirelessly. Move to the next section to explore other options.
Set up your Wi-Fi connection correctly
Wireless printing only works when your iPhone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network. This is the most common reason printing fails, so check this first.
On your iPhone, go to Settings, tap Wi-Fi, and note which network you're connected to. Then check your printer's display screen or settings menu to see which network it's connected to. Some printers show this on a small LCD screen; others require you to print a network configuration page. If your printer has a physical button labeled "Wi-Fi" or "Network," press it to see the connected network.
If they're on different networks, connect your printer to the same network as your iPhone. The process varies by printer, but usually involves going into the printer's settings menu, selecting your Wi-Fi network, and entering the password. Check your printer's manual if you're unsure how to access these settings.
Use the printer manufacturer's app if AirPrint isn't available
If your printer isn't AirPrint-compatible, the manufacturer usually offers their own app that adds wireless printing. HP has the HP Smart app, Canon has Canon PRINT, Epson has Epson iPrint, and Brother has Brother iPrint&Scan. Search your printer brand plus "print app" in the App Store to find the right one.
Download and open the app, then follow the setup instructions to connect it to your printer. Most of these apps work similarly to AirPrint — you open a document, tap Share, select the manufacturer's app, and choose your printer. Some apps also let you scan documents back to your iPhone, which AirPrint doesn't do.
The downside is that you need to install a separate app for each printer brand you own. If you have an HP printer at home and a Canon printer at work, you'll need both apps. AirPrint avoids this by being built in.
Print through a computer if your printer is older
If your printer is too old for AirPrint and the manufacturer doesn't offer an app, you can still print wirelessly by routing the job through a Mac or Windows computer. The computer acts as a middleman between your iPhone and the printer.
On a Mac, go to System Settings, click Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and make sure "Share this printer on the network" is checked. On Windows, go to Settings, select Devices, then Printers & Scanners, right-click your printer, choose Printer Properties, go to the Sharing tab, and check "Share this printer."
Once the computer is set up, your iPhone should see the printer as an option when you try to print, even though the actual connection goes through the computer. The computer must be powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network for this to work.
Troubleshoot when printing doesn't work
If you've set everything up but printing still fails, start with the basics. Restart your iPhone by turning it off and back on. Restart your printer by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Restart your Wi-Fi router the same way. Many printing problems disappear after these simple resets.
If that doesn't work, check that both devices are still on the same Wi-Fi network — sometimes a device will disconnect without you noticing. Also check whether your printer is low on paper or ink, or whether there's a paper jam. These physical issues won't show up on your iPhone, but they'll prevent printing.
If you're using a manufacturer's app, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. If you're using AirPrint, try "forgetting" the printer in your iPhone's settings and re-adding it. Go to Settings, Printers & Scanners, tap the printer, and select Remove Printer, then add it again by tapping Add Printer.
Print specific document types from different apps
The printing process is the same across most apps, but some apps have their own print options. In Mail, you can print an entire email or just the message body. In Photos, you can print a single photo or multiple photos on one page. In Safari, you can print a webpage or just the current page.
To access these options, open the document, tap Share, tap Print, and look for additional settings before you tap Print again. Some apps show a preview of what will print, which helps you catch mistakes before wasting paper.
If an app doesn't have a Share button, try holding down on the document and looking for a Print option in the menu that appears. Not every app supports printing, but most do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install anything to use AirPrint?
No. AirPrint is built into iOS, and most modern printers support it without any additional software. If your printer is AirPrint-compatible, you can print immediately once both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Can I print to a printer that's not on my home Wi-Fi?
Not directly. Your iPhone and printer must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you need to print at work or a friend's house, connect your iPhone to that Wi-Fi network first, then make sure the printer is also on that same network.
What if my printer is connected to a different Wi-Fi band?
Most modern routers broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands under the same network name. If your printer only connects to 2.4 GHz and your iPhone is on 5 GHz, they won't see each other. Check your router settings to see if you can force both devices to the same band, or check your printer manual for dual-band support.
Can I print from my iPhone if the printer is plugged into a computer with USB?
Yes, if the computer is set up as a print server. The computer must be powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Your iPhone will see the printer as an option when you print, even though the actual connection goes through the computer.
Why does my printer show up in AirPrint but printing fails?
The printer is on your network but something is blocking the connection. Restart both devices, check that neither is low on paper or ink, and verify they're still on the same Wi-Fi network. If the problem persists, restart your Wi-Fi router. If you're still stuck, try removing the printer from your iPhone's settings and re-adding it.