Printing from an Android Phone or Tablet

How Android print services work, where printing settings live, and how to print from an app.

Ask Buddy Printer Guides · Reviewed

Android prints through "print services": small components that know how to find and talk to printers. Many devices come with one already, and you can add others from Google Play.

Check your print services

  1. Open Settings and search for Printing.
  2. On many devices it's under Connected devices › Connection preferences › Printing. On Samsung devices, look under Connections › More connection settings › Printing.
  3. You'll see installed services, often including Default Print Service. Make sure at least one is turned on.
  4. To add another, such as the Mopria Print Service or a manufacturer's plugin, use the option to add a service or install it from Google Play.

Printing from an app

  1. Connect to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
  2. Open the document, photo or page. Tap the menu (often three dots) or Share, then Print.
  3. At the top of the print screen, tap the printer selector and choose your printer.
  4. Adjust copies, paper size and color if you want, then tap the print button.

What Mopria is

Mopria is an industry standard for printing from mobile devices and computers. Many printers from different brands support it, which is why a single print service can work with a wide range of models.

Android menus differ between versions and device makers. Searching Settings for "print" is the most reliable way to find the right screen.

Availability and setup options can vary by model, operating system, region and software version. Check the manufacturer's current documentation for model-specific requirements.

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