How to print from an iPad

iPads are nothing less than essential study and business tools today. With all the features you would need from a computer, sooner or later you may find many of your important documents stored on your iPad. So, when you urgently need one of those paper documents, how should you proceed to acquire it?

Since iPads don’t support cable printing, you may be wondering what the easiest way to print something is. Before you start the hassle of transferring your files to your PC, read this guide to learn how to print directly from your iPad using several different methods.

How to print from an iPad without Wi-Fi

The easiest way to put your iPad document on paper is using Apple’s AirPrint technology. This technology allows for driver-free printing – you won’t need to download or install anything on your iPad like you normally would on a PC. However, there are two prerequisites for AirPrint to work:

• Your printer must support AirPrint technology.
• Your devices must connect to the same Wi-Fi network.

Unless your printer is an older model, it likely has AirPrint built in. This technology was released in 2010 and most printer manufacturers have kept up and added it to their devices. If you’re not sure if your printer has AirPrint, you can check out Apple’s extensive information list of supported devices. If your printer is listed, proceed as follows:

1. Make sure your iPad and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
   
2. Open the document you want and look for the print option. Its location will depend on the application you are using.
   
3. Press “Print” and select the “AirPrint” option.
   
4. Adjust your print settings in the pop-up window. These settings will also vary by application. These are the options you will typically see:
   
   • Choose your printer if it is not selected automatically.
   • Select the print color in “Presets”.
   • Adjust the number of copies, the pages to print, the paper size, and the media quality, if applicable.
   • Change whether you want to print double-sided and select the orientation if necessary.
5. Press “Print” in the upper right corner once you are done with the setup.
   
6. Your printer will receive the signal and begin the process within a few seconds.

If you can’t find the “Print” option in an app, look for “Share,” which is often indicated by an arrow icon. In Safari, you’ll find the share option at the top, while in your emails it will be in the bottom right corner. The print will be one of the sharing options.

AirPrint works with any iOS device running version 4.2 or later, so you can use this method even with your iPhone.

How to print from an iPad without AirPrint

Despite being a very widespread feature, not all printers are compatible with AirPrint. There are still several ways to print your document on a wireless printer without this option. Some require you to use an intermediary (your Mac), while others simply work through an app. Take a look at the options below if any of these methods meet your needs.

Try Printopia

The first way to print from your iPad without AirPrint is by using Printopia. Unlike many similar solutions, this utility tool will still work in 2022. It offers a convenient way to print your documents like AirPrint technology, with a difference. You’ll need your Mac to “translate” the conversation between your iPad and your printer. Is that how it works:

1. Download and install Printopia on your Mac.
   
2. Open the document you want to print on your iPad.
3. Press “Print” and choose your printer or “Send to Mac” from the options for more advanced control.
   

If you encounter an error, you may have printer sharing turned on. Make sure you turn it off like this:

1. Go to System Preferences on your Mac.
   
2. Open “Printers and Scanners.”
   
3. Uncheck “Share this printer on the network.”
   

There is a caveat, however: Printopia is not a free service. However, you can try it for free and decide if its convenience is worth it for you.

Use your printer app

Another way to print to your wireless printer without AirPrint is through your printer’s proprietary app. Many printer manufacturers, from HP, Lexmark, Epson and Brother to Canon, offer their own iOS apps that you can download for free. Your iPad and your printer will also need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for this method.

In addition to offering a great alternative, this option can also have other benefits. If you’re looking for more control over your print settings, what better place to look than an app developed by your printer manufacturer?

Send an e-mail

Did you know you could send an email to your printer? It sounds funny, but several manufacturers offer a remote printing service that gives your printer a unique email address. By sending your document to this email address, your printer will print it. The best thing about this is that you don’t even have to be near your printer for this. Check if your printer manufacturer has a similar solution.

How to print from an iPad to a network printer

You can also print from your iPad to a network printer wirelessly. You will need to connect to your printer’s network to do this.

1. Make sure the Wi-Fi/network button on your printer is activated.
   
2. Open your iPad’s settings.
   
3. Go to Wi-Fi settings and find your printer’s network in the list of available networks.
   
4. Connect to the network.
   

Use your printer application to print your document.

How to print from an iPad without Wi-Fi

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use most of the solutions above without Wi-Fi. However, all is not lost. Printers come in many shapes and sizes, and some of them feature Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth printing.

If your printer offers Bluetooth printing, you’ll need to pair the devices and then use the printer app to complete the task. The pairing process is usually as follows:

1. Make sure your printer and iPad are close to each other.
   
2. Turn on your printer and make sure your Bluetooth is enabled.
3. Go to Settings on your iPad and search for “General.”
   
4. Find the Bluetooth option and toggle the switch so that it is on.
   
5. Wait until your printer appears in the list of available devices and then tap it.
   
6. Both devices will display a code. If the codes correspond to each other, press “OK”.
7. Your printer is now paired with your iPad and you can start printing wirelessly.

The steps are a little different for Wi-Fi Direct:

1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct on your printer. If this is your first time using it, it will print the instructions automatically. Find the printer name and password on this paper.
   
2. Go to Wi-Fi settings on your iPad. Your printer’s Wi-Fi Direct network will appear in the list.
3. Enter the password and connect to the network.
   
4. Open the web page or document you want to print and find the “Print” option. It may be under “Share” in some applications.
   
5. Adjust the settings and then select your printer.
6. Press “Print” and your printer will react immediately.
   

Frequent questions

Where can I see my printing status while using AirPrint?

If your printer is stuck or has a lot of documents queued, you may want to check the status of the print job along the way. You will find how many documents are waiting to be printed at the Print Center. Simply open App Switcher by swiping up and pausing in the middle of the screen or double-clicking the home button. You can also cancel your print job in the Print Center.

How do I know if my printer supports AirPrint?

The most popular printers have this technology, but there are always exceptions. If you’re wondering if you’ll be able to print from your iPad with this solution, check out Apple’s extensive list of AirPrint devices. If your model is listed, you are ready to go. If your printer does not have AirPrint, use one of the alternative methods mentioned above to print your document.

From touch screen to paper

Despite calling this the digital age, we are still far from completely leaving paper behind. And the importance of a reliable printing method is multiplied when we urgently need a document in our hands. With cloud-based solutions, gone are the days of transferring documents back and forth. With an AirPrint printer, you can print directly from your iPad without installing any additional apps. Even if your printer doesn’t support this technology, there are ways your iPad and printer can communicate.