Convenient printing from your smartphone and tablet. Correct connection of the printer to the tablet. Is it possible to connect a printer to the tablet?

This article will talk about how to connect a printer to an Android tablet. Not many people know that this is even possible and will most likely be surprised to see how quickly and easily it prints documents from this device. There are essentially two methods that allow you to reproduce a text document in this way. Both of them are quite simple and even the least technically knowledgeable user can figure it out. You will only need to install one program, which will connect the gadget to the printer.

Connecting a tablet to a printer via a computer

The first method is quite simple, but it requires a desktop computer or laptop. If you don’t have a PC at hand, then you won’t be able to print a text file through any device. Installing one utility will not be enough, since the file to be printed will be read by the printing device directly from the computer. If you have a PC at hand, then you can safely download the Printer Share program onto it and your gadget. It will help you quickly establish a connection between your PC and your gadget, after which it will send the text file for printing. By the way, in addition to the printing machine, you can easily connect a scanner, copier and other devices to the touch device; the main thing is to download the corresponding software from Google Play.

Connecting Android to computer via Wi-Fi: Video

What to do if you don’t have a computer at hand

You can connect the printer to your Android tablet even if you don’t have a laptop or PC at hand. Only in this case, your printing device must include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi functionality. Otherwise, you will not be able to print a text document. If at least one of the above functions is present in your printing machine, then you can start working with it.

Be sure to install the appropriate software on your gadget and only then connect it to the printing device. If the printer does not see the Android device, then most likely you forgot to install the utility or connect it to the network.

After installing Printer Share, you can “revive” your text files by editing it in advance on your touch device. It turns out that you no longer need a PC as an intermediary and with the help of one program you can carry out any operations with text, including printing it. Considering the large number of touch products on Android, in the online store you can find many programs that allow you to connect printing devices to the tablet. We recommend Printer Share software as the fastest and easiest to use.

Setting up Wi-Fi on an Android tablet or smartphone: Video

On which device can you print text files?

In fact, on devices running Android OS there are no restrictions on installing software. Any model on this operating system can connect to a printing machine and reproduce text documents on paper. All you need to do is find the appropriate utility and download the version that will suit your version of Android. Such programs are very easy to use, and even a child can understand the interface.

How to print from Android via Wi-Fi (video)

A small nuance is that if you have a laptop or desktop computer, you will have to install the same Printer Share on it. This is necessary because the PC will act as an intermediary and it will be the one that will connect the printing device with your touch gadget. In a situation where the Android device is directly connected to the printing device, there is essentially no need to install anything on the PC. The function of printing on various devices via touch devices is present in all models running the Android operating system.

Let me tell you how you can print photos or documents directly from your Android phone by sending the print to your printer. To do this, you will need to connect your Android to the printer via WiFi or USB, which is what we will do.

This article is suitable for all brands that produce phones on Android 9/8/7/6: Samsung, HTC, Lenovo, LG, Sony, ZTE, Huawei, Meizu, Fly, Alcatel, Xiaomi, Nokia and others. We are not responsible for your actions.

Correct connection of the printer to the Android gadget

There are several connection methods, which can be divided into the following groups:

Direct connection. Performed using a USB cable, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Connection through an intermediary. The printing process is controlled via a laptop or PC, and the gadget only gives instructions for printing. Google Cloud is used.

For an Android device, in all cases you need special software, for example, Printer Share, since the printer is not able to print without instructions. There are also printing apps, which we'll look at below.

Wi-Fi connection

To implement this method, the printer must have a built-in Wi-Fi adapter. It is important to make sure that it is present, as older models will not have it. There is no need to perform any special actions here; you just need to use the functionality of the program and follow the instructions to connect.

Bluetooth

The situation is identical with the Bluetooth interface. If such a function exists, then use it.

USB

To connect a smartphone or tablet to the printer via USB, you must use a special OTG cord (USB to microUSB adapter). The gadget you use must have a Host port, which will allow it to be connected not only to a computer, but also to other devices. All cords need to be connected, after which we connect the resulting cable to the gadget, configure it using the application and use it.

Not all devices can be connected this way. For some models there may simply not be drivers.

