2 Simple Ways to Print Photos and Documents from an iPhone

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A beginner's guide to printing iPhone photos, documents, emails, and more

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: December 7, 2024 Fact Checked

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Using AirPrint

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Using a Printing App

|

Troubleshooting

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

Do you have photos or documents you need to print from your iPhone? If you have an AirPrint-enabled printer, you'll just need to connect both to the same Wi-Fi network. You can also download a printing app from HP, Canon, Epson, or another printer. Here's how to print from your iPhone with an AirPrint-enabled printer.

Quick Steps

Open an AirPrint-supported app and select what you want to print.
Tap the Share button.
Scroll down and tap Print.
Tap Print and select an AirPrint-enabled printer.
Tap Print in the top-right corner.

Section 1 of 3:

Using AirPrint

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1
Make sure you have an AirPrint-supported printer. Check your printer's manual or manufacturer's website to double-check its capabilities.
- Your printer and your phone must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.^{[1]
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- If you don't own an AirPrint-compatible printer, you can still use AirPrint by finding a network that has an AirPrint-supported printer at your workplace, school, etc. Avoid printing documents with sensitive information in public places.
- Your printer may need to be set up before you can print wirelessly. Since this process will vary depending on your printer model, consult your printer's manual to see what you need to do to set up your printer.
2
Open an app that supports AirPrint. Most apps from Apple fit this category, including Mail, Safari, and Photos. You can also print emails, documents, and pictures from your Files app.
- For example, open Photos to print a photo from your Camera Roll.
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If you're in the Photos app, tap a photo. If you're in the Mail or Files apps, click on a document or file.
This icon and location may look different depending on the app. You may also see a left-facing arrow or •••.
5
Scroll down and tap Print. This may also look like a printer icon.
- If you don't see this option, make sure you're using an app that supports AirPrint.
6
Tap Printer. This is at the top of the menu.
- A pop-up menu will open with available printers.
7
Tap the AirPrint-enabled printer. This should be in the list. If you don't see your printer, make sure the printer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone.
- You can also bring your iPhone closer to the printer.
Use the - and + buttons to specify the number of copies you want to print. You can also adjust the Paper Size, Orientation, Scaling, and Layout.
9
Tap Print. This is in the top-right corner. The file will begin to print from your iPhone.
- To view your print job, swipe up or double-press the Home button to open the App Switcher. Navigate to the Print Center app.
- To cancel a print job, tap it in the Print Order list. Then, tap Cancel Printing.
- Check out tips about printing from an iPhone on wikiHow’s “How do you print easily from an iPhone?" forum page.

Section 2 of 3:

Using a Printing App

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1
Download the printing app for your printer. Open the App Store and search for your printer's app. Most popular printers have a dedicated app, such as:
While this process will vary based on the app you downloaded and the printer you're using, most cases will involve making sure your printer is online, adding the printer to your phone's app, and setting up preferences (e.g., default printing in black-and-white or color).
3
Select a print option. Most printer apps will have dedicated icons for documents, photos, etc. Tap the one you want to print.
- A browsing menu should open.
Use the printer app to navigate to the file in your iPhone, and then tap it to open it.
5
Edit the printing options. This will vary depending on the app. Adjust the number of copies, orientation, color options, and more.
- Some printer apps may allow you to edit the photo within the app itself.
After editing, select the Print button or icon to send the print job to your connected printer.

Section 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting

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This adapter can add Bluetooth capabilities to a non-Bluetooth printer. When the adapter is installed, connect your printer and iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network. You should be able find the printer in the AirPrint menu.
2
Use a wired USB adapter. If your iPhone isn't connecting to your printer via Bluetooth, you can try connecting it directly. You'll need to purchase a Lightning to USB or USB-C to USB. Plug one end into your phone and the other end into your printer.
- Open a photo or file and tap Share → Print → select your printer → Print.
3
Update your iPhone. If you're running an older version of iOS, you may have trouble connecting via AirPrint or Bluetooth. To update:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install.

Community Q&A

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Question

Can I just plug a printer into my iPhone using a USB cable?

Community Answer

Some newer printers allow you to do this; check with your printer manual or printer's manufacturer online to see if this is an option.

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Question

Do I need WiFi in order to print pictures from my iPhone?

Community Answer

No. If you download the photos onto your computer/laptop using the connection lead, you can put them into a document, and then print them off how you normally would print that document.

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Question

Where do I find my wireless printer on my iPhone?

Community Answer

Go to your photos. Tap the photo you want to print. Tap the share icon and select print. Your printer should be displayed there.

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Tips

Some printers may not support iPhone printing due to age or software incompatibility. If this is the case, consider replacing your current printer with a cheap AirPrint printer.

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If you can't get your printer to recognize your iPhone, you may need to connect the two via a USB-to-Lightning adapter cable. In such a case, you'd plug the smaller end of the adapter into your iPhone's charging port at the bottom of the phone, then you'd plug the printer's USB cable into the other end of the adapter.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If you're printing pictures, take your phone to a store with a photo department. They tend to have cords and kiosks that allow you to select, edit, and print photos on demand.
Try disconnecting and reconnecting your printer to your Wi-Fi network. Sometimes, typing in the password again can help troubleshoot some issues.

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