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How to Print From iPhone to Printer

Time it takes5 min
Steps6in the list below
LevelEasyno special skills
Official sourceApple Supportcheck it for changes

Quick answer To print from an iPhone, connect it and an AirPrint-compatible printer to the same Wi-Fi network, open the item, and use Share or the app’s print option. Choose the printer, set your options, and tap Print.

What You’ll Need

  • An iPhone with the document, photo, email, or webpage you want to print.
  • A printer that supports Apple AirPrint, or the printer maker’s iPhone app if it offers a different wireless printing method.
  • A working Wi-Fi network. For AirPrint, the iPhone and printer generally need to be connected to the same network.
  • Paper and, if needed, ink or toner. Check that the printer is powered on and ready.

Step-by-Step

  1. Connect the printer. Turn on the printer and connect it to Wi-Fi using its control panel or the manufacturer’s setup instructions. If it has already been set up, confirm it is online. Connect your iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network; avoid a guest network that may block devices from finding one another.
  2. Open what you want to print. Find the file, photo, email, webpage, or other content in its app. Some apps have their own print command; in others, printing is available from the iPhone’s Share menu. Not every app or type of content supports printing.
  3. Open the print controls. Tap the Share button, usually a square with an upward arrow, then scroll through the options and tap Print. If you do not see it, check the app’s More menu or its menu marked with three dots. The exact labels and menu paths may differ slightly by iOS version and app.
  4. Select a printer. Tap No Printer Selected or the printer field, then choose your printer from the list. Give it a moment to appear. If the list is empty, check the Wi-Fi connection and see the troubleshooting section below.
  5. Set print options. Choose the number of copies and, when offered, the page range, color, paper size, or double-sided printing. Available settings depend on the printer, the app, and the item being printed. Tap a preview page if you want to inspect the layout before sending the job.
  6. Send and check the job. Tap Print in the upper-right corner. The printer should begin printing. To check or cancel the job, open the App Switcher while the job is active and tap Print Center, if it appears. Menu paths and controls may differ slightly by version.

Common Mistakes

  • Using different networks: Having both devices connected to Wi-Fi is not always enough; they usually need to be on the same local network for AirPrint discovery. A guest network or network isolation setting can prevent that.
  • Looking for a universal Print button: The option may be inside Share, a More menu, or absent from an app that does not support printing. Try opening the content in another app that can print it.
  • Choosing the wrong printer: If several printers appear, check the displayed name or model before sending the job. A printer with a similar name may be in another room or location.
  • Ignoring the preview: A webpage or document can split across pages, crop an image, or include content you did not intend to print. Review the preview and adjust page options when available.
  • Assuming every printer supports AirPrint: A printer can have wireless connectivity without supporting AirPrint. Check its manual or the maker’s support page for compatible printing methods.

Tips

  • For a webpage, use the Share menu and check whether the app offers a simplified or reader view before printing. This can reduce clutter, though the option varies by app.
  • For a photo, check the preview and paper settings. Borderless printing and photo-paper choices appear only when supported by the printer and app.
  • When printing a long document, select only the pages you need if the app provides a page-range option.
  • Keep the printer’s paper tray loaded and check its display for warnings before resending a job. Repeatedly tapping Print can create duplicate copies if the first job is merely delayed.

Troubleshooting

The printer does not appear: Confirm that the printer is on, connected to Wi-Fi, and not showing an error. Check that the iPhone is on the same network, then reopen the print menu. If the printer is on a guest network or a network that separates devices, connect both to an appropriate shared network or ask the network administrator about device discovery.

The print job stays queued or does not print: Check the printer for paper, ink or toner, a paper jam, and any messages on its display. Make sure it has not paused or gone offline. If the job is still stuck, cancel it in Print Center if available, then try once more after confirming the printer is ready.

AirPrint is unavailable: Look up the printer model in its manual or the manufacturer’s support information to confirm whether it supports AirPrint. If it does not, install or open the printer maker’s official iPhone app, follow its setup instructions, and use the app’s print option. The app’s menus may differ by version.

Pages look wrong or print blank: Check the document’s preview, page range, orientation, and paper size. If only one app has the problem, try opening the file in another compatible app. For persistent printer errors, follow the manufacturer’s instructions rather than changing settings at random.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print from an iPhone without Wi-Fi?

AirPrint usually requires the iPhone and printer to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Some printer models support other direct or app-based methods, but the steps vary; check the printer’s instructions.

Do I need to install an app to print from my iPhone?

Not if your printer supports AirPrint and the app holding your content offers printing. For a printer without AirPrint, the manufacturer may provide an app or another supported method.

How do I print a photo from my iPhone?

Open the photo, tap Share, choose Print, select the printer, review the available options, and tap Print. The exact controls can vary by iOS version.

Can I print a text message or email?

It depends on the app. Open the message or email and check Share, More, or the app menu for Print. If there is no print option, you may be able to copy the text into a document app that supports printing.

How can I cancel a print job?

While the job is active, open the App Switcher and tap Print Center if it is shown. Select the job and cancel it. You can also use the printer’s controls to stop a job; the exact steps depend on the model.

Sources: Apple Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.