This wikiHow teaches you how to use a printer or printer with the AirPrint feature on an iPad.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Connecting iPad to AirPrint
Step 1. Make sure you have a printer with AirPrint feature
iPad needs to be connected to an AirPrint compatible printer in order for you to print any content/document. To find out if your printer is AirPrint compatible, go to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201311 through your computer's web browser and look up the model number of the printer you are using.
- You can press Ctrl+F (Windows) or Command+F (Mac) and type in the device model number to speed up the search process.
- If the printer is not listed on the page, look for an "AirPrint compatible" (or similar) label on the box or device documentation.
- If you know that the printer is not compatible/supports the AirPrint feature, you cannot use it to print documents from iPad.
Step 2. Turn on the printer
Make sure the machine is connected to a power source, then press the power button or "Power"
on the machine.
Skip this step if the engine is already running
Step 3. Disconnect the Bluetooth or cable on the printer
In order to connect the machine to the iPad via AirPrint, the printer must not be connected to the computer via Bluetooth, nor to the router via an ethernet cable.
- You can disconnect the machine from the router by unplugging the ethernet cable from the back of the machine.
- The steps that need to be followed to disable Bluetooth on the printer will be different for each model. Therefore, check the printer's manual or online documentation for specific instructions on deactivating Bluetooth if the printer is connected to a computer via Bluetooth.
Step 4. Connect the machine to WiFi if necessary
If the device is not already connected to a WiFi network, use the engine menu to select a strong WiFi connection.
This step will depend on the device model. Therefore, check the manual or online documentation of the device for specific steps regarding how to connect the machine to a WiFi network
Step 5. Open the iPad settings menu
(“Settings”).
Touch the settings menu icon (“Settings”) which looks like a gray box with gears.
Step 6. Touch Wi-Fi
It's in the upper-left corner of the screen. After that, the iPad WiFi menu will be opened.
Step 7. Make sure the iPad is connected to the same WiFi network as the network the printer is using
iPad must be connected to exactly the same wireless network that the AirPrint printer accesses.
If not already connected to the same network, touch the printer's network name, enter the password if prompted, and touch the “ Join ”.
Step 8. Stand near the AirPrint printer
For optimal results, you should be within a few meters of the printer. However, you can usually access the printer while using your iPad in a different room.
Part 2 of 2: Printing Using AirPrint
Step 1. Open the app you want to use
Touch the icon of the application that contains the content/document you want to print.
-
For example, if you want to print a photo, touch the application icon “ Photos ”
Macphotosapp - Not all apps support the printing feature, but most of the iPad's built-in apps do.
Step 2. Open the page or document you want to print
For example, if you want to print a photo from the Photos app, touch the photo you want to print.
If you want to print the page from a web browser, touch the “ ⋯ ” to open the menu before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3. Touch the “Share” icon
This icon is usually in one corner of the screen. You may find it in the URL bar or menu ⋯ ” if using a browser. Once touched, a pop-up menu will appear at the bottom of the screen.
Step 4. Touch Print
This printer icon is in the bottom row of the pop-up menu. After that, the “Print” menu will be displayed.
You may need to swipe the row of app icons in the pop-up menu at the bottom of the screen from right to left to find the option “ Print ”.
Step 5. Touch Printers
This column is at the top of the menu. After being touched, a list of printers with the AirPrint feature that are within range of the device will be displayed.
Step 6. Select a printer
Touch the name of the machine you want to use to print the document/photo.
If you don't find the machine name, make sure that the device is turned on, connected to a WiFi network, not connected via Bluetooth, not attached to a router via cable, and within range of the iPad
Step 7. Touch the Print button
It's in the upper-right corner of the screen. After that, the content or document will be printed immediately.
You may get the option to select color or black-and-white printing, page range, and other settings before touching the “ Print ”, depending on the printer used.
Tips
- Some printer manufacturers (eg HP) make special printer applications (eg HP Smart) that can be used to connect wireless printers without using AirPrint.
- You can cancel printing by selecting the “Print Center” option from the list of open applications and touching the “ Cancel Printing ” at the bottom of the screen.
