Printing from an iPhone or iPad

How AirPrint works on iPhone and iPad, where to find the Print option, and how to check print jobs.

Ask Buddy Printer Guides · Reviewed

iPhone and iPad print using AirPrint, which is built in. There's no separate printer setup on the phone or tablet: if an AirPrint printer is on the same Wi-Fi network, it simply appears when you choose Print.

Printing a document or photo

  1. Connect to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
  2. Open the item you want to print.
  3. Tap the Share button, or the More (three dots) menu in some apps.
  4. Scroll down and tap Print. If you don't see it, the app may not support printing.
  5. Tap Printer, choose yours, then set copies, page range and other options.
  6. Tap Print.

Checking or cancelling a print job

While a job is printing, open the app switcher and you'll see Print Center. Tap it to see the job's progress or cancel it.

If the printer doesn't appear

  • Check that both the iPhone or iPad and the printer are on the same network. Guest networks often keep devices apart.
  • Check that the printer supports AirPrint; its specifications will say.
  • If it doesn't, the manufacturer's app from the App Store is the usual alternative and may add features like scanning.

Button names and positions vary between apps and iOS versions.

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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