How to print from a phone on the printer

Printer adding window

Printers detected in the system

List of printers added and connected to the Google account

On the smartphone, we install the Google Cloud Print application/Google Play application (it can be installed).After its installation, we can find the printing options in the smartphone settings, and in them Cloud Print.After activating this function, the smartphone will search for the printer (in our case the printer connected to the computer).

Android printing settings

Now in the application from which we want to print something (for example in photos) when we choose the content for printing, we display the menu with options and select Print (the name of the function may also be slightly different).Now we can indicate the printer, determine the paper size, number of copies and click on the blue printer icon to start printing.

When the printer can be connected to the Wi-Fi network

Connecting the printer directly to the network creates additional chances.First of all, we no longer need a computer after the configuration process is completed.In the case of compatible printers directly with cloud services (usually a printer with a LCD screen on which we can enter Wi-Fi network data), even the configuration does not require a computer.Here's how to print from the phone via Wi-Fi.

Method 1 - when we don't have a Wi -Fi router

When our printer has a Wi-Fi function, but we do not have access to a wireless router with which it communicates, or simply lack it, we can combine a Wi-Fi Direct connection directly with the printer (there is a risk that a given model from Wi-Fi is notSupports the AP function, but this is unlikely).The exact instructions on how to do this can be found in the printer's instructions - this may require printing a page with the printer settings as AP.In this case, printing requires a dedicated application (read below), which is able to detect connected equipment.

The icon signaling the Wi-Fi Direct connection in the Epson L3151 printer.Printers with LCD display can display messages on the screen.

This is how the printer identifies on the Wi-Fi connection list on the smartphone

Method 2 - when we have a Wi -Fi router

When we have a Wi-Fi router, we don't have to devote our internet connection to printing purposes.We combine the smartphone with the router, just like the printer (the instructions can be found again in the manual).Now, choosing the print option on the smartphone, we indicate a printer that is connected by Wi-Fi.This combination allows you to use the applications attached by manufacturers, but also connections via Google Cloud Print.

Note: Avoid adding printers to the list of devices visible by the smartphone/on the network.This can cause conflicts and problems with the printer/smartphone communication.

Remote printing through the cloud - when it works

Google Cloud Print (variant without connecting to a local computer during printing) is supported by most printers that have a network connection.Google on the website of the cloud printer will sit down what models it is, but this list is not complete and does not exclude the compatibility of our device.To use the service, the printer must be connected to the Internet and must have its IP address (it can be a local address).As before, we need a computer on the same local network.In the browser, enter the IP address of the printer.

A page for an example Epson printer with a local address 192.168.0.206.

The page on which we click on Google Cloud Print Services will open, and then on register.We go to the login page in which we have to log in with our Google account data.Click to finish the printer registration to complete the configuration.

Now the printer will be visible not only locally, but from any device with access to the network when we are logged in to the Google account.Printing takes place similarly as described above.

Remote printing services are offered not only by Google and also printer manufacturers.For example, Epson after installing the software for a Wi-Fi printer will propose to connect to the Epson Connect service.After installing the tool, the printer will receive an e-mail address (however, remember that the email content with a header is printed by default. This option can be turned off in the Epson Connect settings by removing the selection from the Print option information about the sender.

Printing with the help of the manufacturer's application

Printer manufacturers (in our example we will use Epson equipment) provide dedicated printing applications that allow you to set all printer parameters directly on the smartphone.This is similar to the configuration in the printer controller on the computer.

We will use the Epson IPRINT application available on Google Play (or AppStore).First, we must indicate the target printer.We have three options - either it will be a device already connected to our Wi -Fi, or we will enter its IP address by hand or we will use the Remote option.In the latter case, the printout is carried out by sending the printer to the e-mail (the printer must support such functionality) of the document.Printing by e-mail is a technique used in public places when we do not have direct access via Wi-Fi to a given printer.

When the printer is selected, we indicate the type of print document.For photos it will be photos.Then we indicate a folder with photos and choose SELECT.We choose photos for printing and then Next.And that's basically all if we are satisfied with the default settings.We will change them by choosing a rack icon.It will open the submenu with printing settings.We touch Done.Printing will start with the Print button.

Other printer manufacturers also offer applications with similar functionality.These are:

Printer Share Printing application

The Google Cloud Print service does not make it easier to print some useful information such as a list of connections or text messages.We will print these using the Printer Share printing tool (the free version has some restrictions, but they will not disturb us).The printer should be connected in one possible way - directly wired via USB (this will not always work), through local Wi -Fi (optimal solution) or Google cloud.

The list of connections will be printed as a string of pages

To print text messages, after starting the application, we indicate the printer (select) on which we want to print.Then we indicate, for example, messages, select which conversation we want to print and select Print.Printing settings are hidden under the options, including a change in paper size (paper size).

Print quality problems

Printing is half the battle.The second is to get a satisfactory image on paper.And here, although they do not have to, there are problems.Their cause may be the insufficient compatibility of the standard tool for printing in the smartphone - it is worth reaching for a dedicated application, which should give a much better quality image (unfortunately this is not the rule).Sometimes it is enough to change the application from which we print.

Another problem is the incorrect settings of the printer itself.Despite the forcing the appropriate size of the file and colors, the printer can bypass these settings using those that it has through its controller.In this case, make sure what the default printing settings look like in our printer.In Windows, this should be done through the system settings of printers and scanners, and not through the application from which we usually print.