Need to print a document, photo, email, or webpage directly from your iPhone? The good news is that Apple makes the process simple with AirPrint, a built-in feature that lets you print wirelessly without installing drivers or extra software. As long as your printer supports AirPrint and is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone, you can print in just a few taps.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to print from an iPhone using AirPrint, how to print with a printer manufacturer’s app, and what to do if your printer doesn’t appear.
Table of contents
Method 1: Print From iPhone Using AirPrint (Recommended)
AirPrint is Apple’s wireless printing technology built into iOS. Most modern printers from brands such as HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother support it. You don’t need to download drivers or connect cables.
Step 1: Connect Your iPhone and Printer to the Same Wi-Fi Network
Before you begin, make sure:
- Your printer is powered on.
- The printer is connected to Wi-Fi.
- Your iPhone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- AirPrint is supported by your printer.
Step 2: Open the Content You Want to Print
You can print from many apps, including:
- Photos
- Safari
- Files
- Notes
- Pages
- Third-party apps that support printing
Open the document, photo, email, or webpage you want to print.
Step 3: Tap the Share Button
Look for the Share icon, which appears as a square with an upward arrow.
In some apps, you may need to tap:
- More (…)
- Options
- Reply menu
to find the print option.
Step 4: Select Print
Scroll down in the Share menu and tap Print.
If you don’t see a Print option, the app may not support printing.
Step 5: Choose Your Printer
Tap No Printer Selected.
Your iPhone will search for available AirPrint printers.
Select your printer from the list.
Step 6: Customize Print Settings
Before printing, you can adjust:
- Number of copies
- Page range
- Black and white printing (if supported)
- Double-sided printing (if supported)
- Paper size and layout options
Available settings vary by printer model.
Step 7: Tap Print
Tap Print in the upper-right corner.
Your print job will be sent wirelessly to the printer, and printing should begin within a few moments.
Method 2: Print Using Your Printer Manufacturer’s App
If your printer doesn’t support AirPrint, many manufacturers offer dedicated iPhone apps that enable wireless printing.
Popular options include:
- HP Smart
- Canon PRINT
- Epson iPrint
- Brother iPrint&Scan
These apps often provide additional features such as scanning, printer maintenance, ink monitoring, and cloud printing.
- Download your printer manufacturer’s app from the App Store.
- Connect the printer and iPhone to the same network.
- Open the app and add your printer.
- Select the file, photo, or document you want to print.
- Choose print settings.
- Tap Print.
Method 3: Print Without Wi-Fi Using Wi-Fi Direct
Some printers support Wi-Fi Direct, allowing your iPhone to connect directly to the printer without using a router.
- Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on your printer.
- Open Settings > Wi-Fi on your iPhone.
- Connect to the printer’s Wi-Fi Direct network.
- Open the document or photo.
- Tap Share > Print.
- Select the printer and print.
This option is useful when you’re traveling or working in locations without internet access.
Method 4: Cancel a Print Job From iPhone
Sent the wrong document? You can stop printing directly from your iPhone.
- Open the App Switcher.
- Tap Print Center.
- Select the active print job.
- Tap Cancel Printing.
Tips
- Keep your printer’s firmware updated for better compatibility.
- Ensure the printer isn’t in sleep mode.
- Verify that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- For webpages, use Safari’s Reader Mode before printing for a cleaner layout.
- Restart your iPhone and printer if the printer doesn’t appear.
FAQs
Check the printer’s specifications, user manual, or manufacturer’s website. Most modern printers support AirPrint.
Make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, the printer is turned on, and AirPrint is enabled. Restarting both devices often resolves detection issues.
Yes. Open the Photos app, select the image, tap the Share button, choose Print, and select your printer.
Yes, if your printer supports monochrome printing. The option appears in the print settings screen before you tap Print.
Yes. If your printer supports duplex printing, you’ll see a two-sided printing option in the print settings.
Yes. You can use your printer manufacturer’s app, Wi-Fi Direct, or other supported printing solutions.
Summary
- Connect your iPhone and printer to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the photo, document, email, or webpage.
- Tap the Share button.
- Select Print.
- Choose your AirPrint printer.
- Adjust print settings.
- Tap Print.
- Use manufacturer apps if AirPrint isn’t available.
- Try Wi-Fi Direct when no Wi-Fi network is available.
- Cancel print jobs through Print Center if needed.
Conclusion
Learning how to print from iPhone is easier than ever, thanks to AirPrint. In most cases, you can print photos, PDFs, emails, and webpages in less than a minute without downloading any software. If your printer doesn’t support AirPrint, manufacturer apps and Wi-Fi Direct provide reliable alternatives. Once your printer is set up correctly, printing from your iPhone becomes as simple as tapping Share and selecting Print.