Google Cloud

The most convenient option with which you can print files while being anywhere in the world. We print by linking the gadget to a Google account. You should use the same account on your computer and gadget.

Printing text from an Android device

There are several ways to print photos, SMS, documents, web pages and more. Let's take a closer look at them.

Google Cloud Print

To print something on a printer from an Android smartphone or tablet using this method, we will need:

Android application "Virtual Printer".
Installing Google Virtual Printer.
Google account.
A home printer that is connected to a laptop or computer.

Google Cloud Print is installed as follows:

On the top right panel of the browser, click on “Customize and manage Google Chrome” (looks like three parallel bars).
Scroll the list to the end and select “Show advanced settings” at the very bottom.

Select the “Google Cloud Print” tab and click on the “Configure” button. Help information can be found in the "More details" section.

The “Devices” page will be displayed, where we select “Add Printers”.

A window will open showing the printers connected to this computer. You need to check the box from which you will start printing, and then click on the “Add printer” button.

After a few seconds of waiting, a message will appear informing you that the registration procedure is complete. Then activate the “Manage Printers” section.

The top panel will show control buttons. In this situation, you need to select “Add a regular printer.”

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Now install the “Virtual Printer” application from Google Play. The utility requires certain permissions, click on the “Accept” button. When the installation is complete, lower the curtain, select the appropriate line, and activate the service.

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Alerts will be received from the system, click “OK”. It will then begin searching for available printers and display a list of available printers. Now on the printer page, click on the “Try it now” button (means “Try it right now”), you can specify “Print anything” (prints anything) or “Print anywhere” (print function anywhere).

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To print a picture or text from a web page, you need to open the browser on the required page, call the settings menu in the upper right corner of the display (the icon with three vertical dots). In the drop-down list of actions, select “Print”.

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To print a document, photo, picture, find the folder with the required object, select it and click on the page menu (the icon with three parallel lines). Depending on the model, the menu button may be located in a different location (for example, in the upper right corner of the display or lower left), or appear as three vertical dots. In the window that appears, select “Print”.

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Here the “Save to Google...” window will open again. There you can save the picture in PDF format by clicking on the icon (on the first fragment). To print, click “All printers”, and in the section that opens, select your printer, and then click on the icon again, but with the image of the printer.

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In this situation, an active Internet connection will be required to print.

Printing via USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

To print documents or photos using this method, you will need a special application. Let's take an example of the most popular one - PrinterShare.

The program is distributed on a paid and free basis. The free version has significantly limited functions and should be considered a test version. Let's look at the operation of the "Premium" version, with which you can print contacts, photographs, call logs, SMS messages, files from Google Docs, Gmail, SD cards in DOC, PDF, DOCX, XSLX, TXT formats, etc.

Install PrinterShare from Google Play using the link. Let's launch the application. The main page will show storage options for the desired image or file, and there is a Select button in the lower right corner. Click on it, after which a window will appear where we indicate the type of connection (printer) that needs to be used.

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USB, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are connections that are made using the appropriate type of communication. By selecting a Wi-Fi printer, an automatic search on the network for a wireless printer connected to the router will immediately begin. After completing the search, follow the system prompts and establish a connection. After that, select the print object.

Regardless of the format of the selected file, click “Print” (if no correction of the selected file is required) or “Settings” (we configure printing parameters). Then click “Select Printer”.

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Connecting an Android gadget to a printer via USB or Bluetooth is done in the same way. The Russian-language interface of the application is clear and simple, so no problems should arise when working with it.

Most people actively use Android devices. The improvement of this operating system has reached the point of being able to connect peripheral devices from personal computers. Users can connect a full-fledged printer to an Android tablet. This is done via USB, Bluetooth or various services.

Via USB cable

The easiest and most reliable way is to use USB. Almost every modern printer is equipped with this port, so you can use the device. However, there are several important nuances. First, you will need a special USB to microUSB OTG cable to connect the two devices. The classic adapters that come with the kit do not always work.

Secondly, your phone must support this same OTG (or OnTheGO) mode. This is a special extension for the USB port, thanks to which you can fully use this connector. Tablets with OTG support not only printers, but also computer mice, keyboards, gamepads, joysticks and webcams.

