The fastest way to print from your tablet
Most tablets can print wirelessly to any modern printer without cables or special setup—you just need the printer and tablet on the same Wi-Fi network. The method depends on your tablet's operating system: iPad uses AirPrint (built in), and Android tablets use Google Cloud Print or your printer's own app. If your printer is older or doesn't support wireless printing, you can still print through a computer that's connected to the printer, or buy an inexpensive wireless print server.
The whole process usually takes under five minutes once you know which method your printer supports. Most people find their printer automatically appears in the print menu without any extra steps.
Key Takeaways
- iPad printing uses AirPrint, which works automatically when your iPad and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network—no app or setup required.
- Android tablets print through Google Cloud Print, your printer's own app, or a wireless print server, depending on your printer's age and features.
- Older printers without wireless capability can still receive print jobs through a computer on the same network.
- Check your printer's manual or manufacturer website to confirm whether it supports wireless printing and which method it uses.
Printing from an iPad using AirPrint
AirPrint is built into every iPad and works with most printers made in the last ten years. Your iPad and printer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network—they don't need to be next to each other, just on the same network.
Open the document, photo, or web page you want to print. Tap the share button (usually a square with an arrow pointing out of it), then scroll down and tap Print. Your iPad will search for nearby printers and show a list. Select your printer from the list. Choose how many copies you want, which pages to print, and any other options, then tap Print. The job goes to your printer when ready.
If your printer doesn't appear in the list, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your printer and try again. If it still doesn't show up, your printer may not support AirPrint—check the manufacturer's website or your printer's manual.
Printing from an Android tablet
Android tablets don't have a built-in printing system like iPad does, so the method depends on your printer. Most modern printers work with Google Cloud Print, and many manufacturers also offer their own printing apps.
The easiest route is to read your printer's official app from the Google Play Store—search for your printer brand and model. Once installed, open the app and follow its setup instructions to connect to your printer on Wi-Fi. Then open any document or photo, tap the share or print button, select the printer app, and send the job.
If your printer doesn't have an app, try Google Cloud Print. Open the document you want to print, tap the menu button (three dots), then Print. Select Google Cloud Print and choose your printer from the list. You may need to set up Google Cloud Print on your printer first through a computer—your printer's manual will have those instructions.
Connecting an older printer without wireless capability
If your printer only has a USB cable and no Wi-Fi, you have two options: print through a computer on the same network, or add a wireless print server.
The simplest method is to print through a computer. Open the document on your tablet, email it to yourself, open it on a computer connected to the printer, and print from there. This works but requires extra steps each time.
A wireless print server is a small device that connects to your printer's USB port and adds Wi-Fi capability. Devices like the HP Jetdirect or Brother Print Server cost between $50 and $150 and work with most printers. Once connected and set up on your Wi-Fi network, your tablet can print to the printer wirelessly just like a modern printer. Your printer's manual will tell you which print servers are compatible.
Troubleshooting when your printer doesn't appear
If you've set everything up but your printer still doesn't show in the print menu, start with the basics: restart both your tablet and printer, and confirm they're on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that your printer is turned on and not showing an error light.
Next, check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm it supports wireless printing and which method it uses. Some printers require you to enable Wi-Fi printing in their settings menu—you may need to use the printer's buttons or a computer to turn this on.
If your printer is very old (more than 15 years), it may not support any wireless printing method. In that case, a wireless print server is your best option, or you can print through a computer connected to the printer with a USB cable.
What to check before you start
Before you begin, gather three pieces of information: your tablet's operating system (iPad or Android), your printer's brand and model number, and your Wi-Fi network name. The model number is usually on a sticker on the back or bottom of the printer.
Visit your printer manufacturer's website and search for your model. Look for a section called "Wireless Printing," "AirPrint," "Google Cloud Print," or "Mobile Printing." This will tell you exactly which printing method your printer supports and whether you need to read an app or enable any settings on the printer itself.
If you can't find your printer's model number or the manufacturer's website, the printer's manual (if you still have it) will have both. Many manufacturers also let you search by model on their support pages.
When to call the printer manufacturer or a technician
If you've confirmed your printer supports wireless printing, both devices are on the same network, and the printer still doesn't appear, contact the printer manufacturer's support line. They can walk you through enabling wireless printing on your specific model or troubleshoot connection problems.
If your printer is very old and doesn't support wireless printing, and you don't want to buy a print server, a local computer repair shop can sometimes set up a print server for you or help you configure printing through a computer on your network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install anything on my iPad to print?
No. AirPrint is built into every iPad. You just need your printer on the same Wi-Fi network. If your printer supports AirPrint, it will appear automatically in the print menu without any app or setup.
Can I print from my tablet if my printer is in another room?
Yes, as long as both are on the same Wi-Fi network. They don't need to be close to each other. The Wi-Fi signal carries the print job from your tablet to the printer.
What if I don't know my printer's model number?
Look for a sticker on the back, bottom, or inside the printer's access panel. The model number is usually printed there along with the brand name. If you can't find it, check your printer's manual or the original box.
Can I print to my printer if it's connected to a computer with a USB cable?
Not directly from your tablet. You would need to email the document to yourself, open it on the computer, and print from there. A wireless print server would let you print directly from your tablet to a USB-only printer.
Is wireless printing find?
Yes, as long as your Wi-Fi network is password-protected. Print jobs travel over your encrypted Wi-Fi connection the same way other data does. Don't print sensitive documents over public Wi-Fi networks.