This article explains how to print from an Android phone to a wireless printer using the default printing service, a printer brand’s app, or another third-party app. Instructions apply to Android 9.0 and up.

What to Know

  • Easiest: Go to Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Printing > Default Printing Service.To use a third-party app, tap Add service on the Default Printing Service page > select app > Install.To print from an app, tap Menu > Print > select printer.

The easiest method is to use the default print service on your Android phone.

  • Go to Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Printing > Default Printing Service.
  • The exact location of the printing settings may be different depending on your Android OS and phone manufacturer.
  • Tap Default Print Service to set it to On.
  • Turn on your Wi-Fi-enabled printer. It should now appear in the Default Print Service list.
  • Exit Settings and open the file you’d like to print.
  • Tap the Menu icon while you’re viewing the file in the app. It usually looks like three stacked dots in the upper right corner of the screen, depending on your Android OS and phone manufacturer.
  • Tap Print.
  • Tap the Select a Printer list at the top of the screen to select your printer.
  • Tap the name of the printer you want to use. If you get a confirmation pop-up, tap OK to continue.

How to Print with Your Printer’s App

You can also print from your Android phone using your printer’s app. Most brands offer a mobile printing app.

Go to Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Printing > Default Printing Service.

The exact location of the printing settings may be different depending on your Android OS and phone manufacturer.

Tap Default Print Service to set it to On.

Turn on your Wi-Fi-enabled printer. It should now appear in the Default Print Service list.

Exit Settings and open the file you’d like to print. 

Tap the Menu icon while you’re viewing the file in the app. It usually looks like three stacked dots in the upper right corner of the screen, depending on your Android OS and phone manufacturer.

Tap Print.

Tap the Select a Printer list at the top of the screen to select your printer.

Tap the name of the printer you want to use. If you get a confirmation pop-up, tap OK to continue.

  • Go to Settings > Connected Devices > Printing > Default Printing Service.
  • Tap Add service. The Google Play store will open to the printing service page.
  • Scroll through the list to find your printer manufacturer’s app. For example:
  • HP Print Service Plugin
  • Brother Printer Service Plugin
  • Canon Print Service
  • Samsung Print Service Plugin
  • Epson iPrint
  • Tap the print service and tap Install.
  • Go back to the Printing Service settings page. You should see your manufacturer’s app available on the list.
  • Close the printing settings and open the file you’d like to print.
  • Tap the Menu icon while you’re viewing the file in the app.
  • Tap Print.
  • Tap the list at the top of the screen to select your printer.
  • Tap the printer icon to send it to your printer. You may see a confirmation pop-up, so tap OK to continue.

How to Print From Android Using a Third-Party App

Alternatively, you can use a third-party printing app to print from your Android phone. You can try Mopria Print Service, PrinterOn, or Mobile Print - PrinterShare.

Go to Settings > Connected Devices > Printing > Default Printing Service. 

Tap Add service. The Google Play store will open to the printing service page.

Scroll through the list to find your printer manufacturer’s app. For example:

  • HP Print Service Plugin
  • Brother Printer Service Plugin
  • Canon Print Service
  • Samsung Print Service Plugin
  • Epson iPrint

Tap the print service and tap Install.

Go back to the Printing Service settings page. You should see your manufacturer’s app available on the list.

Close the printing settings and open the file you’d like to print. 

Tap the Menu icon while you’re viewing the file in the app.

Tap the list at the top of the screen to select your printer.

Tap the printer icon to send it to your printer. You may see a confirmation pop-up, so tap OK to continue.

Some of these apps let you print anything for free, while others require a paid subscription to unlock different printing modes, such as images and photos.

How to Print a File From an App on Your Android Phone

Sometimes you need to print something from an app on your Android phone. It’s just as easy as printing a file stored on your phone.

  • Open the app containing the file you wish to print.
  • Tap the Menu icon while you’re viewing the file in the app. It usually looks like three stacked dots in the upper right corner of the screen, depending on the app.
  • Tap Print. Depending on your phone manufacturer and Android OS, this option could be under the Share menu.
  • Select your printer and wait for your printout.

Open the app containing the file you wish to print. 

Tap the Menu icon while you’re viewing the file in the app. It usually looks like three stacked dots in the upper right corner of the screen, depending on the app.

Tap Print. Depending on your phone manufacturer and Android OS, this option could be under the Share menu.

Select your printer and wait for your printout.

As of January 1, 2021, Google Cloud Print is no longer available.

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