How to Print a Document From Your Phone

The fastest way depends on what printer you have

You can print from your phone to most printers using one of three routes: a wireless connection through your home or office network, a cloud printing service that stores the document online, or a direct connection using Bluetooth or USB. Which one works depends on whether your printer is new enough to connect wirelessly, whether you have the right app installed, and where you are when you need to print.

The easiest path is usually the one that matches what you already have. If your printer is five years old or newer and connected to WiFi, printing through your phone's native print menu takes about 30 seconds. If your printer is older or you are away from home, Google Cloud Print or a manufacturer app might be your only option.

Key Takeaways

Most Android phones and iPhones can print wirelessly to any printer on the same WiFi network without installing extra software.
Google Cloud Print lets you print to any printer from anywhere, but requires you to set it up on a computer first and works only with Google accounts.
Manufacturer apps like HP Smart, Canon PRINT, and Epson iPrint add features like scanning and photo editing but require downloading the app for your specific printer model.
Bluetooth and USB printing exist but are slower and less reliable than wireless options for most phones and printers.
Some public places like libraries, FedEx stores, and UPS locations offer printing services if you do not have access to a personal printer.

Printing over WiFi without an app

If your printer was made in the last 10 years and is connected to the same WiFi network as your phone, you can print directly from the phone's built-in print menu. On iPhone, open the document or photo you want to print, tap the share button (the square with an arrow), scroll down and tap Print, then select your printer from the list. On Android, open the document, tap the three-dot menu, select Print, and choose your printer.

This method works with PDFs, photos, emails, and web pages. The printer must be powered on and connected to WiFi — it does not need to be paired or have any app installed on your phone. If your printer does not appear in the list, restart both the printer and your phone, then try again. If it still does not show up, your printer may not support wireless printing, or it may be on a different WiFi network than your phone.

Using Google Cloud Print for printing anywhere

Google Cloud Print stores your document on Google's servers and sends it to your printer from there, so you can print from anywhere — even if you are not on the same WiFi network. To set it up, you need a Google account and access to a computer connected to the same printer.

On the computer, go to Google Cloud Print (through Google Chrome), sign in with your Google account, and register your printer. Once registered, you can print from your phone by opening any document, tapping Print, and selecting your registered printer. The document uploads to Google's servers and prints within a few minutes. This works across different WiFi networks and even on cellular data, but it requires the initial setup on a computer and only works if your printer stays powered on and connected to the internet.

Manufacturer apps for more features

HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson iPrint, Brother iPrint&Scan, and Xerox Print Service are apps made by printer manufacturers that add features beyond basic printing. These apps let you scan documents with your phone's camera, adjust print quality, print photos with special effects, and sometimes check ink levels or order supplies directly.

Download the app that matches your printer brand from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app, connect to your printer (usually by scanning a code on the printer or entering its network name), and you can print documents, photos, or scanned images. These apps work over WiFi and sometimes over Bluetooth. The downside is that you need the correct app for your specific brand — an HP app will not work with a Canon printer — and you have to install it before you can use it.

Bluetooth and USB printing

Some phones can print via Bluetooth to printers that support it, and some Android phones can print via USB cable. These methods are slower and less reliable than WiFi printing and require your phone and printer to be close together.

Bluetooth printing works on both iPhone and Android if your printer supports Bluetooth, but many printers do not. To try it, go to your phone's Bluetooth settings, pair with your printer, then attempt to print through the print menu. USB printing works only on Android phones with USB-C or Micro-USB ports and requires a compatible cable and printer. In most cases, WiFi printing is faster and more convenient if your printer supports it.

Printing at a public location

If you do not have a printer at home or your printer is not working, you can print at libraries, FedEx Office, UPS Store, Staples, and some pharmacies. Most libraries offer free printing for a small number of pages per day. FedEx Office and UPS Store charge by the page — typically 15 to 50 cents for black and white, more for color.

To print at these locations, you usually upload your document to their website or app, pay online, and pick it up at the store. Some locations let you email the document to a store-specific address. Call ahead to confirm their current process and pricing, since it varies by location and changes over time.

Troubleshooting when your printer does not appear

If your printer is not showing up in the print menu, start by checking that both your phone and printer are on the same WiFi network. Look at your phone's WiFi settings and your printer's network settings — they should show the same network name. Restart both devices and try again.

If the printer still does not appear, check whether it supports wireless printing. Printers older than about 2012 usually do not. You can find this in the printer's manual or by searching the model number plus "wireless printing" online. If your printer does support it but still will not connect, try resetting the printer's network settings (usually a button on the printer itself or in its menu), then reconnecting it to WiFi. If you are still stuck, the manufacturer's app for your printer brand often has a troubleshooting guide or a way to contact support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print to a printer I do not own?

Yes, if it is on the same WiFi network and allows guest printing. Many office and school printers block printing from personal devices, but home and small business printers usually allow it. Ask the printer's owner or administrator whether guest printing is enabled.

What if my printer is not WiFi-enabled?

You can use Google Cloud Print if the printer is connected to a computer that stays on, or use a manufacturer app if one exists for your model. Otherwise, you will need to print from a computer connected to that printer, or use a public printing service.

Does printing from my phone cost anything?

No, printing itself is free — you only pay for the ink or toner your printer uses. Public printing services charge per page. Cloud printing services are free to use but require an internet connection.

Can I print from my phone without WiFi?

Yes, if you use Google Cloud Print (which uses cellular data to upload to Google's servers) or a manufacturer app that supports cloud printing. Direct WiFi printing requires being on the same network as your printer.

Is it safe to print documents with sensitive information?

Printing over your home WiFi is as safe as printing from a computer on the same network. Cloud printing services encrypt the document in transit, but it does briefly exist on Google's servers. For highly sensitive documents, printing from a computer directly connected to the printer is more secure.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.