The Ultimate Guide to Connect iPhone to Printer

Ever felt the need to print an awesome image or quote you came across while scrolling the web, or want to print the text messages as keepsakes in the memory of your loved one but gave up the idea because connecting your iPhone to a printer is a hassle? Well, in this article, we will teach you several ways in which you can conveniently connect your iPhone to a printer, old school, or modern age, without getting tangled in a wiry mess! 

Let’s begin! 

Connect Your iPhone to a Printer With or Without Wires

Most of you must be under the impression that an iPhone can only be connected to modern-age printers. What if I tell you that connecting an iPhone to an old-school printer is also a possibility? 

Connect with Wires

If you have a relatively old version of a printer, don’t be gloomy, as you can easily use it to print images from your iPhone. All you need is a USB cable, an OTG adaptor, a few settings, and you’re good to go!
On a side note, if you want a high-quality, speedy and durable printer cable, check out Syncwire USB Printer Cable for a flawless connection. 

Connect without Wires

However, if you have a printer compatible with AirPrint, then connecting an iPhone to it is as easy as pie! And by easy I mean no wires, no drivers, and definitely no additional software. 

With that being said, let me give you a brief overview of AirPrint, in case you were wondering.

What is AirPrint?

AirPrint is an Apple technology, built into most new printer models, which allows you to print full-quality images or documents without installing drivers or going through extensive settings. The best part is that you don’t require any cords or cables to connect your iPhone to AirPrint compatible printers; everything is done wirelessly.

Now, let’s explore three different methods to connect your iPhone to a printer.

Method 1: Connect iPhone to a Printer Via Syncwire USB Printer Cable & OTG Adaptor

If you have an older version printer that uses a cable to connect to your computer, you can follow the steps below to connect your iPhone to it.

Step 1: 

Connect one end of the USB cable into the printer’s rear panel and the other end to the USB OTG adaptor. Now plug the lightning end of the adaptor into your iPhone.

Step 2:

Once all the cables are connected, a pop-up will appear on your iPhone. Click “Ok”.

Step 3:

Now, on your iPhone, find the document, image, or file you want to print. Tap ‘Share > Print’. 

Step 4:

The printer connected to your iPhone through the USB cable will appear on the “Printer Options” page. Select it.

Step 5:

Now enter the number of copies, orientation style, and other details. 

Step 6:

Tap “Print” to print the files. 

That’s it! Just a few taps and you’re ready to print!

Method 2: Connect iPhone to Wireless Printer 

As mentioned earlier, to connect your iPhone to a wireless printer, the only thing you require is AirPrint compatibility. Once the AirPrint is set up with your printer, you can print anything from your iOS device without using any additional software or printer driver. Thus, AirPrint is the best way to connect an iPhone to a wireless printer.  

Follow these steps to connect your iPhone to a wireless printer using AirPrint.

Step 1:

To use AirPrint, make sure both your iPhone and your printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 2:

Open the image, document, or page that you want to print and tap on “Share > Print. This will open the Printer Options menu. 

Step 3:

Now tap on “Printer” and select the AirPrint-enabled printer from the list that appears. The printer will now be added to your iPhone.

Step 4:

Now you can select the number of copies and other details like orientation, color, etc. 

Step 5:

Finally, tap on Print in the top-right corner and start printing.

With AirPrint, printing is just a click away!

Hold on! What if you have a wireless printer without AirPrint compatibility? We’ve got you covered here as well!

Method 3: Connect iPhone to a Wireless Printer Via Manufacturer’s App

There is a possibility that you may have a wireless printer, incompatible with AirPrint. In such a case you can use the printer manufacturer’s app to take prints. Here’s how:

Step 1:

Download your printer manufacturer’s app from the Apple Store and launch it.

Step 2:

Turn on your printer’s Wi-Fi option.

Step 3:

On your iPhone go to “Settings > Wi-Fi” and select your printer from “Other Networks”.

Step 4:

Select the file you want to print and tap on “Share > Print”.

Step 5:

Your printer will be connected to your iPhone via the app and will appear in the “Printer Options”. Tap on it and enter the number of copies etc.

Step 6:

Click on “Print” to start the process.

Now wasn’t that simple? Just a few taps and no wires!

Conclusion 

While everything is going digital and paperless, there are still many instances where we need prints.  However, printing has become way more convenient as you can now directly print from your smartphones. 

So, if you are an iPhone user, you can effortlessly print your documents from a wired or wireless printer alike, with a durable printer cable or via AirPrint or the manufacturer’s app. You just need to know the basics of how to connect your iPhone to a printer and you’re all set to print!

Furthermore, did you know that you can connect your iPhone to other gadgets also, like Xbox 360? Check out the tutorial here.

For other queries related to various iPhone features, check out our blog.