If you need to organize a system with several components, you will have to purchase an additional USB-HUB. This device allows you to connect several peripheral devices, such as a keyboard, mouse and flash drive. Be sure to make sure that one of the ports is connected to power, as tablets may not be able to withstand such a load, which will lead to accelerated battery drain.

Don't know how to determine if your tablet supports this mode? Please read the technical manual carefully first. Many manufacturers mention OTG support in their documentation. If you haven’t found the information you need, please use the specialized forms for your tablet. Experienced users already know the answers.

Printing to a printer via Android also requires a driver. Finding software specifically for your device is problematic, so we recommend installing the PrinterShare application. This is a multifunctional software that will allow you to connect printers in various ways, and it already contains a package of drivers for most devices. More details about the program will be discussed later. Thus, the procedure for printing from a tablet comes down to the following steps:

make sure that the gadget supports OTG;
connect a printer and tablet via cable;
install and launch the PrinterShare application;
there, make sure that the printer is detected. Send the file for printing.

The program supports almost all text file formats. Similarly, you can choose to print in a third-party editor, and when you are offered a choice of how to print, select PrinterShare.

Via WiFi

WiFi is a convenient way to print photos or documents from Android. Tablets almost always have a Wi-Fi module installed, but with printers the situation is more complicated. Only modern models are equipped with Wi-Fi, so be sure to read the printer manual and make sure that it supports data transfer over the air.

Next, perform similar actions via PrinterShare, only specify the printer as the Wi-Fi source. Please note that the wireless module must be activated on two gadgets. In some cases, you will need to perform additional synchronization.

An alternative option is a local network. To do this, the printer must be on the network and have its own IP address. Next, from your mobile phone through a browser, you need to get to the printer’s web interface, which is similar to the router menu. Afterwards, all that remains is to select the file to print, following the system prompts.

Some online services, which will be discussed below, will also help you print remotely using a tablet.

Via Bluetooth

Printing via Bluetooth is practically no different from the previous method. You will need the PrinterShare app or equivalent. Also make sure that Bluetooth modules are active on the printer and tablet. After this you can proceed:

Management is simplified as much as possible. When paired correctly, printing documents or pictures is reduced to a few keystrokes.

Virtual printer services

The Google team has developed a convenient service for remote printing of files (Google Cloud Print). With its help, you can print from a printer located at home via the mobile Internet. The latter must be connected to the computer. The setup instructions consist of the following steps:

Using this service is convenient and simple, but only if you have a Google account.

ePrint app

There are also specialized services, such as ePrint from HP. With its help, you can print remotely via e-mail. Each printer that supports this technology has its own e-mail address. It will be enough just to send letters from the tablet to this address with attachments that need to be printed.

To take full advantage of this service, you need to follow simple steps:

Please note that the HP ePrintCenter website is no longer operational, so please follow these instructions for printing. Also, the submitted files must meet a number of requirements:

the total size of the message with attachments should not exceed 10 megabytes;
No more than 10 attachments are allowed in each letter;
You can print files in the following formats: (.txt), PDF, HTML, Microsoft Word (.doc and .docx), Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt and .pptx) and Microsoft Excel (.xls and .xlsx);
It is possible to print photos in the following formats: .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .png and .tiff;
The minimum photo size allowed is 100x100 pixels;
It is not permitted to print encrypted or digitally signed documents;
Duplex printing and OpenOffice files are not supported.

Required software

As mentioned earlier, a universal application can be called PrinterShare. The software on Google Play is officially provided in two versions: free trial and professional (“Premium”). You can download the hacked Premium version for free from the 4PDA forum.

A printer connected to a laptop via WiFi must be equipped with a radio module or connected to another computer on the home network. The most convenient option is to connect through a router equipped with a separate USB input. In this case, the printer will be available in offline mode, without the need to keep another networked PC constantly on. The role of the print server will be performed by the router itself.

Connecting the printer to WiFi

Select a convenient connection type (direct wireless connection or connection via a WiFi router). When using a router, connect the device via USB. The corresponding port is usually located on the back of the router. Plug the printer into a power outlet and turn it on. Further setup steps vary depending on the model you are using.

Detailed instructions for connecting a specific device can be found in the instruction manual or on the manufacturer’s website. Some models also come with a separate Quick Start insert. It describes step by step the steps that need to be taken to connect, including via WiFi.

