How to Add a Printer to an iPhone | Latest Guide 2024

ByMichael Bolt

It’s a blessing that adding a printer to your iPhone is super handy today. There was a time when you couldn’t print without having a computer.

This is the 21st century; you can print a document, a boarding pass, your pictures, or almost everything you think of right from your iPhone.

Still, some people send their documents to the computer and then get their hard copies in hand. You can skip that step and print right from your iPhone or iPad. 

While it might sound technical, the process is quite simple. This guide will walk through easy methods to set up your iPhone to print using AirPrint and alternative options.

How to Add a Printer to an iPhone?

Alright! You are ready to add a printer to your iPhone for printing purposes. There are several methods, but follow the one that works for you:

Method 1: Using AirPrint (The Easiest Way)

Apple designed AirPrint to make printing as simple as possible for iPhone users. Many popular printer brands (HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother) support AirPrint printing. 

If your photo printer does, follow the below steps to print directly from your iPhone:

Steps to Set Up AirPrint

  • Check Printer Compatibility: First, make sure your printer supports AirPrint. You can check this in the printer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website.
  • Connect to the Same Wi-Fi Network: Your iPhone and the printer need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. This is important to ensure when using the AirPrint method. 
  • Open the File: Open the file and look for the share icon (it’s the little square with an arrow pointing up). 
  • Choose Your Printer: Tap on the “+” sign and your iPhone will search for compatible printers on the Wi-Fi network. When your printer’s name appears, select it.
  • Hit Print: When everything is set, tap “Print” in the top right corner. Your document should start printing right away.

Method 2: Using the Printer’s App

Major printer brands have printing apps that work with iPhones. These are free to download from the App Store. Here’s a quick overview of how to use these apps for HP or Canon printers:

Steps to Use an HP Smart App

  • Download the Printer App: Download the “HP Smart App” from the app store for HP printers. 
  • Open the App and Connect the Printer: Most apps will guide you through a setup process where you connect the app to your printer. Make sure your iPhone and HP printer connect to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Add Printer: Click the “+” icon to add a new printer. The app will search for nearby HP printers. Tap the printer and follow the prompts showing on the screen. 
  • Choose What You Want to Print: Here, you’ll find options to print documents, photos, or even scan and fax. 
  • Adjust Print Settings and Print: Like with AirPrint, you can adjust settings like paper size, orientation, and number of copies. Once ready, hit print, and the app will send the job to your printer.

Most printer apps have built-in extra features like cloud printing, document scanning, print settings, and maintenance tools for your printer.

Steps to Use Canon Print App

The Canon PRINT is specifically designed for Canon printers. Follow the below steps to connect this app to your printer:

  • Download the App: First, download the Canon PRINT app from the app store to your smartphone. Open it by following the instructions to set up your printer. 
  • Set up Wi-Fi Connection: Connect your iPhone to your home’s Wi-Fi network. Next, power on your Canon printer and connect it to your Wi-Fi.
  • Choose the Printer: Click the “+” icon to add a new printer. The app will search for nearby Canon printers from the list. Tap the printer and follow the prompts showing on the screen. 
  • Start Printing: Open the document or photo you want to print, press the “Share” icon, then “Print,” then choose Canon PRINT as the print option.

Method 3: Printing with a Third-Party App

If your older printer does not support AirPrint, try these third-party printing apps (PrintCentral Pro or Printer Pro). 

These are compatible with multiple Wireless Bluetooth printers and offer extra features like printing over mobile data or Bluetooth.

Steps to Use a Third-Party Printing App

  • Download Print App: Download apps like PrintCentral Pro Printer Pro, and Printopia from the App Store. 
  • Set Up Your Printer in the App: Launch the app, complete the setup steps, and connect to your printer. These apps use Wi-Fi, although some can print over Bluetooth or USB (with the right adapters).
  • Add Printer: Look for Add Printer, Set Printer, or a similar option on the app’s main screen. Then click it to open the interface and add the printer according to the instructions.
  • Choose What to Print: As you have done in other methods, select the file, images, or document from the iPhone you want to print from the app.
  • Customize Your Print Job and Print: These apps have advanced settings like print quality, color options, and more. Adjust these if needed, then hit print.

Method 4: Using Email to Print 

Some printers support printing by sending direct emails to the printer. If you’re not connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer or trying to print something from a remote location, this method is very helpful.

Steps for Email-to-Print

  • Check the Printer Compatibility: First and foremost, make sure your printer supports email printing. Check the printer manual or set up the printer’s email address through the manufacturer’s app or website. 
  • Email the Document to Print: Open your email app, compose a new email on your iPhone, and attach the document you want to print. Send it to your printer’s email address.
  • Wait for Confirmation: Most printers with this feature will send a quick confirmation email back to you. After a few moments, your printer should start printing the document.

Conclusion

As you read this guide, you know how to add a printer to an iPhone. Now it’s as easy as it sounds to add a printer to an iPhone and save time and hassle. Print through AirPrint, the printer app, or through the other choice you have, it is easy and convenient to print through the phone. 

Thus, the next time you are in a rush to print a document, the file will be ready but you won’t have to transfer it to your computer first.