The fastest way to print from your Samsung tablet

Most Samsung tablets can print wirelessly to any printer that supports Google Cloud Print, Apple AirPrint, or the printer manufacturer's own app. You do not need cables. The printer and tablet must be on the same Wi-Fi network, and the printer must be turned on and connected to that network.

If your printer is older or does not support wireless printing, you can still print by connecting a USB cable to a computer that is connected to the printer, or by saving the document and transferring it to a computer first. The wireless route is simpler and works with most printers made in the last five years.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung tablets print wirelessly through Google Cloud Print, AirPrint, or your printer's own app — no cables needed if both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Before you print, check that your printer supports one of these methods and is turned on and connected to Wi-Fi.
  • You can print directly from most apps by opening the share menu and selecting print, or by opening the document in the printer's own app.
  • If your printer does not support wireless printing, you can email the document to yourself and print from a computer instead.

How to print using Google Cloud Print

Google Cloud Print works with most printers and is built into Android, which powers Samsung tablets. Open the document or image you want to print, tap the three-dot menu or share icon, and select Print. A list of available printers will appear if your printer is registered with Google Cloud Print.

If your printer does not appear in the list, you may need to register it first. Go to Google Cloud Print's website on a computer, sign in with your Google account, and follow the steps to add your printer. Once registered, it will show up on your tablet within a few minutes. You do not need to do this again — the printer stays registered as long as the computer it is connected to remains powered on.

Printing with your printer's own app

Many printer brands — including HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother — have their own apps in the Google Play Store. These apps often work more reliably than Google Cloud Print because they connect directly to the printer without going through Google's servers. read the app for your printer brand, open it, and follow the on-screen steps to connect to your printer on Wi-Fi.

Once the app is set up, you can print by opening a document in the app itself, or by using the share menu in other apps and selecting your printer's app. Some printer apps also let you scan documents directly to your tablet, which is useful if you need to digitize paper.

Printing through AirPrint (for compatible printers)

AirPrint is Apple's wireless printing system, but some printers support it alongside Android printing methods. If your printer supports AirPrint, it will appear automatically in the print menu on your Samsung tablet without any setup. AirPrint works best with newer printers from HP, Canon, Epson, and other major brands.

To check if your printer supports AirPrint, visit Apple's AirPrint printer list on their website and search for your model. If it is listed, you can print to it from your tablet as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

What to do if your printer is not wireless

If your printer is older and does not support wireless printing, the simplest workaround is to email the document to yourself. Open the file on your tablet, tap share, select email, and send it to your own email address. Then open that email on a computer connected to your printer and print from there.

Alternatively, you can save the file to cloud storage like Google Drive or OneDrive, open it on a computer, and print from the computer. This method works for any file type and does not require email.

Troubleshooting when printing does not work

If your printer does not appear in the print menu, first check that both your tablet and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your printer and tablet, then try again. If the printer still does not show up, open your printer's app directly and test the connection from there — this tells you whether the problem is with the printer or with the tablet's print system.

If the printer connects but the print job fails, check that the printer has paper and ink or toner. Some printers also require you to accept a terms-of-service screen on the printer itself before they will print from a tablet. Look at the printer's display panel for any messages or warnings.

Printing photos and screenshots from your Samsung tablet

Photos and screenshots print the same way as documents. Open the photo app or gallery, select the image, tap the share icon, and choose Print. The image will print at the size your printer's default settings use — usually 4x6 inches for photos. If you want a different size, open the image in your printer's app instead, where you can usually adjust the print size before sending.

For screenshots, open the screenshot in your gallery app and follow the same steps. Some printer apps also let you crop or rotate the image before printing, which is useful if the screenshot is larger than the paper size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy anything to print from my Samsung tablet?

No. If your printer already supports wireless printing, you do not need to buy anything. If your printer is older and does not support wireless printing, you can still print by emailing the document to yourself and printing from a computer. The only cost is the paper and ink or toner your printer uses.

Can I print from my tablet to a printer at work or a library?

Yes, if the printer supports Google Cloud Print or the printer's own app. You will need to connect to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. Some workplaces and libraries require a password to join their Wi-Fi — ask the staff for the network name and password. Once connected, your tablet should see the printer in the print menu.

What if my printer is connected to a computer but not to Wi-Fi?

You can still print by emailing the document to yourself and opening it on the computer that is connected to the printer. Alternatively, if the computer is always on, you can register the printer with Google Cloud Print through that computer, and then your tablet will be able to print to it wirelessly.

Can I print to a printer that is not on the same network?

Not directly. Your tablet and printer must be on the same Wi-Fi network to print wirelessly. If you are away from home, you can email the document to yourself and print from a computer at your location, or use a public printer that is on the local network.