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 might find many of your important documents stored on your iPad. So, when you urgently need one of those documents on paper, how should you go about acquiring it?
Since iPads don’t support wired printing, you might be wondering about the easiest way to print something. Before you begin 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 get your iPad document onto paper is by using Apple’s AirPrint technology. This technology allows for driverless printing – you won’t need to download or install anything on your iPad as you usually would on a PC. However, there are two prerequisites for AirPrint to work:
- Your printer needs to support AirPrint technology.
- Your devices need to connect to the same Wi-Fi network.
Unless your printer is an old model, it likely has AirPrint integrated. This technology was released in 2010, and most printer manufacturers have kept up with the times and added it to their devices. If you’re unsure whether your printer has AirPrint, you can check Apple’s extensive list of supported devices. If your printer is listed, proceed in the following way:
- Make sure your iPad and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the document you want and find the print option. Its location will depend on the app you’re using.
- Press “Print” and select the “AirPrint” option.
- Adjust your print settings in the popup window. These settings will vary depending on the app, too. Here are the options you’ll usually see:
- Choose your printer if it’s not selected automatically.
- Select the print color under “Presets.”
- Adjust the number of copies, the pages you want to print, the paper size, and the media quality if applicable.
- Toggle whether you want to print double-sided and select the orientation if necessary.
- Hit “Print” in the top right corner after you’re done with your settings.
- Your printer will receive the signal and begin the process in a few seconds.
If you can’t find a “Print” option in an app, look for “Share” instead, often signified 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. Printing will be one of the share 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 widespread feature, not all printers support AirPrint. There are still several ways you can print your document on a wireless printer without this option. Some require you to use a middleman – your Mac – while others simply work through an app. Take a look at the options below if any of these methods meets 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 is still up and running in 2022. It offers a convenient way to print your documents just like the AirPrint technology, with one difference. You’ll need your Mac to “translate” the conversation between your iPad and your printer. Here’s how it works:
- Download and install Printopia on your Mac.
- Open the document you want to print on your iPad.
- Hit “Print” and choose your printer or “Send to Mac” from the options for more advanced control.
If you run into an error, you might have printer sharing turned on. Make sure you turn it off this way:
- Go to your System Preferences on your Mac.
- Open “Printers & Scanners.”
- Uncheck “Share this printer on the network.”
There’s a caveat, though: Printopia isn’t a free service. However, you can try it out for free and decide whether its convenience is worth the money for you.
Use Your Printer’s App
Another way you can print on your wireless printer without AirPrint is by using your printer’s proprietary app. Many printer manufacturers, from HP, Lexmark, Epson, and Brother to Canon, offer their own iOS apps you can download for free. Your iPad and printer will need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for this method, as well.
Besides offering a great alternative, this option may also have other benefits. If you’re looking for more control over your print settings, what’s a better place to look than an app developed by your printer’s manufacturer?
Send an Email
Did you know that you might be able to email your printer? It sounds funny, but several manufacturers offer a remote printing service that gives your printer a unique email address. Sending your document to this email address will prompt your printer to print it out. The best thing about it is that you don’t even have to be near your printer for this. Check out whether your printer’s 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’ll need to connect to your printer’s network in order to do so.
- Make sure your printer’s Wi-Fi/network button is on.
- Open your iPad’s settings.
- Go to your Wi-Fi settings and find your printer’s network on the list of available networks.
- Connect to the network.
Use your printer’s app to print your document.
How to Print From an iPad Without Wi-Fi
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use most of the above solutions without Wi-Fi. Not all is lost, though. 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’s app to complete the task. The pairing process usually goes like this:
- Make sure your printer and iPad are near each other.
- Turn on your printer and make sure its Bluetooth is enabled.
- Go to your iPad’s Settings and find “General.”
- Find the Bluetooth option and toggle the switch so that it’s on.
- Wait until your printer appears in the list of available devices, and then tap it.
- Both devices will display a code. If the codes correspond to each other, press “OK.”
- Your printer is now paired with your iPad, and you can start printing wirelessly.
The steps are a bit different for Wi-Fi Direct:
- Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on your printer. If this is your first time using it, it will print out the directions automatically. Find the name of the printer and the password on this paper.
- Go to your Wi-Fi settings on your iPad. Your printer’s Wi-Fi Direct network will show up on the list.
- Enter the password and connect to the network.
- Open the webpage or document you want to print and find the “Print” option. It may be under “Share” in some applications.
- Adjust the settings and then select your printer.
- Hit “Print” and your printer will react immediately.
FAQs
Where can I see my printing status while using AirPrint?
If your printer is stuck or you have queued many documents, you may want to check on the status of the print job along the way. You’ll find how many documents are waiting to be printed in the Print Center. Just open the App Switcher by swiping up and pausing at the middle of the screen or double-clicking your home button. You can also cancel your print job in the Print Center.
How do I know if my printer supports AirPrint?
Most popular printers feature this technology, but there are always exceptions. If you’re wondering whether you’ll be able to print from your iPad using this solution, check Apple’s extensive list of AirPrint Devices. If your model is on the list, you’re good to go. If your printer doesn’t have AirPrint, use one of the alternative methods mentioned above to print your document.
From Touchscreen to Paper
Despite calling this the digital age, we are still far from leaving paper completely behind. And the importance of a reliable printing method multiplies 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.
Which of these methods do you use to print from your iPad? Do you have any additional tips to share? Let us know in the comments section below.
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