You can connect WiFi using the WPS button, which is found on most devices that support wireless printing. Press this button on your printer and router. The WPS function allows you to add a wireless network client without entering a password if the interval between clicks does not exceed two minutes.

Note! If the device supports Cloud Ready technology, documents can be printed even when connected to another WiFi network.

Connecting to a laptop via WiFi

Open the Windows Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers. Click “Add a printer” in the top menu. The laptop operating system will search for network printing devices. If it does not bring results, click the link at the bottom of the window. Select search options, such as the name or IP address of the device.

Important! You can check the assigned IP in the router management interface. To log into the web interface, use the data indicated on the sticker at the bottom of the router.

If you manually specify the settings, you will also need to select a driver. Find the manufacturer's name on the left side of the table, and indicate the model on the right. You can also use the driver installation disk or download the setup utility from the manufacturer's website. If during the installation process there is an error connecting to the laptop, reboot the device and perform the operation again.

Training video: Basic diagram of connecting a printer to a laptop via WI-FI

Wireless connection to tablet

Setting up wireless printing on Windows tablets is done in the same way as on laptops. Adding is done in the control panel. The only difference is the way the driver is installed - there is no way to load the program from disk on the tablet, so it is recommended to use the built-in search tool.

Android tablets allow you to connect to the printer using the Google Cloud Print cloud service or special utilities from manufacturers. You can download such applications from the Google Play Store. The most popular of them.

It seems that there are no actions left that are not available to smartphones running Android: they can do almost everything, from playing videos in HD quality to processing massive Word documents. Among the wide range of different capabilities of Android mobile devices, it is easy to lose sight of such an inconspicuous but very useful function as printing files to a printer from an Android smartphone or tablet.

Printing documents from mobile devices is available even when you don’t have a compatible printer at hand. This does not mean, however, that you can completely abandon wires. The fact is that Google has created a way to connect your printer and phone using a Chrome account and print files the same way you always do from a regular computer.

Setting up a Chrome account and Google cloud service often takes a long time due to unforeseen difficulties. This review provides a detailed guide on what you need to do to avoid the pitfalls and get printing easily within minutes.

Most modern printers are capable of printing via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or another fast wireless connection. However, many people still have to print files from devices that do not support wireless protocols, so Google’s service remains in demand.

After registering an account with Google Cloud Print at https://www.google.com/cloudprint/ and linking your printer to it, it becomes possible to control the printer from any place where there is a good connection to the Internet. This is what makes printing from a phone or tablet to a regular wired printer accessible.

Although almost all existing printers can work with the Google Cloud Print service, there are still some that are incompatible with it. To save users from trial and error, Google has compiled a list of printers that can work with its cloud service. You can get acquainted with it at the link: https://www.google.com/intl/en/cloudprint/learn/printers/.

The procedure for adding a new printer to the Google Chrome browser:

Printing files from your Android phone

Many Android phones have Google Cloud Print built into the software. If your Android build does not include the Google Cloud Print package, you can easily install it by downloading and launching the corresponding application from the Google Play website.

Once Google Cloud Print is installed on your phone, you don't need to launch it every time you print a file—the Google Cloud Print app works as an add-on to your phone's software. The only thing you need to make sure is that the Google account associated with the phone matches the one that was used when adding the printer to the Chrome browser.

To print a file from your Android phone, follow these steps:

Open the document you want to print. This could be anything from a text file or photo stored on a cloud drive to the contents of the phone's local storage device.
Click on the “ Menu"(three dots in the upper right corner).
Click " Seal».
Click on the down arrow located to the right of “ Save as PDF».
Select the printer from which you will print. To get a list of all connected printers, you need to click on the " All printers»

Once everything is ready, you can click on the print button (blue circle with a printer icon)

Print web pages and Gmail messages

You can print web pages and email messages via a virtual printer in the same way as regular texts and pictures.

The algorithm for printing letters and web pages is very similar to the previous one:

Open Gmail or Google Chrome.
Go to the page you want to print and click the " Menu" (three dots).
In the list that opens, select “ Seal».
On the print page, select the desired printer.
Press the button " Seal».

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