How to Change Paper Size When Printing From Your iPhone

You cannot change paper size directly on your iPhone itself

Your iPhone does not have a built-in setting to change paper size. Instead, paper size is controlled by the printer you are sending the document to, or by the app you are printing from. When you print from your iPhone, you choose the paper size in one of two places: in the print dialog that appears when you tap Print, or in the settings of the app before you print.

The method depends on which app you are using and what printer you have. Some apps let you set paper size before printing. Others require you to set it in the printer's own settings or in your printer's default configuration on your computer.

Key Takeaways

Paper size is set through the print dialog on your iPhone, not in iPhone Settings—look for a "Paper Size" or "Page Setup" option when you tap Print.
If your printer does not show paper size options in the print dialog, you may need to set the default paper size on your printer itself or through its companion app.
Some apps like Mail, Safari, and Notes let you change paper size in their own print menus; others do not offer this option at all.
AirPrint-compatible printers (most modern wireless printers) show paper size options in the iPhone print dialog, while older or non-AirPrint printers may not.

How to change paper size in the print dialog

When you are ready to print a document, open the app and find the Print option. This is usually under a Share button (the square with an arrow), a menu icon (three horizontal lines), or File. Tap Print.

A print dialog will appear. Look for a button or menu labeled "Paper Size," "Page Setup," "Options," or "More Settings." If you see one, tap it. A list of paper sizes will appear—typically Letter (8.5 × 11 inches), Legal (8.5 × 14 inches), A4 (210 × 297 millimeters), and others depending on your printer. Select the size you want and tap back to return to the print dialog. Then tap Print to send the job to your printer.

Not all apps show a paper size option in the print dialog. If you do not see one, the app either does not support changing paper size from the iPhone, or your printer does not report that capability to your iPhone. In that case, you will need to set the default paper size on the printer itself.

Setting paper size on your printer

If the print dialog does not show a paper size option, the paper size is controlled by your printer's default settings. To change it, you have two options: use the printer's physical buttons and screen, or use the printer's companion app on your iPhone.

For the physical method, go to the printer itself. Look for a Settings, Menu, or Setup button on the printer's control panel. Navigate to Paper Size, Media Type, or Tray Settings (the exact name varies by brand). Select the size you want and confirm. From now on, that printer will use that paper size unless you change it again.

For the app method, open your printer's companion app on your iPhone—for example, HP Smart, Canon PRINT, or Epson iPrint. Log in if required. Look for a Printer Settings or Preferences section. Find the Paper Size or Default Media setting and change it. The printer will update its default the next time it connects to your iPhone.

Why paper size might not appear in the print dialog

Your iPhone only shows paper size options if your printer supports AirPrint and reports its capabilities to your device. AirPrint is Apple's wireless printing standard, and most modern printers made in the last ten years support it. If your printer is older, uses only USB cables, or requires proprietary software, it may not show paper size options in the print dialog.

You can check if your printer supports AirPrint by looking at the printer's manual or the manufacturer's website. Search for your printer model and "AirPrint." If it does not support AirPrint, you will need to set paper size directly on the printer using its control panel or companion app.

Changing paper size in specific apps

Mail: Open an email, tap Reply or Forward, compose your message, then tap the arrow icon at the bottom right. Tap Print. The print dialog will appear with paper size options if your printer supports it.

Safari: Open a webpage, tap the Share button (square with arrow), scroll down and tap Print. The print dialog will show paper size options if available.

Notes: Open a note, tap the three dots at the top right, tap Print. Paper size options appear in the print dialog if your printer supports them.

Photos: Open a photo, tap the Share button, tap Print. Paper size options appear if your printer supports them. This is useful if you are printing photos on different sizes like 4×6 or 5×7.

PDF apps and document readers: Most third-party apps like Adobe Reader, Microsoft Word, or Google Drive show a Print option. Tap it and look for paper size in the dialog. If the app does not show paper size options, set the default on your printer instead.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is looking for paper size in iPhone Settings. It is not there. Paper size is always set either in the print dialog when you print, or on the printer itself.

Another mistake is assuming your printer supports AirPrint when it does not. If you have an older printer or one that only connects via USB, it will not show paper size options on your iPhone. In that case, you must set the default on the printer's control panel.

A third mistake is changing the paper size in the print dialog but forgetting that the printer may have a different default set. If you print again later without opening the print dialog, the printer will revert to its default. If you want a permanent change, set it on the printer itself, not just in one print job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my printer not show paper size options in the print dialog?

Your printer either does not support AirPrint, or it does not report paper size capabilities to your iPhone. Check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm AirPrint support. If it does not support AirPrint, set the paper size on the printer's control panel instead.

Can I set different paper sizes for different apps?

Yes. Each time you print, you can select a different paper size in the print dialog before you tap Print. However, if you do not see a paper size option in the dialog, you must change the default on the printer itself, which will affect all printing from all apps until you change it again.

What if I want to print on A4 but my printer is set to Letter?

Open the print dialog, look for Paper Size, and select A4. If the print dialog does not show a paper size option, go to your printer's control panel or companion app and change the default to A4. Then print again.

Does changing paper size in the print dialog change my printer's default?

No. Changing paper size in the print dialog only affects that one print job. Your printer's default setting stays the same. The next time you print without opening the print dialog, the printer will use its default paper size again.

Can I print on custom paper sizes from my iPhone?

Only if your printer supports custom sizes and reports them to your iPhone through AirPrint. Most consumer printers support standard sizes only (Letter, Legal, A4, A5, 4×6, 5×7). Check your printer's manual to see if it supports custom sizes, and whether those sizes appear in the iPhone print dialog.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.